What are the common types of left hand injuries. How are left hand injuries caused. What symptoms indicate a left hand injury. How are left hand injuries treated. Why are left-handed individuals at higher risk for hand trauma.

Understanding Left Hand Dominance and Injury Risk

Left-handedness is a trait found in approximately 10% of the population. However, research suggests that left-handed individuals may be at a higher risk for certain types of hand injuries, particularly in occupational settings. A study conducted by Taras et al. in 1995 revealed some startling statistics about left hand injuries and their prevalence among left-handed individuals.

The study examined 125 patients treated for digital amputation and 116 patients with minor hand trauma. Among those with digital amputations, 35% were left-handed, a significantly higher percentage than the general population. Furthermore, left-handed individuals were more likely to injure their dominant hand compared to right-handed people (70% vs. 51%).

Key Findings on Left Hand Injury Risk

• Left-handed individuals have a 4.9 times greater risk of sustaining an amputating injury compared to right-handed individuals.
• Minor hand trauma occurs at rates proportional to the distribution of left-handedness in the population.
• Power saws were identified as the most common mechanism for amputating injuries.

Common Types of Left Hand Injuries

Left hand injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma requiring surgical intervention. Understanding the various types of injuries that can occur is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Digital Amputations

Digital amputations involve the partial or complete loss of one or more fingers. These injuries are often the result of accidents involving power tools, machinery, or severe crushing forces. In the study by Taras et al., digital amputations were the primary focus, highlighting their significance in hand trauma cases.

Fractures and Dislocations

Fractures and dislocations of the bones and joints in the hand are common injuries that can occur due to falls, sports-related accidents, or direct impact. These injuries can range from simple hairline fractures to complex, multi-fragment breaks requiring surgical repair.

Tendon and Ligament Injuries

Tendons and ligaments in the hand can be stretched, torn, or ruptured due to sudden force or repetitive strain. These injuries can significantly impact hand function and may require surgical intervention for optimal recovery.

Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries

Cuts, punctures, and other soft tissue injuries are common in the hand. While some may be minor, deep lacerations can damage underlying structures such as nerves, blood vessels, or tendons, necessitating immediate medical attention.

Causes of Left Hand Injuries

Understanding the causes of left hand injuries is essential for prevention and risk assessment. While accidents can happen to anyone, certain factors may increase the likelihood of hand trauma, particularly for left-handed individuals.

Occupational Hazards

Many workplace environments pose risks for hand injuries, especially in industries involving manual labor, machinery operation, or the use of power tools. The study by Taras et al. identified power saws as a significant cause of amputating injuries, highlighting the dangers associated with certain occupational tools and equipment.

Sports and Recreational Activities

Participation in sports and other physical activities can lead to hand injuries through falls, collisions, or overuse. Some sports, such as basketball, volleyball, and rock climbing, may pose a higher risk for hand trauma.

Everyday Accidents

Simple daily activities can sometimes result in hand injuries. Slips and falls, accidents while cooking or using household tools, and even seemingly harmless tasks like opening jars or packages can lead to unexpected hand trauma.

Design Bias in Tools and Equipment

One significant factor contributing to the higher injury risk for left-handed individuals is the predominant right-hand bias in the design of many tools, machines, and workstations. This design bias can make it more challenging and potentially dangerous for left-handed people to operate equipment safely.

Recognizing Symptoms of Left Hand Injuries

Prompt recognition of hand injury symptoms is crucial for timely treatment and optimal recovery outcomes. While symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury, there are several common signs to watch for.

Pain and Swelling

Acute pain and swelling are often the first indicators of a hand injury. The intensity and location of pain can provide clues about the nature and severity of the injury.

Limited Range of Motion

Difficulty moving the fingers, wrist, or entire hand may suggest a severe injury such as a fracture, dislocation, or tendon damage.

Visible Deformity

Obvious deformities, such as crooked fingers or an abnormal hand shape, can indicate fractures, dislocations, or severe soft tissue injuries.

Numbness or Tingling

These sensations may suggest nerve damage or compression, which can occur with various types of hand injuries.

Changes in Skin Color

Bruising, paleness, or a bluish tint to the skin can indicate underlying tissue damage or compromised blood flow.

Treatment Options for Left Hand Injuries

The treatment approach for left hand injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury. From conservative management to complex surgical interventions, a range of options is available to address hand trauma.

