Individuals who play hockey utilize their wrists extensively in striking the puck with their sticks. Take note that a wrist shot can reach speeds up to 80 miles in an hour. The energy during a wrist shot is produced once the individual presses down on the hockey stick and then abruptly releases it with a flick of the wrists. Remember that the force that is applied constantly during competitions or practice can lead to wrist pain.
Close look on wrist pain
Wrist pain can be an indication of arthritis, overuse, cysts, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprain, tendonitis or a fracture. Sprains or fractures are more likely due to abrupt injury and the cause is evident. Other possible causes of wrist pain might be hard to diagnose.
Many hockey players can worsen an existing sore wrist since they have the tendency to simply play through the game despite the pain.
Overuse and arthritis
The constant stress and overuse that leads to repetitive motion injury is considered as a common reason for the wrist pain in hockey. Any movement of the hockey stick utilizes the wrists and arms. The repeated movement triggers inflammation around the joints or even small-sized stress fractures.
In some cases, osteoarthritis can develop in the joints that were damaged from a fall or constant motion due to the wear and tear on the cartilage on both ends. Take note that osteoarthritis can also be considered as a source of wrist pain in hockey.
Other possible causes of wrist pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the wrists. This is caused by the pressure placed on the median nerve that travels via a passageway on the side of the wrist known as the carpal tunnel.
- Ganglion cysts are described as soft tissue cysts that typically develop on the upper part of the wrist.
- Keinbock’s disease is due to a compromised supply of blood to one of the small bones in the wrist
Even though these conditions are not caused by playing hockey, an individual who has any of these conditions can experience wrist pain during and after play since the movement of the wrist can aggravate the pain.
Tendonitis
The tendons found in the wrist are subjected to high amounts of stress. Tendonitis develops since the collagen fibers in the tendons were severely stressed in which they could no longer heal.
The tendons become sore and engorged. If healing is not allowed to take place, the inflammation will persist and the tendons start to stick to other surfaces and eventually degenerate.
Important considerations to bear in mind
Always remember that there is a difference between the pain from injuries and the type of soreness or pain that manifests after engaging in intense practice or game. The pain from an injury is more likely to last for a certain period of time and can occur along with inflammation and less reactive to rest or other forms of treatments.
In case the individual experiences wrist pain that does not subside within 2 days after a hockey game or an intense practice session, a doctor should be consulted so that further assessment can be carried out.