Much like Rodney Dangerfield, the hands don’t get much respect. A complex extremity, the hand consists of 19 bones and four segments – fingers, palm, back of the hand and the wrist. Fully functional hands to do many things, yet most of us take the health of our hands for granted, until we’re bothered by one of numerous ailments or injuries.
These can include arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s contracture, deformities, finger clubbing, fractured bones, joint dislocation, ligament tears, nerve disorders, tendon inflammation, sprains, cuts, bruises and strains. Arthritis of the hand is especially common in females.
Hands and fingers need care, too
With so many bones, ligaments, tendons, and joints keeping hands and wrists working, there is ample opportunity for injury. Common hand and wrist injuries can result from excessive use, degenerative disorders or trauma.
Overuse injuries are stress-induced and include tendon inflammation and dislocation, nerve injury, and over-use stress fractures. Long-term disability is less likely to occur from overuse injuries than from traumatic injuries. Surgical treatment may be required if an injury persists.
How do I know if I have a hand injury?
Finger injuries are usually diagnosed by a physician after an X-ray. Many injuries can be treated with conservative care and splints. However, if the bone presents an abnormal angularity or if it is displaced, you may need surgery and pins to hold the bones in place.
How can I prevent a hand or wrist injury?
Wearing wrist guards and protective gloves that fit, along with stretching, can help prevent a traumatic hand or wrist injury. Overuse injuries can be prevented by taking breaks to rest the hands or wrists, using proper posture and technique, and by using protective equipment.
Take five to do these three easy stretches
Finger stretches can help improve and maintain your range of motion and prevent some overuse injuries. Try these simple exercises once or twice a day:
- Sitting or standing, stretch your arms straight out in front of you. Now pretend to be the world’s greatest “air” piano player. Go up and down the imaginary keyboard – using all 10 digits. It’s even more fun if you do this exercise to your favorite playlist!
- Sitting or standing, hold your arms straight out by your sides, shoulder height. Keeping your arms straight, flap your hands and fingers up and down like a soaring bird while wiggling all 10 digits.
- Standing, place your hands palm down on a flat surface. Straighten your fingers slowly, while slightly pressing against the flat surface (without applying excessive force). Once fingers are fully straightened, hold this position for 15 seconds. Release, and repeat three times for each hand.
Hand therapy may help
Physical therapy for your hand, also known as occupational therapy, may help you overcome an injury. Your physician might order physical therapy before, after or even instead of surgery. At OrthoArkansas, licensed physical therapists work with hand and wrist physicians and surgeons to establish customized treatment protocols for a wide variety of conditions.
