Sports injuries are common among athletes and active individuals, especially in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. These upper extremity conditions can disrupt training, performance, and daily life if left untreated.
At Dr. Neil Singh’s orthopedic practice, we specialize exclusively in diagnosing and treating upper extremity sports injuries using advanced, minimally invasive techniques. Located in New Castle, PA, and serving patients throughout Mercer County and the Pittsburgh region, Dr. Singh’s fellowship-trained expertise ensures athletes receive the highest level of care for shoulder-to-fingertip injuries.
Let’s look at five of the most common upper extremity sports injuries we treat.
1. Shoulder Injuries: Dislocations, Rotator Cuff Tears, and Labral Tears
The shoulder joint is the most mobile in the body, but also one of the most unstable—making it particularly prone to injury during throwing, swimming, weightlifting, and contact sports.
- Rotator cuff tears: Damage to the tendons that stabilize and power the shoulder joint.
- Dislocations: When the humeral head (upper arm bone) slips out of its socket, often from a fall or collision.
- Labral tears: Damage to the cartilage rim that deepens and stabilizes the shoulder socket.
Symptoms: Instability, sharp pain with lifting or overhead motion, reduced strength, or clicking sensations.
Treatment: Dr. Singh emphasizes conservative options first (rest, anti-inflammatory medications, therapy, or injections). For more complex cases, he offers arthroscopic shoulder surgery and shoulder replacement surgery, using minimally invasive techniques to reduce pain and speed recovery.
2. Elbow Injuries: Tennis Elbow and UCL Strains
Elbow injuries are common in throwing and racquet sports, where repetitive arm motions or sudden stress can overload tendons and ligaments.
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Overuse of the forearm tendons causes pain outside the elbow.
- UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) injuries: Strains or tears seen in pitchers and other throwing athletes.
Symptoms: Pain with gripping, stiffness, loss of strength, or tenderness on the inner or outer elbow.
Treatment: Dr. Singh tailors treatment with rest, bracing, and structured rehabilitation. For severe injuries, surgical repair or reconstruction may be considered. As a sports medicine physician for Westminster College athletes, Dr. Singh brings first-hand expertise in treating high-level performers.
3. Wrist and Hand Injuries: Fractures and Tendonitis
The wrist absorbs high impact in many sports—whether from falls, equipment use, or repetitive motion.
- Sprains: Ligament overstretch or tearing from sudden force.
- Fractures: Breaks from direct impact or landing on an outstretched hand.
- Tendonitis: Irritation of wrist tendons from repetitive activity (e.g., racquet sports, gymnastics, or lifting).
Treatment: At Singh Orthopedics, patients benefit from on-site diagnostic imaging for fast evaluation, splinting and bracing, and minimally invasive surgical options when necessary. Dr. Singh’s goal is always to restore motion, strength, and a pain-free grip.
4. Hand Injuries: Fractures & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Hands are essential in virtually all sports, and injuries can be both painful and performance-limiting.
- Fractures: Common in fingers and metacarpals from catching, punching, or falls.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Caused by median nerve compression, often worsened by repetitive grip-heavy sports.
Treatment: Dr. Singh provides precise diagnostics and offers endoscopic carpal tunnel release, a less invasive technique with faster recovery compared to traditional surgery. For fractures, stabilization and tailored rehabilitation restore full hand function.
Overuse Injuries: Tendonitis & Stress Injuries
Unlike acute trauma, overuse injuries build up gradually and are extremely common in athletes who train frequently.
- Tendonitis: Seen in the shoulder (rotator cuff), elbow (tennis/golfer’s elbow), or wrist.
- Stress-related injuries: Micro-trauma from repetitive strain, reducing tendon or ligament resilience.
Treatment & Prevention: Dr. Singh’s approach combines activity modification, customized therapy, and preventive strength programs. With his team of three physician assistants and skilled rehabilitation staff, he ensures patients receive consistent, supportive care from diagnosis through recovery
The Role of Sports Medicine Specialists in Recovery
Seeing a sports medicine doctor near you ensures that injuries are managed with a full understanding of how they affect athletic performance. At Singh Orthopedics, we provide:
- Fellowship training in hand & upper extremity surgery.
- Minimally invasive surgical expertise (shoulder arthroscopy, endoscopic carpal tunnel).
- On-site physical therapy for seamless rehabilitation.
- Trusted experience as a team doctor for collegiate athletes.
- Personalized, compassionate care from a UPMC-affiliated orthopedic practice.
Every injury and every athlete is different. Our goal is to treat the root cause, promote healing, and help you return stronger and safer.
How to Prevent Sports Injuries
Preventing injuries is just as important as treating them. Here are key strategies sports medicine specialists recommend:
- Warm up before the activity to prepare muscles and joints.
- Use proper technique and equipment for your sport.
- Cross-train to avoid overuse of the same muscles.
- Rest adequately between training sessions.
- Listen to your body and don’t ignore pain.
Dr. Singh’s team offers education on injury prevention and personalized exercise programs for athletes of all levels.
When to See a Sports Medicine Doctor
You should seek care from an orthopedic doctor near you if:
- Pain persists beyond a few days
- You have difficulty moving a joint or limb
- Swelling doesn’t go down with home treatment
- An old injury keeps coming back
Early evaluation can prevent complications and speed up recovery.
Get Expert Upper Extremity Sports Injury Care Near Pittsburgh
Sports injuries to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand don’t just interrupt your training; they can impact everyday function, confidence, and long-term mobility. With the right diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, most athletes and active individuals can recover fully and return to their sport stronger than before. At Singh Orthopedics, Dr. Neil Singh, a fellowship-trained upper extremity specialist, provides advanced, minimally invasive care focused exclusively on the upper extremities. Supported by his skilled team and on-site rehabilitation services, patients benefit from seamless care, from diagnosis through recovery.
To speak with a sports medicine specialist, call (724) 656-0086 or Book An Appointment. Let’s get you back to doing what you love—safely, confidently, and pain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of injury in sport?
Sudden impacts, overuse, poor technique, and lack of conditioning are top causes.
How do I know if I need a sports medicine doctor?
If pain, weakness, or swelling affects your ability to perform or train, it’s time to consult a specialist.
What is the best treatment for common athletic injuries?
Treatment depends on the injury but often includes rest, physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery.
Can I return to sports after an injury?
Yes, with proper care and rehabilitation, most athletes return to activity safely.
