Wrist pain from volleyball is a common occurrence because of the repetitive force on your wrist, hands and forearms. Carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist fractures can lead to pain and can make playing volleyball uncomfortable, while also interfering with other daily tasks. Consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Identification
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, the pain in your wrist may radiate up your forearm or down your hand. In addition to pain, you may experience a numb or tingling sensation in your palm, thumb and all your fingers except the pinky. You may have the urge to shake your hands in order to relieve symptoms. Activities such as writing or emptying a pan of noodles into a strainer may be uncomfortable. If your wrist is fractured from volleyball, you will have little or no use of your hand. In addition to pain, your hand may look crooked and be swollen.
Causes
The median nerve supplies feelings and movement to parts of your hand. This nerve travels through the carpal tunnel of your wrist from your forearm to your hand. Inflammation or swelling can compress the median nerve which results in the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The repetitive movements of the wrist and hands in volleyball can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, which is more common for women. A wrist fracture occurs when enough force is placed on any of the small eight wrist bones or the ulna or radius of the forearm. Falling while playing volleyball could increase your risk of a fracture.
Treatment
Your doctor will X-ray your arm to determine the cause of the pain in your wrist. If a fracture is not present, you will take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the pain and you may need corticosteroid infections in the wrist. Your doctor will have you perform exercises that involve rotating your wrist and stretching your palms and fingers. A splint can be worn at night and during the day. Surgery is used to cut the ligament pressing on your nerve and this is needed in about 50 percent of cases. If you have a simple fracture, a cast can keep your bone in place during the healing process. If the bone is displaced, you will need surgery so the bones can be stabilized with screws, pins and rods.
Prevention
Wearing a wrist brace during volleyball practice and games can protect your bones, ligaments and tendons. Take frequent breaks while playing volleyball to rest and stretch your wrist and hands. Avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down since this can compress the median nerve. Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug shortly before playing volleyball to relieve pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Check with your coach to ensure you're using proper technique and form during volleyball to prevent excess force on your wrist.
