Hand Injuries in Sports: Tips for Prevention and Recovery

Hands are essential tools for athletes across nearly every sport, from gripping a racquet to catching a ball or lifting weights. Because of their frequent use and exposure to impact, hands and wrists are vulnerable to injury. Dr. Sergio Glait, fellowship-trained Hand & Upper Extremity Surgeon at OCSF, specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing sports-related hand injuries to help athletes stay strong and active.

Common Causes of Hand Injuries in Sports

Hand injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Trauma from falls or collisions – common in contact sports or high-impact activities

• Repetitive gripping or impact – as seen in racquet sports, weightlifting, and gymnastics

• Poor technique or lack of protective equipment – improper form or missing gloves/padding increases risk

  
  

Symptoms to Watch For

Early recognition is key to preventing long-term problems. Seek care if you notice:

• Pain, swelling, or bruising in fingers, hand, or wrist

• Reduced grip strength or difficulty holding objects

• Trouble performing sport-specific movements

• Numbness or tingling in the fingers

  
  

Prompt evaluation helps avoid worsening injuries and ensures quicker recovery.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Glait uses a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced imaging to accurately diagnose hand injuries, including:

• X-rays and ultrasound to assess bones, tendons, and ligaments

• Splints or bracing to provide stability and protect healing structures

• Physical therapy to restore strength, mobility, and coordination

• Surgery for severe fractures, tendon injuries, or ligament damage

  
  

Treatment is personalized to the athlete’s injury, sport, and activity goals.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

OCSF provides customized rehabilitation plans designed to restore hand and wrist function safely. Rehab may include:

• Strengthening exercises for hand, wrist, and forearm muscles

• Dexterity and coordination training for sport-specific movements

• Gradual return-to-sport programming

• Techniques to prevent re-injury and improve performance

  
  

With guided therapy, most athletes regain confidence, strength, and full function.

Prevention Tips

Preventing hand injuries is always better than treating them. Dr. Glait recommends:

• Warm up hands and wrists before every activity

• Use protective gloves or padding for high-impact sports

• Strengthen hand and forearm muscles with resistance exercises

• Focus on proper technique for gripping, lifting, and other sport-specific movements

  
  

Schedule Your Appointment If you are experiencing hand pain or have suffered a sports-related hand injury, don’t wait to get evaluated. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sergio Glait at OCSF today for expert care, rehabilitation, and prevention guidance.