Sports injuries to the upper extremity. How to recognize and deal with some common problems.

Upper extremity syndromes caused by a single stress or by repetitive microtrauma occur in a variety of sports. The throwing motion, long-distance swimming, bowling, golf, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, and field events can repetitively stress the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. The biomechanical evaluation of racquet handling, throwing, and swimming motions has progressed considerably, and the future looks promising for better identification and prevention of sports injuries due to stress. These insights will help the physician more adequately understand and treat athletic injuries. As for the present, we must recognize athletic injuries for what they are--debilitating single or repetitive trauma to active persons who want a rapid return to their sport. The goal of both the injured athlete and the treating physician must be 100% recovery; compromise in treatment is not warranted. To achieve the best results, the physician should emphasize to the athlete, coach, and parent that healing is a matter of time.