Most Common Injuries To The Hand
By
Our hands are some of the most amazing and versatile tools of the human body. Even a simple injury can cause a major impact to our ability to perform activities in our daily life. In addition, a recent study by the US Department of Labor indicated that approximately 25% of all work-related injuries involve the hand and/or fingers, making it the second most common type of injury in the work place. Hand injuries vary based on many factors including, type of injury, how it occurred, severity, location and complications.
Woman with Hand Pain
4 Most Common Injuries to the Hand
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation in the joints of the hand and one or several joints can be involved. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of joint inflammation and often affects the joint at the base of the thumb or the middle or end joint in a finger. This type of arthritis is a result of normal “wear and tear” through use of the hand in les at the middle or end joints of the involved finger.
Hand Arthritis
Treatment involves the use of NSAIDs, resting the affected hand, splint use to protect and further rest the hand, the use of heat to decrease stiffness and soothe painful joints, possible cortisone injections and surgery if other treatment methods are unsuccessful. Arthritis is the most common injury to the hand.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body tissue. Symptoms vary and the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems including, joints, skin, eyes, lungs and the heart. Treatment typically includes medications to slow the disease to help prevent joint deformity and erosion, physical and occupational therapy and possible surgical interventions.
Hands with Rheumatoid Arthritis3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the Median Nerve, one of the major nerves in the hand becomes compressed as it passes through a constricted area in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. Symptoms can include pain, burning, numbness and tingling in any or all of the following, the hand, thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. In addition, grip strength may decrease. Treatment involves splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, surgery and possible work-site changes to reduce repetitive stress.
Illustration of Carpal Tunnel
4. Trigger Finger/Thumb
A Trigger Finger or Trigger Thumb occurs when the tendon that bends your finger or the protective sheath that surrounds the tendon becomes thick and swollen. This condition makes the finger or thumb difficult to move and it can become stuck in a bent position. During normal movement the tendon glides through several pulleys. One pulley in particular, called the A1 pulley, located at the base of the digit or thumb is usually the one affected.
Trigger Finger
What are Symptoms of Common Injuries to the Hand?
Symptoms include a snapping, popping or catching when you try to move the finger. There is often pain and stiffness when bending your finger or thumb toward the palm. Also, there can be a painful nodule located at the A1 pulley. The finger or thumb can lock and it may be necessary to use the other hand to straighten it. Treatment options include rest, splinting, stretching the involved finger or thumb, anti-inflammatory medications and surgery if needed.
As noted above, there are various OTC treatment options for common injuries to the hand. However, when a hand problem is impacting your daily life and making it more difficult to perform daily tasks it is time to see your healthcare provider.
Written By: Ronny L. Savage, OTR/L, MS, CHT
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