Forearm overuse injuries

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Wednesday, 17 March 2010 13:37

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Avoiding and healing forearm sport injuries

by Dr Grant Harper

Recently I had the opportunity to treat a top paddler and her injury inspired me to write this article on over-use injuries of the wrist and forearm. Over-use injuries are common amongst multisporters especially in those who are putting in serious training in preparation for race day whether it’s mountain biking or paddling. This article provides general information on reducing discomfort and healing the condition.

The two most common injuries seen in the forearm are tennis and golfer’s elbow. Ironically, neither conditions are really that common in tennis players or golfers!

Tennis elbow is a repetitive strain injury that affects the extensor muscles (outside of elbow) and its tendons, whereas in golfer’s elbow the flexors (inside of elbow) are affected mainly. They both occur due to repeated wrist movement and in those sports where gripping an object is required.
Most of these injuries are chronic or long-standing in nature and therefore have been termed as tendinosis rather than the typical tendonitis.