Protect Your Hands and Wrists: How an Active Lifestyle Can Lead to Injury and What You Can Do About It

After Malaysia’s stunning success at the Paris 2024 Olympics, badminton has grabbed the spotlight. While this enthusiasm is great, it also brings an often-overlooked issue: hand and wrist injuries. These injuries make up about 25% of all sports injuries and can have serious effects on athletes’ performance and health.

With World Physical Activity Day coming up on April 6, 2025, and more people in Malaysia joining the fitness movement, it’s essential to focus on preventing these injuries.

Dr. Ravindran Thuraisingham, a Consultant Hand and Microsurgery Specialist at Sunway Medical Centre, has over 16 years of experience treating sports-related injuries. He highlights the importance of injury prevention and proper management. Joint laxity, a condition where joints can move more than usual, can increase injury risks, particularly among women. “It’s vital for everyone, especially athletes, to understand their weaknesses and take preventative measures,” he advises.

Some common hand and wrist injuries faced by athletes in Malaysia include sprains, fractures, ligament tears, and conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), which affects around 60% of people at some point in their lives. Sports that involve repetitive wrist movements, like badminton and basketball, often lead to injuries such as Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) tears. If neglected, these injuries can result in pain, lower grip strength, restricted movement, and potentially career-ending issues.

Quick recognition and treatment of these injuries can make a huge difference. Dr. Ravindran recommends seeing a specialist if an issue doesn’t improve within three weeks. Many injuries can be managed effectively with splints and physiotherapy if diagnosed early.

Thanks to advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques, recovery times have shortened significantly. Athletes can often return to their sport within three months, compared to longer recoveries with traditional surgery. However, rehabilitation remains vital. Regular physiotherapy can help athletes regain strength and mobility, sometimes even surpassing their performance levels before the injury.

To reduce the risk of injuries, Dr. Ravindran encourages athletes to engage in regular stretching, strength training, and to focus on proper techniques. Adhering to a strong rehabilitation program after injuries is critical, ensuring athletes can get back to their best.

By prioritizing prevention, seeking timely medical attention, and utilizing modern treatment options, Malaysians can continue to enjoy active lives while reducing the chances of facing serious health issues down the line.

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