Get Immediate Treatment After a Hand Injury

When an athlete sustains a hand injury, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. Failure to do so could lead to chronic pain in the short term and arthritis in the long term. Bones that are allowed to heal on their own may be at a higher risk of being broken again when catching a pass or throwing a pitch. 

Pitchers in baseball are especially vulnerable to injuries and sensitive to even slight changes to their body. A painful finger or wrist may make it impossible to throw with the same velocity or with proper mechanics. This could lead to arm, shoulder or knee injuries later on in their careers.

Football players who need a tight grip on the ball when catching, throwing or holding it may not be able to do so with an injured hand. Although the hand may be wrapped or the pain or swelling lessened by medication, an injured hand or a hand that doesn't heal properly could lead to poor throws, more drops or an increased fumble rate.

Younger athletes who may not necessarily be on the path to a professional career could limit their opportunities later in life due to lingering hand pain. It may be harder to write by hand, type for long periods of time, or grip a steering wheel while driving. Furthermore, those with shaky hands may not be able to pursue careers in the medical field or any other field where precision is demanded of them. So, immediate treatment after a hand injury is important.