First Aid and Initial Care

Immediate first aid for hand injuries typically involves the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This approach helps manage pain and swelling in the acute phase of injury.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Immobilization: Splints or casts may be used to protect and support the injured area during healing.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises and techniques to restore strength, flexibility, and function.
• Pain Management: Medications and other modalities to control pain and inflammation.

Surgical Interventions

For severe injuries, surgical treatment may be necessary. This can include procedures such as:

• Fracture Repair: Realignment and fixation of broken bones.
• Tendon and Ligament Reconstruction: Repair or replacement of damaged soft tissues.
• Replantation: In cases of amputation, reattachment of severed digits may be possible if performed promptly.
• Nerve Repair: Microsurgical techniques to restore nerve function and sensation.

Rehabilitation and Follow-up Care

Regardless of the initial treatment, comprehensive rehabilitation is often crucial for optimal recovery. This may involve ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, and regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Preventing Left Hand Injuries: Strategies and Recommendations

Given the higher risk of hand injuries among left-handed individuals, implementing effective prevention strategies is paramount. Both personal precautions and systemic changes can contribute to reducing the incidence of left hand injuries.

Personal Safety Measures

• Proper Training: Ensure thorough instruction on the safe use of tools and equipment, especially for left-handed operators.
• Protective Gear: Use appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves designed for hand protection.
• Awareness: Stay alert and focused when performing tasks that pose a risk to hand safety.

Workplace Adaptations

The study by Taras et al. emphasized the need for additional safety measures and redesigning of tools, assembly lines, and workstations to accommodate left-handed individuals. Some recommendations include:

• Ambidextrous Tool Design: Encourage the development and use of tools that can be safely operated by both left and right-handed users.
• Customized Workstations: Adapt workspaces to allow for comfortable and safe operation by left-handed employees.
• Safety Protocols: Implement and enforce strict safety guidelines that consider the needs of left-handed workers.

Education and Awareness

Raising awareness about the increased risk of hand injuries among left-handed individuals is crucial. This can be achieved through:

• Safety Training Programs: Include specific modules on left-hand safety in occupational training.
• Public Health Campaigns: Promote general awareness about hand safety and the unique challenges faced by left-handed individuals.
• Research and Development: Encourage ongoing studies to better understand and address the risk factors associated with left-handedness and hand injuries.

The Impact of Left Hand Injuries on Quality of Life

Hand injuries, particularly those affecting the dominant hand, can have profound effects on an individual’s daily life, work capabilities, and overall well-being. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation strategies.

Functional Limitations

Injuries to the left hand can significantly impair a person’s ability to perform routine tasks, especially for left-handed individuals. Simple activities like writing, using utensils, or operating devices may become challenging or impossible, depending on the severity of the injury.

Occupational Consequences

For many, hand injuries can lead to temporary or permanent changes in occupational status. This may include:

• Extended periods of work absence during recovery
• Reduced work capacity or the need for job modifications
• Career changes if the injury prevents returning to previous occupational duties

Psychological and Emotional Effects

The impact of a hand injury extends beyond physical limitations. Many individuals experience psychological distress, including:

• Anxiety and depression related to functional limitations
• Body image concerns, particularly in cases of visible deformity or amputation
• Stress associated with financial pressures due to work absence or medical expenses

Long-term Rehabilitation and Adaptation

Recovery from a severe hand injury often requires a long-term commitment to rehabilitation. This process may involve:

• Ongoing physical and occupational therapy
• Learning new techniques for performing daily activities
• Adapting to prosthetics or assistive devices in cases of amputation

Understanding these diverse impacts underscores the importance of comprehensive care that addresses not only the physical aspects of hand injuries but also the functional, occupational, and psychological dimensions of recovery.

Advancements in Left Hand Injury Treatment and Research

The field of hand surgery and rehabilitation is continuously evolving, with new techniques and technologies emerging to improve outcomes for patients with left hand injuries. These advancements offer hope for better functional recovery and quality of life for those affected by hand trauma.

