Your hands give you the ability to interact with the world. Whether creating a masterpiece or reaching out to those you love, hands provide connections to what is valued most. It is vital to keep your hands in optimal working condition.
Guard yourself against these common causes of hand and wrist injuries:
Bone Injuries
Bones can be injured during an accident while working, traveling in a vehicle, or participating in sports or other activities. The main categories of bone injuries are:
- Simple: The bone is still stable and aligned.
- Complex: The bone is shifted or displaced.
- Compound: The bone is broken through the skin and has to be reset.
- Comminuted: The bone is broken in more than one place and must be restructured.
Wrist fractures often occur during forceful contact while the wrist is extended. The degree of extension at the time of impact directly affects the severity.
Bone injuries must be addressed immediately and thoroughly for complete healing.
Overuse
Most workers are susceptible to injuries from repetitive movement of tissues and joints in the wrists and hands. The most common overuse injuries are:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist at the carpal tunnel structure of the base of the hand.
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis: This condition occurs in the hand and wrist when the tendons and surrounding sheaths become inflamed due to repetitive motion.
- Stenosing Tenosynovitis: When fingers are used in a repetitive motion, the sheaths around the tendons may stop lubricating properly. Finger pain and a clicking sensation upon extension are distinctive features of this condition.
All injuries due to overuse may be addressed through therapy, rest, and medication. Any of these conditions may lead to surgery if they become severe or are left untreated.
Sprains
Sprains are damage to ligaments. Ligaments connect bone to bone. There are different types of sprain injuries, from minor tears to complete ruptures. The most common sprains occur as a result of:
- Overextension in the course of sports or recreational activities.
- Breaking a fall with the extended palm.
- Extended hands or wrists during the use of machinery or vehicle.
Muscle sprains can vary depending on a person’s age and health and the cause of the injury. If left untreated, strains can result in loss of use and range of motion over time.
Invest in the care of your hands by calling on the experts of Mid Atlantic Orthopaedic Associates. Our expert physicians are board-certified and focus on individualized, compassionate care. Contact Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates for grasping a healthy, active future.
