When you think about how much we use our hands especially when playing ball sports, it’s not hard to understand why hand and finger injuries are so common. Most of these injuries heal spontaneously, which is why they are often neglected by athletes. Many people don’t seek help until it is too late for effective treatment however an early, accurate diagnosis to identify potentially serious injuries can prevent long term functional impairment and deformity.

Knowledge of the mechanism of injury or how the injury happened can also help with an accurate diagnosis. A punching injury often results in a fracture to one of the metacarpal bones, commonly the base of the fifth metacarpal. A direct blow to the point of the finger often causes a dislocation or sprain of one of the finger joints. Sometimes the finger flexor tendon can pull a plug of bone off its attachment causing an avulsion fracture. This most commonly involves the ring finger and occurs when a player grabs an opponents clothing during a tackle.

As a general rule of thumb, if there is any deformity present, either with the hand open or closed, persistent swelling or any of the hand or finger joints don’t move as they should, it is important to have the injury checked out by a professional. Some fractures may require surgery, some immobilisation or splinting. Sprains or dislocations may require swelling management with ice or an oedema glove and exercises to prevent loss of range of motion.

An early diagnosis and appropriate management can prevent a lifetime of deformity and loss of function.

For the fitness of you,

Linda Reilly

Dental traumas from a sporting injury can include chipped, cracked, fractured or knocked-out teeth, a broken jaw, or damage to the nerve of the tooth, the tongue, the cheeks and cut to the lips.

Unfortunately, a single case of dental trauma can lead to a lifetime of dental treatment in order to maintain the strength and health of the damaged tooth/teeth, not to mention the expensive costs involved.

Often repair work can not last forever, so damaged teeth can become a lifelong problem.

We regularly get phone calls from very nervous parents urgently wanting to book an emergency appointment because their son or daughter had their tooth knocked out or experienced some form of dental trauma whilst playing sport. A lot of these injuries can be prevented if only they had been wearing a good protective mouth guard at the time. Not just any ordinary mouth guard (like a stock mouth guard available over -the-counter) will do, but a professionally fitted sports mouth guard custom-made for the sports your child is playing.

One size fits all or ‘boil and bite’ mouthguards are ill-fitted and loose in the mouth, they offer limited protection, are quite uncomfortable to wear and can sometimes make breathing and speaking difficult. No wonder kids don’t like to wear them! If you ask me, I think they are a complete waste of money and wearing them can be even more dangerous during impact as they can do more harm than good.

For a custom fitted mouthguard, visit Forbes Family Dentists in 2 Templar Street or call them on 6851 5505.

A Baker’s cyst, also known as a Popliteal cyst, is a swelling at the back of the knee joint. Baker’s cysts are fairly common and are associated with chronic swelling within the knee joint. They occur, most frequently, secondary to degenerative disease within the knee joint such as osteoarthritis or meniscal degeneration. The main sign that a Baker’s cyst is present will be a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind the knee.

This may be tender to touch with pain and stiffness often worsening as the knee is straightened after activity or when squatting or kneeling.

Just as a door hinge requires oil to reduce friction and allow smooth movement, similarly, the cartilage and tendons in the knee joint rely on a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid circulates around the knee joint and in and out of various fluid sacs called bursae that communicate with the knee joint. Sometimes when a structure within the knee joint is damaged or inflamed too much fluid is produced. If this fluid gets trapped in the popliteal bursae it is called a Baker’s cyst.

If a Baker’s cyst is suspected, the whole knee joint should be assessed thoroughly as treatment involves treatment of the underlying cause. Once the cause has been addressed the swelling generally settles down. Sometimes the bursae might be drained or surgically removed but if the underlying cause of the swelling is not corrected the swelling will just return.

Strengthening exercises for the lower limb can help to improve joint biomechanics and to decrease the load on the knee.

For the fitness of you.

Linda Reilly