Microsurgical Techniques

Advances in microsurgery have revolutionized the treatment of complex hand injuries. These techniques allow for:

• More precise repair of small blood vessels and nerves
• Improved success rates in digit replantation
• Better functional outcomes in reconstructive procedures

Innovative Rehabilitation Approaches

New rehabilitation strategies are being developed to enhance recovery and restore function. These include:

• Virtual reality-based therapy for improved motor control and coordination
• Biofeedback techniques to optimize muscle retraining
• Advanced prosthetics with enhanced functionality for amputees

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Emerging research in tissue engineering holds promise for hand injury treatment, including:

• Development of bioengineered tendons and ligaments for replacement
• Stem cell therapies to promote tissue regeneration
• 3D-printed scaffolds for complex tissue reconstruction

Ongoing Research Initiatives

Continued research is crucial for improving our understanding and treatment of left hand injuries. Current areas of focus include:

• Investigating the biomechanics of left-handed individuals to inform better tool and equipment design
• Studying the neuroplasticity of the brain in adapting to hand injuries and developing targeted rehabilitation strategies
• Exploring new materials and technologies for more effective protective equipment

These advancements in treatment and ongoing research efforts offer hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals suffering from left hand injuries. As our understanding of hand biomechanics and injury mechanisms continues to grow, we can expect further innovations in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies tailored to the unique needs of left-handed individuals.

Left-hand dominance and hand trauma

. 1995 Nov;20(6):1043-6.

doi: 10.1016/S0363-5023(05)80157-1.

J S Taras 
¹
, M J Behrman, G G Degnan

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ Philadelphia Hand Center, PA 19107, USA.

• PMID:

  8583055

• DOI:

  10.1016/S0363-5023(05)80157-1

J S Taras et al.

J Hand Surg Am.

1995 Nov.

. 1995 Nov;20(6):1043-6.

doi: 10.1016/S0363-5023(05)80157-1.

Authors

J S Taras 
¹
, M J Behrman, G G Degnan

Affiliation

• ¹ Philadelphia Hand Center, PA 19107, USA.

• PMID:

  8583055

• DOI:

  10.1016/S0363-5023(05)80157-1

Abstract

To investigate the relationship between hand dominance and the risk of major hand injury, the case records of 125 patients who had been treated for digital amputation were retrospectively reviewed. A second group of 116 patients treated for minor hand trauma was similarly evaluated. The incidence of left-hand dominance among the digital amputation group was 35%, and among the minor trauma group the incidence was 11%. The left-handed were more likely to have an amputating injury of their dominant hand than were the right-handed (70% compared with 51%, respectively). The most common mechanism of amputating injury was by power saw. The present data suggest that left-handed individuals have a relative risk of sustaining an amputating injury that is 4.9 times greater than the right-handed individuals, while minor hand trauma occurs at rates proportional to the distribution of left handedness within the population. Additional safety measures and the redesigning of tools, assembly lines, and workstations are recommended to help decrease the incidence of serious hand injury among left-handed individuals.

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MeSH terms

Wrist, hand and finger problems

Wrist, hand and finger problems can cause a range of symptoms including:

• pain
• swelling and stiffness
• pins and needles or numbness

In many cases, new pain or a flare-up of long-standing wrist, hand and finger problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional.

What causes wrist, hand and finger problems?

Problems with the wrist, hand, and fingers are common and can be caused by simple things like carrying out repetitive tasks or an injury during sport or a fall.

As you get older, normal age-related changes can cause your wrist, hand or finger problem to flare-up now and again, often for no reason.

Can wrist, hand and finger pain cause problems elsewhere?

You may feel pain and stiffness in your forearm. This should improve as your problem gets better.

Sometimes you can experience altered sensation like pins and needles or numbness in your hand or fingers when the nerve is the irritated. If you have these symptoms speak to your GP.

Occasionally, problems felt in your wrist, hand or fingers can be due to a neck problem. This can happen even when you don’t feel pain in your neck. People with this sort of problem often describe the pain as pins and needles, sharp, hot or burning pain.

If you have any of these symptoms it would be helpful to read about neck problems.

Self-help

There are a number of things you can do to help your wrist, hand or finger problem.

Keeping your wrist, hand and fingers moving is an essential part of your treatment and recovery.

How to get moving

Within the first 24 to 48 hours after your wrist, hand or finger problem has started you should try to:

• reduce your activities but move as much as your symptoms allow
• put your hand in a supported position if it’s comfortable, when resting
• move the area gently for 10 to 20 seconds every hour when you’re awake

After 48 hours:

• try to use your hand more – exercise really helps and can relieve pain
• do whatever you normally would and stay at, or return to work – this is important and is the best way to get better

It’s beneficial to do specific exercises that can help in your recovery. They may be challenging at the beginning so just do what you can and try to build it up over time.

Exercises to help with wrist, hand and finger problems

Benefits of keeping active

Keeping active’s the single best thing you can do for your general health.

Being physically active can:

• maintain your current levels of fitness – even if you have to modify what you normally do, any activity is better than none
• keep your other muscles and joints strong and flexible
• prevent a recurrence of the problem
• help you aim for a healthy body weight

Avoid sports or heavy lifting until you have less discomfort and good movement. Remember to warm up fully before you start sporting activities.

