How Physical Stress Affects Billiards Players
Billiards sports medicine injuries come from the constant bending at the waist, stretching of the body, arms and legs, and overusing of the joints particularly the wrists, among other causes.
At any of our clinics, such as the Ontario clinic by Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Montclair, and Chino, billiards players come in for the prevention, treatment and management of their injuries. The most common site for their injuries is the wrist, which is understandable considering the stress, pressure and positions that the overused wrist is subjected to during the breaks and shots.
The most common wrist injuries among cue players are similar to those among tennis players, among other athletes. These injuries include the following:
- Tendonitis, a condition caused by the inflammation of the tendon’s protective sheath due to constant trauma. Its symptoms include swelling and wrist pain. Its treatment includes putting ice over the injured area, taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug, and letting the wrist rest.
- Sprain, a common injury on the ligaments surrounding the wrist joint that usually occur after the wrist has been subjected to excessive force. Its symptoms include limited use of the injured hand and severe pain. Its treatment starts with the RICE protocol, which means resting the injured hand, putting ice on the injured part, compressing the injury, and elevating it to the heart’s level.
- Fracture, an uncommon injury among cue sports but can happen nonetheless. In case it happens, you have to seek medical attention immediately as the fracture can worsen. A cast will likely be necessary to heal the bones and get the wrist back into shape, especially when getting back to competitive games is in the plan. Surgery may also be necessary.
As with all types of sports, the importance of proper technique in cue sports cannot be overemphasized. Always be conscious about your body posture as well as the position of your arms, hands and wrists when making the break and shots.
Come to any of our clinics, such as the Irwindale clinic by Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village for your treatment and management of sports injuries.
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Irwindale by Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.