Scaphoid Fractures
What are scaphoid fractures?
Scaphoid fractures are wrist injuries where the small bone near the base of the thumb breaks. It is the most common fracture of the carpal (wrist) bones. Severity may range from small cracks that only need a splint to displaced or open fractures that need surgery.
Symptoms
- Pain and swelling near the base of the thumb
- Tenderness in the wrist from the bottom of the hand up to the thumb
- Bruising or discoloration
- Stiffness or inability to move the wrist
- Visible bump or deformity
- Pain that persists after a fall
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your pain doesn't improve after 1-2 days, there is a visible deformity, you cannot move or rotate the wrist normally, or pain/swelling is felt after trauma.
Prevention
- Wear gloves when playing
- Strengthen wrist and forearm muscles for stability
- Tennis ball squeeze
- Palm up/down resisted wrist supination
- Resisted wrist extension
- Resisted wrist flexion
- Weighted suitcase carry
Recovery
- RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate)
- NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) for pain or swelling