Pain treatments

The following can help to reduce the pain:

• pain medication – this can help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery
• heat or ice packs

More about taking painkillers.

Treating with ice or heat

Heat or ice can be beneficial in the management of musculoskeletal pain.

Ice is most beneficial if your wrist, finger or hand problem is related to an injury. You can try heat to help your pain levels if there’s no swelling and your symptoms are not related to a recent injury.

Never place ice or heat directly on your skin. Use a barrier, like a towel, to protect your skin from a burn.

How long you use ice as a treatment can vary. However, you should generally apply heat or ice for up to 15 minutes. You should also leave a few hours between treatments.

You should stop treating the area with ice or heat and seek advice from a medical professional if you notice an increase in redness, discolouration or blistering of the skin.

If you have any issues with circulation or sensation, you shouldn’t use ice or heat as a treatment for wrist, hand or finger pain.

Work

It’s recommended you stay at or return to work as quickly as possible during your recovery. You don’t need to be pain and symptom-free to return to work.

Help and support

Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.

You should see the biggest change in your symptoms within the first couple of weeks. Most problems should have improved within 6 weeks.

If your wrist, or hand and finger problem hasn’t improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.

Find out how to access MSK services in your area.

causes, diagnosis, treatment in Yaroslavl

Hand injuries can be different, both in the location and in the nature of the damage. They occur in everyday life, during sports and professional activities. Injuries, hands can lead to structural changes in tissues, up to sprains and fractures. Therefore, immediately after traumatization, it is recommended to contact a traumatologist who will prescribe an X-ray examination and other diagnostic methods to make an accurate diagnosis and assess the degree of damage to the limb.

In the Clinic “CONSTANTA” you are always ready to receive qualified specialists in the field of traumatology with rich practical experience. Even if it seems to you that the hand injury is minor and you can get by with home treatment, it’s not worth the risk – it’s better to visit a doctor who will conduct an examination and assess the extent of the damage. Our Clinic is considered one of the best in Yaroslavl, as we have innovative equipment that is actively used for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Competent employees are always ready to discuss with the patient the questions of interest to him and provide qualified medical assistance in the framework of a particular clinical case.

How do hand injuries appear?

Symptoms of hand injuries depend primarily on the degree of damage. Contrary to popular belief, some patients do not feel severe pain even with arm fractures. Therefore, without professional skills and knowledge, the patient cannot visually determine what kind of injury has been received.

The main signs of a hand injury:

• soreness at the site of injury;
• puffiness;
• hematoma formation;
• restricted mobility;
• tissue redness;
• local temperature increase.

Immediately after the damage, carefully inspect the brush: are there deep abrasions, cuts on the skin, are bone fragments visible. Even if the integrity of the skin is not broken, before contacting a doctor, carry out an antiseptic treatment. Use any antiseptic you have at home – hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, diluted alcohol. Wipe or irrigate the area with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of secondary infection. Then apply a non-tight sterile bandage and go to an appointment with a traumatologist.

Many patients cannot accurately describe the mechanism of injury. If the pain intensifies even after first aid, the specialist may suspect the development of a compartment syndrome, which is characterized by an increase in pressure in the fascial space. A common cause of the development of compartment syndrome is shrapnel damage, which often leads to malnutrition of muscle tissue and the spread of the infectious process.

In most cases, hand injuries are not accompanied by prolonged pain and a high risk of complications. The most dangerous are open injuries, which can be complicated by the addition of an infection and occur with severe circulatory disorders (ischemia). In such cases, prompt medical attention is needed. Only a qualified specialist can assess the degree of damage to the soft and hard tissues of the hand, identify hidden and obvious blood flow disorders and injuries of large or small vessels.

Fortunately, up to 70% of hand bruises are mild and do not require hospitalization or serious treatment. Most often, patients injure their fingers during sports training and solving everyday problems. With age, bone density decreases, so even slight behavior or compression can lead to a crack or fracture.

Hand injuries often occur in childhood. They arise as a result of active games, during physical education. The problem of early diagnosis of injuries in children is that the child often cannot specifically describe his feelings and evaluate them. Even with cracks and fractures, some babies do not complain of severe pain, and sometimes children cry for a long time from a slight bruise, greatly frightening their parents. It is better to play it safe and still contact a specialist so that the doctor examines the site of damage and, if necessary, prescribes additional diagnostics.

