Finger, hand and wrist injuries in climbers: insights from climber and provider surveys

Rock climbing's growing popularity has been accompanied by increasing reports of hand, finger and wrist injuries among recreational climbers. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of these injuries, identify factors associated with these injuries and assess hand providers' perspectives on climbing-related injuries.

Two retrospective cross-sectional surveys were administered. The first targeted adult recreational climbers via social media and email lists (July-December 2024), and assessed demographics, climbing experience, injury history, training practices and healthcare use. The second, distributed through the American Association for Hand Surgery (September-December 2024), evaluated climbing-related injuries in hand providers' practices and their perceptions of resources. Responses were collected anonymously via Research Electronic Data Capture, and multivariable logistic regression identified injury-associated factors.

Among 745 recreational climbers, 77% reported ≥1 injury, most commonly to the fingers and/or hands (70%), with joint pain/swelling (47%), pulley injuries (47%) and flexor tendon injuries (14%) most frequent. Injury odds were higher among males, climbers with 4-10 or >11 years of experience, and those reporting fingerboard use. 44% used online resources for treatment guidance, and 47% consulted a physician. Among 85 providers, 63% treated 1-5 climbers annually. Although 79% incorporated sport-specific knowledge, only 39% felt they had adequate sport-specific knowledge and 25% thought adequate resources were available for patients.

Recreational climbers report a high prevalence of finger, hand and wrist injuries, with many relying on self-management. Providers report limited climbing-specific knowledge and resource availability, highlighting the need for targeted education and accessible, evidence-based guidance to support prevention and management of climbing-related injuries.