Gymnast Wrist

A term used to describe an overuse injury that can occur in the wrist. Gymnastics is a sport that exposes the body to high loads of repetitive axial compression and torsional forces. Additionally,  there is also exposure to distraction in varying degrees of hyperextension. 

Clinically Speaking: There is Dorsal Wrist Impingement and Distal Radial Epiphysitis

Dorsal Wrist Impingement: But what exactly is happening structurally?

  • The wrist capsule is getting pinched between the extensor carpi radialis brevis and the scaphoid bone.

  •  Impingement of the extensor retinaculum.

  •  Entrapment of the soft tissue in the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints.

  • Capsular thickening, synovitis, and the development of dorsal wrist ganglia.

Distal Radial Epiphysitis: AKA a Growth Plate injury

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to having an immature skeleton that is still growing. The Physis (Growth Plate) is prone to injury because the joint capsule and ligamentous structures are stronger than the cartilaginous growth plate. Inflammation can result + widening of the growth plate and if left untreated potentially stress fractures.

Risk Factors: 

  • Acute spike in training load ( Particularly tumbling and vault ).

  • Incorrect technique ( A reduction in overhead and wrist extension range, can unevenly distribute weight in the wrist ).

  • Previous injury ( This includes surrounding areas, such as the elbow or shoulder ).

  • Skeletal immaturity: In an immature skeleton, the physis ( Growth plate ), is prone to injury because the joint capsule and ligamentous structures are stronger than the cartilaginous growth plate.

  • Recent growth spurts combined with a high volume of wrist heavy loads ( For example during pommel horse or beam ). 

if you are Experiencing any of the following, please talk to your coach and seek a professional opinion. 

  • A gradual onset of pain in the wrist.

  • Swelling and tenderness over the wrist. More commonly along the radial (Thumb) side. 

  • Recent reduction in your wrist extension or flexion range.

  • Pain before, during or after training, that does not resolve within approx. 24 hrs.

  • Reduction in grip strength.

Stephanie Zamoyski