Tendon injuries of the hand

Tendons are characterized by increased elasticity and ability to stretch. When muscle tissue contracts, it is the tendon that pulls the bone along with it, providing active movement. With tendon injuries, motor activity is sharply limited – the patient cannot bend and unbend the hand. Complete tendon ruptures require surgery. It should be carried out in the first few hours after the injury.

Wrist bruises

The classic bruise of the soft tissues of the hand is very common in the practice of traumatologists. It is accompanied by reddening of the tissue, moderate soreness and swelling, local fever. and no serious treatment is required in this case. Specialists are limited to local anesthetics, which help to quickly relieve swelling and relieve pain.

If, in addition to a bruise, a violation of the integrity of tissues is detected, it is necessary to use antiseptics, and, if necessary, antibacterial agents. This will prevent the spread of infection. In some cases, it is required to immobilize the limb until the diagnosis is clarified.

The quality of primary antiseptic treatment directly affects the purity of infectious complications. Many patients do not pay attention to the need to decontaminate the injury site before meeting with a traumatologist. After treatment with an antiseptic and dressing, it is recommended to apply dry cold to reduce the risk of bleeding and the formation of a large hematoma.

Fractures of the bones of the hand

The share of fractures of the bones of the hand accounts for up to 30% of all injuries of the skeletal system. As a rule, the injury occurs in everyday life, when falling with an emphasis on the brush. There may be a fracture of the wrist, phalanges of the fingers or metacarpal bones. An accurate diagnosis can be established by the results of an X-ray examination. Most often, specialists encounter bone fractures as a result of accidental injuries or when heavy objects fall on the hand.

Fractures of the metacarpal bones are open and closed, with and without signs of displacement, multiple, single, intra-articular and extra-articular. They can be combined with damage to other structures of the hand. Medical tactics are selected individually, based on examination data, taking into account the general well-being of the patient, his age and the nature of the damage. Diagnosis of hand injuries includes taking an anamnesis and conducting certain diagnostic studies. During the examination and communication with the patient, the doctor finds out the approximate time of the injury, the patient’s complaints, determines the presence or absence of movement restrictions.

Dislocations of the hand

Dislocation in the wrist joint occurs mainly during falls with an emphasis on the hand or during a direct blow with a fist or a heavy object. Also, the injury occurs with a strong arching of the hand. After injury, the patient complains of sharp pain in the area of ​​the wrist joint. Visually, you can determine the pronounced swelling of the tissues and severe pain during palpation. Motor activity in the joint is sharply limited. If during the injury there was compression of the median nerve, then there will be a loss of sensitivity in the innervated zone.

First aid for bruises and other injuries of the hand

Immediately after the injury, the patient should make sure that he received a minor bruise and that no bones are visible at the site of the injury. The wound is washed with warm water and soap, gently dried and antiseptic treatment is carried out. Then you need to apply dry ice for 5-10 minutes. After this time, the hand must be examined again, check the activity of the fingers and the range of motion.

In case of damage to the hand with a violation of the integrity of the skin, it is necessary to apply a bandage from a sterile bandage. When properly applied, the bandage completely covers the damaged tissue, does not hinder movement and does not cause any pain. Make sure that the bandage does not squeeze the skin. If the tissues begin to turn blue, sensitivity decreases, this indicates that the bandage must be urgently loosened or replaced.

Dry ice should be applied every hour for 5-10 minutes. Usually this is enough to reduce pain and prevent the appearance of a hematoma. Intermittent cold therapy is effective for minor bruises and injuries. More serious injuries require specialist advice and a comprehensive examination.

The main tasks of the first emergency aid for injuries of the hand:

• limb immobilization to prevent the development of complications;
• stop bleeding from a wound;
• prophylactic antiseptic treatment;
• reduction of swelling, pain, signs of an inflammatory reaction.

Patients are not always able to give themselves first aid for hand injuries, especially if the wound is bleeding and there is a pronounced pain syndrome. If you cannot adequately assess the complexity of the situation and your condition, it is recommended that you immediately contact medical professionals. They themselves will carry out antiseptic treatment, relieve pain and, if necessary, use immobilization.

Treatment of hand injuries

Tactics of treatment for injuries of the hand is selected individually, depending on the degree of damage. Closed soft tissue injuries are treated on an outpatient basis, using special tight bandages that help with sprains and joint damage. Additionally, the use of warm compresses is recommended, but their use is prohibited in the first three days after injury (due to the risk of infection and bleeding).

