Hockey demands quick reflexes, strength, and precision, especially from your wrists. Every pass, shot, and check relies on both power and stability. The same pace and intensity that make the game exciting also make wrist injuries common. From impact to overuse, these issues can sideline even the toughest and most talented players. Understanding the most frequent wrist injuries and how to respond can help you stay healthy and ready for every goal and shift.
Wrist Fractures in Hockey: Causes and Warning Signs
Fractures are one of the most frequent wrist injuries in hockey. They can occur after a direct puck strike, a fall onto an outstretched hand, or a collision with other players or the boards. The distal radius and scaphoid, located near the wrist joint, are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms can include immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the wrist. Unfortunately symptoms may be relatively mild and can feel like a minor injury. Fractures like these left untreated can result in permanent losses making prompt evaluation and treatment critical.
Hockey-Related Wrist Sprains and Ligament Tears
Wrist sprains involve overstretched or torn ligaments and are common during falls or awkward or repetitive stick handling. Players may experience pain, swelling, and instability in the wrist. Certain ligaments, such as the scapholunate ligament, are more susceptible to injury in hockey due to the frequent impact and twisting motions. Similar to fractures these conditions can feel minor. Proper recognition and rehabilitation is essential to restore strength and prevent chronic instability.
Tendon Injuries and Overuse: When Repetition Leads to Pain
Repetitive wrist movements, including shooting, passing, and stick handling, can strain the tendons surrounding the wrist. Overuse injuries such as tendinitis or tendon tears may develop gradually, causing aching, tenderness, and decreased grip strength. Ignoring early symptoms can lead to surgery and prolonged recovery that otherwise could have been avoided, especially in high-level athletes.
TFCC Tears: Understanding This Common Hockey Wrist Injury
The TFCC is a crucial stabilizer of the wrist and can be injured when a player falls onto an outstretched hand or experiences rotational stress during stick handling. TFCC injuries can cause deep wrist pain, clicking, and weakness, particularly during twisting motions or wrist rotation. These conditions may only be apparent when applying stress making their diagnosis elusive. MRI and arthroscopic evaluation may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Preventing Wrist Injuries: Strength, Gear, and Smart Play
Preventive strategies include proper warm-up routines, wrist-strengthening exercises, protective gear, and proper stick-handling techniques. Ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory measures can help manage minor injuries. However, persistent pain, instability, or loss of motion requires prompt professional assessment. By promptly recognizing and engaging early treatment, more costly treatment can be avoided. This is the key to keeping you on the ice.
When to Seek Medical Care for Hockey-Related Wrist Pain
Wrist injuries can sideline even the most dedicated hockey players if not addressed quickly and effectively. Early intervention can protect your wrist health and get you back on the ice safely. Book an appointment at The Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute to ensure proper diagnosis and tailored treatment.