Best Practice Case Studies-Intersection Syndrome

Pdf Summary

Intersection syndrome is an overuse injury affecting the wrist and forearm, often seen in sports like rowing due to repetitive wrist movements, and also common in racquet sports and weight training. It causes irritation and swelling on the radial side of the wrist, near the thumb, leading to pain and swelling, particularly worsening with movement. This condition is similar to De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, often distinguished through physical examination.<br /><br />Diagnosis typically involves a sports medicine specialist examining the wrist for tenderness, swelling, and crepitus—a crackling sensation from fluid around the tendons. X-rays may be used to check for additional bone injuries, though MRIs are not commonly necessary.<br /><br />Treatment for intersection syndrome is mainly conservative, focusing on avoiding painful activities and immobilizing the wrist with a splint. Ice and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, can alleviate pain and swelling. Occasionally, corticosteroid injections are used, but surgery is rarely necessary.<br /><br />Preventing intersection syndrome involves avoiding wrist overuse, particularly if pain arises. Rowers are advised to focus on proper technique to prevent strain. Strengthening exercises for the wrist and forearm before engaging in activities like racquet sports, weight lifting, or rowing are beneficial.<br /><br />Individuals are cleared to return to their activities once they regain full, pain-free wrist movement without swelling, though bracing during activities may be advised. The support and expertise of sports medicine physicians, like those from the AMSSM, make them well-suited for treating such injuries and helping athletes maintain optimal performance and health.

Meta Tag

Edition 3rd Edition

Related Case 3rd Edition, CASE 59

Topic Wrist

Keywords

3rd Edition, CASE 59

3rd Edition

Wrist

Intersection syndrome

wrist injury

forearm pain

overuse injury

sports medicine

treatment

prevention

rowing

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

rehabilitation