Wrist problems

[x-Cheer-x]

I'm a cheerleader and recently I was moved to a different position within our "stunt" groups (where we throw people around). I'm now doing the lifting whereas before I was supporting and spotting. However, since I did this I've been getting a lot of pain in my wrists which I suspect is because I've never really had to use them like this before. Is there any kind of exercises I can do to strengthen them, or anything different I can eat? anything to prevent this because I have no intention of switching back positions, even if I can't stop the pain!

thanks.

p.s. I've put a link to a video in case seeing the kinds of stunts I'm talking about would help.... But that's definitely NOT my team!

[Thurs-child]

Sorry - Sounds like repetetive strain injury - my daughter had a similar problem -doctors answer - change your job.

[terambulan]

You missed the video....hope you dont miss catching the bods ur throwing about ;)

Wear wrist supports

http://shop.bupa.co.uk/wrist_supports/c1761-1. html?ad=ppc&source=google&utm_source=google&ut m_medium=PPC

[jen78]

If they hurt then something is wrong, you've overdone it, you've sprained or damaged them etc...

Be very careful with your body as, as you get older you learn you're not as indestructible as you think you are and damage can cause a lot of problems in later life if not treated properly.

The best cure is rest (ie not doing what aggravated them), support and painkillers.

If you're not going to change what you do then at least get some decent supports, take it easy while you are getting used to the new use, check you're doing it properly, get advice on exercises which don't aggravate your wrists (eg lifting gradually heavier objects slowly in your hand using your wrist).

Just make sure you have a good awareness of your anatomy where it hurts so you can tell the difference between pain and what it means eg pain that means a muscle has been worked over it's norm or pain which means you have damaged something which means stop.