To reduce pain, local remedies with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties are used. Cold is applied for 2-3 days, and after that you can use heat compresses on medical alcohol. It is allowed to apply warming ointments to injured tissues to quickly dissolve bruises and reduce pain.

In case of damage to the joints and bones, immobilizing and plaster bandages are used for a period of two weeks. A good therapeutic effect for hand injuries has physiotherapy, which includes various procedures: UHF, electrophoresis using a 10% calcium chloride solution or 0. 5% novocaine, diadynamic currents.

Patients with injuries of soft and hard tissues of the hand need to be examined by a qualified specialist. As a rule, it is enough to adhere to the general recommendations of a traumatologist in order to quickly recover. It is necessary to limit physical activity for the first 2 weeks, to protect the injured hand from negative external influences. The patient is prescribed cold, rest and elevated position of the limb. Often, for injuries, compression is used with elastic bandages, elastic bandages or splints. The first day the hand should be in an elevated position to ensure effective lymph circulation and prevent the occurrence of edema.

In the case of using a plaster cast, it is necessary to inspect the skin around the cast daily in order to detect areas with inflammation or discoloration of the tissues in time. If you notice cyanosis of the skin, you need to seek medical help to restore the normal blood supply to the tissues. If tissue areas with signs of an inflammatory reaction are found, it is recommended to use special lotions with anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects.

Patients who suspect that they have a dislocation of the hand should immediately contact a traumatologist. The doctor will reposition the hand after high-quality anesthesia, and then fix the joint from the elbow to the base of the fingers with a plaster splint. If, even after reduction, the doctor determines the instability of the joint, additional fixation with Kirschner wires will have to be used. Compression of the median nerve requires surgery.

Rehabilitation after hand injuries

Rehabilitation is a mandatory step in the treatment of hand injuries. Rehabilitation measures may include physiotherapy techniques, massage, spa therapy, physiotherapy exercises, warming compresses, the use of therapeutic ointments. The effectiveness of rehabilitation depends on the motor activity and quality of life of the patient in the future. For the first months after the end of treatment, it is forbidden to expose the brush to increased physical exertion.

In our Clinic in Yaroslavl, you will be provided with the necessary assistance with hand injuries of any complexity. We are ready to answer all your questions and provide high-quality information support.

To ask questions or sign up for a consultation with a specialist, please call:
(4852) 37-00-85
Daily from 8:00 to 20:00

Numbness of the fingers of the left hand | possible causes, methods of treatment and diagnosis

The modern pace of life is fast and fast. Every day we have to do a lot of different work. Work can be long and monotonous, and may involve heavy lifting. We write, print, cook, do needlework, repair – all this cannot be done without the help of hands. Often there is an overstrain when a person feels tingling, “burning” of the limbs, the appearance of a sensation of “crawling”, loss of skin sensitivity. The hands look like someone else’s. Such signs may indicate paresthesia, that is, numbness. Doctors believe that if a person is young, then the cause is in the nervous system, and if he is elderly, in the vessels or the endocrine system. The disease may affect the hand or other parts of the hand, or it may only affect the fingers and their tips. There are several factors that affect the numbness of the left hand.

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Contents

1. Household causes of numbness of the fingers of the left hand
2. Causes of numbness of the fingers of the left hand
3. Injuries
4. Prevention of numbness of the fingers of the left hand

900 13 Treatment of numbness of the fingers of the left hand

5. Emergency

Household causes of numbness of the fingers left hand

These factors are not associated with health problems, may occur due to nerve compression, changes in blood circulation due to uncomfortable posture. Most often, loss of sensitivity of the fingers on the left hand occurs due to compression of the veins on the wrist with rubber bands on the sleeves, tight straps on the shoulders, watch straps, bracelets. It can be an “occupational disease” of musicians, artists, drivers, office workers and people who actively use their hands in their work.

In the morning, just getting out of bed, especially if during sleep the hands were under the head, they can become numb due to an uncomfortable position for a long time, a person feels tingling, “burning” of the limbs , the appearance of a feeling of “crawling crawling”. If these sensations end after a while, then there is nothing to worry about. Another reason for the loss of sensitivity of the fingers can be prolonged exposure to low temperatures, as a result of which the blood vessels narrow, the speed of blood movement in them decreases, and the fingers begin to ache from insufficient blood supply. In this case, you need to warm your hands.

