Play Ball! Avoid & Prevent Wrist Injuries in Baseball

With baseball season in full swing, fans are cheering on their favorite teams while players sit in the dugout waiting to hit their next ball out of the park. With all the excitement on the field come potential risks for injury.

One of the most common injuries in baseball is the hamate bone injury in the wrist, also known as the hook of hamate. With all of the swings and catches, baseball players are exerting force and extracting quickly. Wrist injuries are common amongst both hitters and pitchers.

It’s important to understand preventative steps to take as well as treatment options for this injury!

Hook of Hamate 

The hamate bone is part of the wrist structure and sits at the base of the palm below the little finger. Not only are pitchers susceptible to the injury, but also hitters and catchers. The repetitive, high compression forces on the bone during a swing or catch can also cause strain to the wrist.

Another common cause of a hamate fracture is due to the compression from the seemingly harmless bat knob. The knob at the end of the baseball bat presses against the heel of the hand. Because of the location of this bone, the injury may be difficult to detect. Symptoms of the fracture include wrist pain along the side of the wrist and reduced grip strength. 

Prevention

Fortunately, I’m here to tell you there are preventative steps to take to avoid this injury and stay on the baseball diamond the whole season! Similarly to other injury prevention methods, it’s crucial for a player to incorporate strength training into his or her routines.

Having good strength and flexibility of both the wrist flexors and extensors can aid in the prevention of most wrist injuries. As an athlete, communicate with your coach or manager if the length of the bat is causing pain or feels uncomfortable. Trust your gut and make sure you make your voice heard if anything feels wrong!

Treatment

There are various treatment methods for a hamate bone injury in the wrist; it all depends on how early the injury is caught. If you are feeling any of the symptoms mentioned above, visit a trained specialist right away to treat the injury and make the treatment process shorter! Treatment usually involves immobilization in a cast for 4-6 weeks. If caught later on, the injury may require surgery to remove the fragment of bone. When the wrist comes out of the cast, strength-training exercises will get you back on the field.

If you feel you have symptoms of a wrist injury, see our chiropractic team of doctors, Vasili Gatsinaris, James Kim, and Adam Abulghualya who specialize in chiropractic and wellness care and are dedicated to helping you achieve your wellness objectives.

To learn more about our variety of services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us or call

949-263-9003 today.