Dr. Mark E. Pruzansky
Dr. Jason S. Pruzansky
975 Park Avenue New York, NY 10028

Cricket Injuries

Cricket

What are Cricket Injuries?

Cricket is known as a lifelong sport that can be enjoyed by almost anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability. It is the second most popular organized game in the world.

However, players are still susceptible to aches, pains, and injuries resulting from play.

Types of Cricket Injuries

Cricket players are most commonly affected with injuries to their hands, wrists, and elbows. Here are some of the more common injuries they experience:

Hand Injuries

Dislocations, sprains, and fractures may be just a nuisance or disabling. Injuries to the fingers are the most common.   Web space splitting contusions and lacerations, especially between the thumb and index finger, are common. Mallet Finger and hyperextension sprains and fractures of the wrist also occur.

Elbow Injuries

Excess strain on the joint can result in inflammation of the tendons surrounding the elbow. Some of the most common cricket injuries affecting the elbow include tennis elbow or thrower’s elbow.

Characteristics and Clinical Presentation of Cricket Injuries

Injuries to the hands, wrists, and elbows are distinguishable by swelling, stiffness, pain, discomfort, or deformity to the area. Strength deficit or inability to properly move the affected region are signs of injury.

However, there are more specific characteristics present in certain injuries. Since the hand, wrist, and elbow are much needed and intricately functioning areas, it is important to be seen by a hand surgeon to ensure that you are getting a proper diagnosis.

Causes of Cricket Injuries

Most injuries sustained to the hands or wrists of a cricketer are impact injuries resulting from contact with the ball.  Injuries to the elbows are most commonly a result of poor technique when bowling or batting.

Getting a Diagnosis for Cricket Injuries

Most injuries are easily identifiable due to swelling, deformity, pain, and bruising.

X-rays and imaging scans may be required to determine the severity of injury to bones and ligaments.

Treatment Options for Cricket Injuries

Elevation for the first few days is helpful. Gravity encourages swelling to settle at the lowest points of our bodies, so it is recommended that injured cricket players rest with your injuries area above your heart, as swelling increases pain and stiffness.

Initially, rest or modified resting during the early stages of injury recovery, are typically the first steps. You may then begin injury-specific physical therapy if your hand surgeon’s treatment plan permits.

Additionally, compressive bandage or splint support, when appropriately applied, may be helpful to control swelling and/or bleeding. In many cases, compression will support the affected region as healing progresses.

In cases of severe injuries, surgery may sometimes be required. This can only be determined by a board certified orthopedic hand surgeon, like Drs. Mark or Jason Pruzansky.

Conservative Treatments

Injuries involving broken bones, sprains, and dislocations involve splinting the affected region in a healing position, sometimes buddy taping, and cold finger packs when indicated. Most injuries can be treated conservatively but still require medical attention by an orthopedic hand surgeon.

Surgical Treatments

In most cases, splinting is an adequate form of treatment. However, patients may sometimes require surgery to correct displaced fractures, dislocations, and torn ligaments.

Preventing an Injury from Playing Cricket

Prevention strategies work best when begun before playing in the game. Some of these methods include:

  • Technique improvements
  • Core strength and stability
  • Muscle strengthening
  • General aerobic fitness

Prognosis for Cricket Injuries

Typically, cricket players can make a full return the sport following a treatment and rehabilitation program.

Your HandSport Surgery Institute surgeon will walk you through what you can expect following your injury and discuss your treatment options, as well as answer your questions.

Depending on your injury, and whether or not surgery is indicated, you may experience a recovery period of a few weeks to a few months.

If You Believe You Have a Cricket Injury, Contact HandSport Surgery Institute.

Please contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with our talented team. People who have been hurt while playing cricket should be evaluated for treatment to optimize movement injury prevention.

If you have been injured, it’s important to be evaluated by a highly skilled professional. Call Drs. Mark and Jason Pruzansky at 212-249-8700 to schedule an appointment and obtain an accurate diagnosis.