A broken wrist in lacrosse is a common occurrence in this increasingly popular sport. If you're experiencing pain in your forearm, wrist or hand after a lacrosse accident, consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Sprains and strains are more common, but a fracture is always a possibility.
Identification
A fractured wrist will be painful and swollen. The area will be tender to touch, and the lacrosse player will be unable to grasp an object. If the break occurs on the ulna or radius, the hand and wrist may look crooked. The pain from a fracture may disappear, but it will return later as a dull ache. If you have a compound fracture, the break will be obvious since the bone will cut through the skin. In some cases, such as a scaphoid fracture, the break may mimic a sprained wrist.
Cause
Any time there is enough force placed on the wrist, a fracture can occur. The most common cause for a wrist fracture in lacrosse is a direct blow from a stick. Direct contact with a ball, another player or a bad fall also can cause a wrist fracture in lacrosse. Not wearing protective gloves or wearing gloves that do not fit properly or are in poor condition can increase your risk of a fractured wrist.
Treatment
At the time of an initial break, treatment begins with resting the area, applying ice, compressing the injury and elevating your wrist. If the swelling does not go down, you will need medical attention where a doctor can take an X-ray of your injury. If you have a clean break and the bone is stable, you will need to wear a cast or splint for several weeks until the bone heals. However, if the bone is out of place, the doctor will need to set the bone. Depending on the severity of the break, your doctor may be able to set the bone without surgery. If the break is too complex, it will be surgically set and then stabilized with plates, screws, pins and rods. You may need a bone graft if a wrist bone is missing or crushed.
Prevention
The best way to prevent a wrist fracture in lacrosse is to wear protective gloves in good condition that are appropriately sized. If you have difficulties choosing your gloves, consult with an athletic store specialist or your coach. Men wear hockey-style gloves in lacrosse, and women wear batting-style gloves. Learn safe techniques during practice to protect yourself and others from experiencing wrist fractures.
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