Learn Why Athletes Prefer Hand and Wrist Doctors Over General Practitioners
Although a strained wrist tendon or hand bone fracture is considered mild in the wide world of medical conditions, for student-athletes, it can ruin the entire season.
Throwing a curveball or floating a fadeaway jumper requires precision, skill, and dexterity, especially in the hands. Even a mild hand or wrist injury can affect how hard a pitcher can throw, how precisely a point guard can shoot, and other game mechanics.
In other words, athletes dealing with hand and wrist injuries can’t play at 100%. At-home treatments like rest, ice, compression, and elevation can be helpful, but only if the injury is mild enough to respond to them.
The best way to approach sports-related injuries is by contacting an orthopedic hand doctor. After examining the role of hand and wrist doctors, we’ll take a deep dive into how they work with injured athletes.
What Is an Orthopedic Hand Doctor?
An orthopedic hand doctor is a physician who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions and injuries affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. Unlike general practitioners, who treat a wide range of medical issues, orthopedic hand specialists focus exclusively on the musculoskeletal system of the upper extremities.
This specialization requires years of additional training, including orthopedic surgery residency and fellowship programs dedicated to hand and wrist care. This advanced education equips them to handle complex sports-related injuries involving bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and muscles.
A general practitioner can provide initial injury care, but a hand doctor’s expertise makes them the ideal choice for treatment. Hand and wrist doctors understand the intricate anatomy of the hand and wrist, which is critical for athletes whose performance depends on mobility, strength, and coordination.
The Role of Orthopedic Hand Doctors in Treating Sports-Related Injuries
Sports-related hand and wrist injuries can happen suddenly or develop over time due to repetitive motion. Here are some of the most common injuries and conditions treated by hand and wrist doctors.
Fractures and Dislocations
Contact sports like football and rugby often lead to broken bones or dislocated joints in the hand or wrist. Prompt, precise treatment is essential to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term stiffness or weakness.
Ligament and Tendon Injuries
Sports that require gripping, throwing, or swinging can strain or tear ligaments and tendons. Examples include skier’s thumb, tendonitis, and flexor or extensor tendon injuries.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Athletes in sports like tennis, golf, and baseball may develop overuse injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. These conditions can cause pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion if not addressed early.
Sprains and Strains
Even minor sprains can impact an athlete’s ability to perform. A hand doctor can assess the severity of the injury and recommend the right combination of rest, therapy, and, if necessary, surgical intervention.
Joint Instability and Arthritis
Although arthritis is more common in older adults, joint instability from repeated injuries can lead to early-onset arthritis in athletes. Orthopedic hand doctors can help manage symptoms and maintain joint health.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
If surgery is required, an orthopedic hand doctor will oversee the recovery process, ensuring the athlete regains strength, flexibility, and function through guided rehabilitation and personalized treatment.
When to Contact an Orthopedic Hand Doctor
Knowing when to seek specialized care can prevent a minor injury from becoming a major setback. If you or your student-athlete experiences any of the following symptoms after a sports-related incident, it’s time to contact an orthopedic hand doctor.
- Persistent pain in the hand or wrist that does not improve with rest.
- Swelling, bruising, or visible deformity in the hand or wrist.
- Difficulty gripping, catching, or holding sports equipment.
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the fingers or hand.
- Limited range of motion or stiffness that affects performance.
- Weakness in the hand or wrist during athletic activities.
- A popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury.
- Pain that worsens during or after repetitive movements.
- Inability to bear weight or pressure on the hand or wrist.
- Previous injury to the same area that has not fully healed.
These symptoms may indicate a fracture, ligament tear, tendon injury, or other condition that requires the expertise of a hand and wrist doctor. Early evaluation by a specialist can lead to faster recovery and a safer return to play.
Why Specialized Care Matters for Athletes
Athletes put their bodies under significant duress, and the hands and wrists are no exception. A general physician may be able to treat basic injuries, but an orthopedic hand doctor understands the specific needs of athletes and the importance of restoring full function.
Specialized care ensures that:
- The injury is accurately diagnosed using advanced imaging and testing.
- Treatment plans are tailored to the athlete’s sport and position.
- Rehabilitation focuses on both healing and performance optimization.
- The risk of long-term complications, such as chronic pain or reduced mobility, is minimized.
For competitive athletes, even a small loss of strength or flexibility can impact performance. That’s why working with a hand doctor who understands sports-related injuries is essential.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you or your child has suffered a hand or wrist injury during sports, don’t wait to seek specialized care. The sooner you consult with an orthopedic hand doctor, the sooner you can begin a targeted treatment plan designed to restore strength, mobility, and confidence.
As Wichita’s most trusted orthopedic practice, Mid-America Orthopedics has helped countless high school athletes overcome sports-related injuries. Our experienced hand and wrist doctors deliver comprehensive care that addresses both the injury and your long-term athletic goals, helping you return to the game on your terms.
Your hands are how you engage with the game. Protect them by choosing a hand doctor who understands the unique demands of your sport.
Contact Mid-America Orthopedics at (316) 630-9300 to schedule your initial examination with an orthopedic hand doctor.