Which group of athletes is most commonly affected by forearm splints?

Gymnasts and wrestlers are the group of athletes most commonly affected by forearm splints due to the nature of their sports, which involve repetitive and forceful use of the forearm muscles. In gymnastics, athletes frequently engage in activities that stress the forearm muscles and tendons, such as gripping apparatuses, supporting their body weight, and executing various skills that require a strong grip and forearm involvement. Similarly, wrestlers use their forearms extensively for grappling and clinching maneuvers, leading to overuse injuries in this area.

Forearm splints occur when there is a strain or microtrauma to the muscles and tendons in the forearm, often exacerbated by the intensity and frequency of training. These activities create a repetitive stress that can result in pain, discomfort, and decreased performance. In contrast, ballet dancers, basketball players, and swimmers typically engage different muscle groups and motions, which makes them less susceptible to forearm splints compared to gymnasts and wrestlers.