Here we take a look at how to prevent common injuries associated with playing netball, such as an injury to the volar plate ligament.

For a non-contact sport we see a lot of netball-related finger injuries! This is most commonly caused by the ball hitting the end of the finger, which forces the finger into hyperextension, sustaining an injury to the volar plate ligament at the front of the middle joint.

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What is Radial Tunnel Syndrome?

Radial tunnel syndrome is a condition where the radial nerve is compressed in the forearm at a particular area known as the “arcade of Frohse” This area is approximately 5cm from the elbow on the lateral side of the forearm. The radial nerve is one of the main nerves in the arm which supplies sensation and motor control of the extensor muscles of the fingers, wrist and upper arm.

Pain in the wrist, arm and elbow is fairly common amongst tennis players. Tennis is quite strenuous on the arm as a whole, and injury is usually the result of chronic overuse, poor technique or incorrect equipment, however acute injuries also occur from impact or tripping over.

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Many people who enjoy knitting may experience pain or discomfort in the hands or wrist at some point. The repetitive actions involved with knitting exposes one to the development of a number of conditions, the foremost being Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, trigger thumb or De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.

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What is it?

Basal Thumb Strain – also known as CMC osteoarthritis – is a condition that develops gradually over time. Pain at the base of the thumb is particularly common in post-menopausal women in the fifth to seventh decades of life. It is frequently located either at the palmar surface of the trapeziometa-carpal joint, or more dorsally, between the base of the first and second metacarpals.

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The finger is a perfectly balanced anatomic structure. There are many important factors at play which ensure normal finger movement and correct positioning. When something disturbs this balance, the finger’s normal alignment and function may also be disturbed. This can result in what is called a ‘swan neck’ deformity where the finger becomes crooked due to a collapse in the equilibrium of structures supporting the finger.

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Thermoplastic splinting material is used when fabricating custom made splints. The splints can be made during a consultation with your hand therapist and may be remoulded to allow for reduction in swelling or to maximise comfort.

Thermoplastic splints differ from traditional plaster casting in that they are lighter, easily moulded to conform to the shape of the individual patient, and can be removed for exercise (if appropriate), cleaning and skin hygiene.

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