Causes of numbness of the fingers of the left hand

Insufficient amount of vitamins, deficiency of vitamin B or minerals leads to fatigue, distraction, loss of concentration, vitamin A and E – to increased permeability and fragility of capillaries, muscle weakness, anemia. With a deficiency of B12, the introduction of cyanocobalamin is indicated, with a lack of B1, neuropathies, and other neurological diseases, pyridoxine, thiamine are recommended.
Metabolic disorders, accompanied by the deposition of cholesterol in the vessels, over time, leading to difficulties in the circulation of the hand. Blood moves along the aortic arches. On the palm there are two arcs – superficial and deep. From the aortic arch depart the arteries that carry blood to the upper limbs. The arteries in the hand are divided into: radial, ulnar, palmar. On the surface of the palm there are many small vessels. Due to blood clots that interfere with the free flow of blood through the arteries located in the palm, there is a gradual decrease in sensitivity.

et because of the protrusion of the walls of blood vessels, which leads to compression of the nerves. A decrease in vascular tone, a decrease in the quality of blood flow, an insufficient supply of oxygen to the vessels – these are facts that lead to loss of sensitivity of the fingers, damage to the intervertebral discs and thickening of the processes of the vertebrae, loss of elasticity of the ligaments. This condition is accompanied by the following symptoms: spasm of the joints, sleep disturbance, tingling and crawling, pallor of the palms, thickening of the nails, wiping thinning hair.
Raynaud’s disease can be identified by the characteristic capillary patterns of the blood vessels that adhere to the nail plates. The disease is characterized by chilliness of the fingers, a painful reaction to cold in the form of blanching. Difficult to treat, women get sick five times more often than men.
Takayasu’s disease. Numbness of the fingers in non-specific aortoarteritis is potentiated by ischemia of the upper extremities. Sensitivity disorders are supplemented by coldness, absence or weakening of the pulse in the arteries of the limb.
Derkum disease. Multiple lipomas compress the skin branches of the peripheral nerves, resulting in pain, numbness of the fingers, and fine motor skills disorders.
Mental disorders. Temporary numbness of the fingers (often paroxysmal) is observed in panic attacks, phobic disorders, hysterical neurosis. Sometimes it is combined with tremor, coldness, crawling sensation.
Loss of sensation in the fingers of the left hand may occur due to the formation of a herniated disc in the cervical spine.
Distinguishing symptoms:

• Discomfort in the arms and shoulders, hypertension, dizziness.
• Metabolic disorders in the body can lead to serious consequences and the following problems, such as diabetes, increased cholesterol levels, calcium and potassium deficiency, the formation of bruises and abrasions on the skin of a person.
• There are many nerve endings on the hands responsible for sensitivity. They are ulnar, radial, musculocutaneous, axillary, median. A malfunction in their work contributes to a slowdown in the transmission of impulses, which leads to a feeling of tingling.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome is a neurological disease that is manifested by prolonged pain and numbness of the fingers of the carpal tunnel. It can occur due to holding the hand in one position or due to repeated movements of the hand.
• Diabetic neuropathy due to diabetes mellitus, that is, nerve damage caused by high blood glucose. Neuropathy can damage any nerve, including causing muscle spasms, tingling of the palms, and decreased sensation in the hands.

Exacerbation of kidney disease leads to a decrease in arm mobility, as nitrogenous compounds in the blood affect the central nervous system.
A stroke is an enlargement of an arterial lumen or the formation of blood clots that prevent the free flow of blood through the circulatory system can lead to sudden weakness in the hand, loss of sensation in the little finger and ring finger. You can also understand that a stroke has occurred by other symptoms: decreased muscle tone, difficulty breathing, slurred speech, impaired coordination of movements, dizziness, increased pressure, sudden loss of consciousness.

Also, health problems can be diagnosed by a decrease in sensitivity in various fingers.
Middle finger – numbness indicates intervertebral hernia, protrusion, osteophyte, muscular-tonic syndromes. If there are sensations in the neck that radiate to the ring finger and little finger, the syndrome is called cervicobrachialgia. Often the ring finger is disturbed in tandem with the little finger.
Common causes of little finger numbness:

• carpal tunnel syndrome;
• pectoralis minor syndrome;
• scalene syndrome;
• brachial plexus lesion;
• infringement of roots by intervertebral hernia.

