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The hamate is a triangular-shaped bone along the pinky side of your wrist. They are generally rare but highly misunderstood or thought to be “just wrist sprains” by coaches/trainers, etc. A body and a hook portion of the bone form a groove that carries the ulnar nerve and artery. This is important because when fractured, it results in artery and nerve damage. This injury typically happens in sports where the athletes are using a firm grip (baseball, tennis, golf, MMA, etc.) The mechanism of injury is from repeated impact directly on the hamate, or a high-energy trauma creating a fracture and/or dislocation.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain in young athletes along the ulnar (pinky) side of the wrist
- Swelling and tenderness along the ulnar side of the wrist
- Numbness/paresthesia along the ring and pinky finger
- Weakened grip or pain with gripping objects
X-rays have a high rate of false negatives, meaning they will not be able to determine if a fracture is present, but we can also directly send a patient to get an MRI/CT if necessary. An orthopedic doctor will often immobilize the wrist with a cast for six weeks, or if there is displacement of the bone, surgery is often required with plates and screws.
Now there is when most people think there is issue is “fixed” and are frustrated that they still can’t return to their sport of choice. The surgery or casting is primarily focused on stabilizing the region but about 6 weeks of therapy is needed to return to playing again. If not addressed there is a much higher risk of the problem becoming chronic and lasting months or years. Treatment should begin right after cast removal. Early rehab should be focused on restoring range of motion, decreasing pain, and restoring sensation in the wrist, hand, and fingers. As the tissue integrity improves we can reintroduce physiotherapy exercises and improve grip strength as well as part of a multi-modal approach.
One of things that has worked really well for improving patients symptoms and recovery time is using Winback Tecartherapy. Utlizing this early post cast removal is very effective for swelling and stiffness associated with prolonged immobilization. Then we can promote blood flow and mobility in the wrist. Also another benefit is that if there are orthopedic implants, most other modalities will be contraindicated. However, tecartherapy is safe to use and we have seen amazing results for our patients.
If you are interested in how we can help your wrist injury, Discover a FREE Discovery Visit today at Strengthchiro.com
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