A repetitive stress injury occurs often to athletes who constantly perform the same movements. A serious injury could affect the growth of a young child’s body, and a young, injured athlete may never be allowed to compete again in Arizona. Many of the injuries occur in the hands, fingers and wrists and result in specific medical conditions.

Types of conditions

There are specific medical conditions that develop as the result of repetitive stress injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that compresses the carpal tunnel in the hand that connects to the wrist and fingers. The nerves in this passageway are pressed, causing pain, weakness or numbness in the hand.

Fractures

Stress fractures occur as the result of repetitive trauma to the limbs and bones. The fracture may be a closed injury or an open wound that could become infected. A fracture that starts as a small crack could increase in depth or length if more stress is applied continuously.

Overstrain

Tennis elbow is an overstrain of the elbow that frequently occurs in tennis players, other athletes and labor workers who repetitively swing their arms. Resting the arms more frequently, applying a hot or cold pack and avoiding repetitive movements are methods of eradicating the condition.

Tendon injuries affect the flexor tendons in the hands and arms. This injury makes it more difficult to bend the fingers and pick up objects.

Certain conditions affect the hands, wrists and fingers more than other body parts when repetitive movements are made. A few, common conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and hand fractures, which occur due to repetitive stress injuries. When precautions are not taken, young athletes face the risks of additional damage to the parts of their body.