Ring finger – nerve compression in the elbow area. Perhaps they are injured.
Thumb. Vascular disorders cause coldness of the pads, freezing of the finger, cyanosis, swelling, redness. In many patients, pain rarely appears, the finger becomes numb from the elbow to the palm. In this case, there are pains in the chest, neck. Indicates osteochondrosis or lack of vitamins.
The index finger of the left hand is innervated by the median nerve, the base from above by the radial nerve.
If there is discomfort in the region of the heart, the pain radiates to the left hand, the ring finger and little finger go numb, dizziness and perspiration appear. It is urgent to call a doctor, these symptoms indicate a pre-infarction condition. With numbness of the fingers of the left hand, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed, because a correctly diagnosed and timely prescribed treatment will restore the normal functioning of the hand.

Injuries

Numbness of the fingers of the left hand occurs due to a violation of the integrity of the bone tissue, inflammation of the joints, damage to the tendons, as a result of a severe bruise. Often, problems with the spine, neck, or some parts of the brain lead to loss of sensation in the fingers of the left hand. If the numbness of the left hand arose due to an injury, then the cause of the pain can be seen immediately, and treatment can begin.

Prevention of numbness in the fingers of the left hand

Numbness of the upper extremities is the cause of discomfort, limited movement and reduced quality of life. It is not difficult to eliminate the loss of sensitivity of the fingers of the left hand.
Daily special physical exercises will help keep the fingers of the left hand alive:

• reduce salt intake;
• balanced diet, rich in essential vitamins and microelements;
• stop smoking and drinking alcohol;
• spend more time outdoors;
• protection of the hands from the cold, due to its negative effect on the joints of the fingers. In winter, you need to constantly hide your hands in warm mittens;
• regular execution of alternating warm-up for hands with load;
• when working at a computer, you need to take regular breaks;
• use of steroid-free anti-inflammatory drugs;
• taking painkillers;
• massaging the hands;
• physiotherapy;
• compresses and medicinal baths with medicinal herbs.

Treating numbness

Treatment for hand loss depends on the cause. In case of any deviations and problems, it is worth contacting a general practitioner in a medical clinic. This will help determine the exact cause of the persistent pain.
During the examination, the doctor will collect an anamnesis – the main complaints that disturb the patient, characteristic symptoms, the presence of chronic diseases, bad habits, injuries, the nature of the pain, if any, the patient’s lifestyle and main work activity. As a rule, further, if necessary, the doctor will refer you for additional diagnostic tests and laboratory tests. In some cases, it may be necessary to consult a doctor of a narrower specialty (for example, a neurologist or cardiologist). After that, an appropriate diagnosis is established and further complex treatment is prescribed.
In case of blood flow disturbance in the left arm, the patient is indicated for therapeutic measures, such as:
Therapeutic exercise. Regular exercise will help improve blood circulation in the arms. This can be achieved only by performing smooth, slightly slow movements with a small amplitude, the exercises must be performed slowly, without making sudden movements. Classes must be held in a well-ventilated area, but not in a draft.

Massage. Therapeutic method, effect on the skin, joints, muscles with a therapeutic purpose.

Physiotherapeutic procedures, which help eliminate the inflammatory process, improve tissue trophism by activating blood circulation, as well as normalizing nerve conduction. Therefore, a course of magnetotherapy procedures, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, phonophoresis, drug electrophoresis is usually prescribed.
With osteochondrosis, the patient needs to take medications with physiotherapy and manual therapy.

Emergency. It is necessary to pay attention to the numbness of the hand, especially if it happened suddenly. This can be a signal of a dangerous disease – thrombosis, stroke or heart attack. There are signs that may indicate the likelihood of these diseases:

• Numbness is constantly increasing
• Pain in the arm increases
• Increases blood pressure
• Speech is disturbed
• Facial asymmetry
• Paralysis 900 14
• Pain radiating to the jaw and back
• Feeling of tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting

The main thing to remember is that the body always warns about changes in advance, and does not suddenly fall ill. Few people notice problems that are just beginning, most often they do not pay attention to this, hoping that everything will pass by itself. The lack of time, the fear of doctors and injections, the decrease in the importance of what is happening, ultimately lead to the fact that the disease is greatly aggravated, it takes much more time for treatment, or the consequences can cost lives.
Numbness of the fingers of the left hand can occur due to various disorders in the functioning of the body, in order to determine the causes of their occurrence, you need to sign up for a consultation at the Osteo + osteopathy center in Moscow, here experienced specialists will conduct an examination using modern diagnostics, help eliminate the cause of the problem in a short time, prescribe the correct treatment. Know: numbness of the left hand can be a symptom of serious diseases and pathologies, so it is better to consult a doctor in time to avoid complications. Trust its diagnostics and treatment to professionals — sign up for a consultation at the Osteo+ osteopathy center in Moscow! Registration is available online on the website or by phone.