Hand injuries can occur in various situations, whether it be from repetitive movements at work or the possibility of injuring your hand while playing sports. It is a condition that can affect anyone and not only causes discomfort but also limits one’s ability to perform daily tasks and fulfill responsibilities in life.
Even the most minor hand injury can render simple tasks unmanageable. When your fingers or hands are in pain, it becomes challenging to operate a computer, perform household chores like dishwashing, or even drive a vehicle. Consequently, the ability to carry out everyday activities at home and work is reliant on having hands that function properly.
Most minor injuries can typically heal naturally with basic first aid at home. Nevertheless, significant injuries should be examined by an orthopedic physician. If an injury necessitates medical intervention, like a torn ligament or broken bone, time becomes crucial as it helps prevent future complications that are avoidable.
Types of Hand Injuries
Orthopedic medicine is beneficial in the treatment of both sudden and long-lasting hand injuries.
Acute injuries refer to sudden accidents resulting in new pain that typically necessitates medical intervention and the pain subsides as the injury recovers. Instances of acute injuries encompass fractures caused by sports or car accidents.
Chronic Hand Injuries: Several patients are unable to pinpoint a specific moment when their hand incurred an injury. Instead, the pain gradually appeared, leading to a situation where the pain fluctuates or persists for extended periods, spanning weeks or even months. Frequently, chronic hand injuries are a result of repetitive actions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome caused by typing. Alternatively, these injuries can arise in individuals with autoimmune disorders or other health conditions.
The treatment regimen varies depending on the specific type of injury and the underlying cause. Our team of orthopedic physicians collaborates closely with each patient to accurately diagnose the condition, enabling us to create a personalized treatment plan.
Hand Injury Treatments
Rice Method
This remedy can be applied to any injured area of the body, not exclusively the hands. The acronym RICE represents rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These four measures can be a reliable approach to decrease inflammation and alleviate the pain linked with tendonitis, strains, and sprains.
When facing a sudden injury, it is crucial to allocate a minimum of 1 to 2 days for recuperation. Throughout this period, adhere to the following RICE guidelines:
Rest: Resting is essential to minimize the usage of the injured hand. It is important to take it easy and avoid exerting pressure on the affected areas.
Ice: Applying an ice pack to the injured hand for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours will help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation simultaneously.
Compression: Using a bandage or hand brace can be beneficial in stabilizing the hand and decreasing swelling at the same time.
Elevation: While resting, it is recommended to place the hand on a pillow or elevate it above the heart level. This technique aids in reducing swelling.
RICE is suitable for mild or moderate hand injuries. However, it is still advisable to seek advice from an orthopedic doctor to exclude any severe injuries.
Medications
Non-prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can aid in easing your pain and diminishing inflammation. Consult with your physician regarding the appropriate dosage and specific types of medication.
If the injury is severe, your orthopedic specialist may suggest a painkiller that requires a prescription. To minimize the potential for addiction, many doctors prefer to use milder medications whenever feasible.
Using anti-inflammatory injections is another option instead of taking medication orally. This less invasive treatment combines anesthetic drugs to alleviate pain and steroids to reduce inflammation. It can be conveniently performed at our orthopedic clinic.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a vital role in the process of your recovery and also helps decrease the possibility of re-injury to your hand in the future. If your injuries are mild or moderate, you may consult a physical therapist a few times to create a customized plan for your physical therapy.
Afterwards, you will receive assigned tasks to be carried out in the comfort of your own home. These tasks specifically aim to enhance your physical strength and enhance your flexibility. Physical therapy has demonstrated its efficacy in treating both recent and prolonged hand injuries.
Consistently adhering to your physical therapy exercises is a highly effective approach for regaining hand function. Engaging in these focused exercises is essential to guaranteeing adequate mobility and functionality in every finger.
Hand Surgery
Our team prioritizes the utilization of minimally invasive treatments whenever feasible. However, if alternative treatments are not yielding positive results, it may be necessary for you to consult with the doctor regarding more aggressive treatment choices, such as surgery.
In certain cases, severe trauma may necessitate hand surgery to realign and restore proper function to the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Additionally, if a chronic hand injury fails to improve, surgery could be a viable alternative to explore.
Talk to an Orthopedic Doctor About Your Hand Injury
Are you experiencing any discomfort in your hand, wrist, or fingers? If so, it is recommended that you consult with an orthopedic specialist to receive a diagnosis and a customized treatment plan. Dr Amer is dedicated to assisting individuals of all ages by providing the necessary services.