Netball: A Guide to Hand and Wrist Injuries

Ah, netball – a game where agility meets precision, and teamwork is everything. But let's face it, while netball can be a blast, it also comes with its share of "ouch" moments, especially for our hands and wrists.

Common Hand and Wrist Injuries in Netball:

Finger Sprains: The Classic "I Swear It Bent the Wrong Way"

First up, the infamous finger sprain. It's like the ball has a personal vendetta against your fingers, bending them in ways they definitely shouldn't bend. Picture this: you're about to make that perfect catch, and then – bam! – your finger decides it wants to be a contortionist.

Our treatment involves a mix of rest and compression, followed by some finger-friendly exercises to get those joints feeling good again. We might even pop you in a splint to rest and get you back playing asap.

Fractures & Buckle Fractures: When the Ball Fights Back

Then there are fractures and their sneaky cousin, the buckle fracture. These are the injuries that make you question your life choices and why you didn't take up a safer hobby, like knitting. But who are we kidding? The thrill of the game is worth it.

We can organise the x-ray, appropriate management, including a specialist review if needed, from here we can plan the best way to fix your broken bone. This usually involves a splint, some gentle movement for 4-6 weeks and then strengthening program with a return to play plan.

Dislocations: Getting Joint Attention

Dislocations are the party crashers of netball injuries. Just when you're playing your best, a joint decides to go rogue and pop out of place. It's the kind of surprise nobody wants.

The first act is to safely guide the joint back to its rightful place either on the court or in a medical centre. From here we focus on rehabilitation, using splinting to protect and rest the joint, with exercises designed to restore range of motion and strengthen the surrounding muscles, ensuring your joint is ready for its next scene.

Wrist Fractures: Not Just a Brace-let Accessory

Last but not least, the wrist fracture – because sometimes your wrist decides to join the injury party, too. It's all fun and games until you're sporting a cast that definitely wasn't part of your original game-day outfit.

Treatment may start with immobilisation in a cast, splint or EXOS to ensure everything heals just right. Then, we embark on a journey of strengthening and mobility exercises, tailored to get your wrist back in action and onto the court.

At North Shore Hand Therapy, we've seen it all, and we're here to help you bounce back faster. Remember, the key to enjoying netball is playing safely, using the correct techniques, and maybe investing in some bubble wrap (just kidding…or are we?).

Stay safe, play hard, and if your hands or wrists decide to take one for the team, you know where to find us.