Palm of Hand Injury: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Medical Attention
What are the common causes of palm injuries. How can you treat hand pain at home. When should you see a doctor for palm discomfort. What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. How is peripheral neuropathy in hands diagnosed and treated. What are the signs of an infected hand wound. How does vasculitis affect the palms.
Common Causes of Palm of Hand Injuries
Palm of hand injuries can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. These injuries often result from various causes, including accidents, repetitive motions, or underlying health conditions. Understanding the root cause is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of future injuries.
Some of the most frequent causes of palm injuries include:
- Blunt force trauma (e.g., dropping heavy objects on the hand)
- Falls resulting in hand impact
- Burns from cooking or other heat sources
- Cuts and lacerations to the palm
- Insect bites or stings
- Overuse injuries from repetitive tasks or sports activities
These injuries can affect various structures within the hand, including nerves, tendons, muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, and blood vessels. The severity of the injury determines the appropriate treatment approach and recovery time.
Recognizing Symptoms of Hand Injuries
Identifying the symptoms of a hand injury is crucial for determining the severity and necessary treatment. Common symptoms associated with palm injuries include:
- Pain and tenderness in the affected area
- Swelling and inflammation
- Bruising or discoloration
- Stiffness or limited range of motion
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Weakness or difficulty gripping objects
Are certain symptoms more concerning than others? While all symptoms warrant attention, signs of severe injury include intense pain, significant swelling, visible deformity, or inability to move the hand or fingers. These symptoms may indicate fractures, dislocations, or nerve damage and require immediate medical evaluation.
Home Treatment Options for Minor Hand Injuries
For mild hand injuries, several home treatment options can help alleviate pain and promote healing:
- Rest the injured hand as much as possible to prevent further damage.
- Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce swelling and numb pain.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage discomfort.
- Elevate the hand above heart level to minimize swelling.
- Gently perform range-of-motion exercises as pain allows to prevent stiffness.
How long should you try home treatments before seeking medical attention? If symptoms persist or worsen after 2-3 days of home care, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Its Impact on Palm Health
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort in the palm and fingers. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed or irritated.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Pain or aching in the palm, wrist, and fingers
- Numbness or tingling sensations, particularly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Weakness in the hand and difficulty gripping objects
- Symptoms that worsen at night or upon waking
Can carpal tunnel syndrome develop suddenly? While the condition typically develops gradually over time, symptoms can sometimes appear more abruptly, especially after activities that involve prolonged wrist flexion or extension.
Risk Factors and Treatment Options
Several factors can increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements
- Frequent use of vibrating tools
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Genetic predisposition
Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome range from conservative measures to surgical intervention:
- Wearing a wrist splint or brace, especially at night
- Modifying activities that aggravate symptoms
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
- Receiving corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Exploring alternative therapies such as yoga or acupuncture
- Undergoing carpal tunnel release surgery in severe cases
Identifying and Treating Infected Hand Wounds
Hand infections can be serious and potentially lead to complications if left untreated. Recognizing the signs of an infected wound is crucial for prompt treatment and prevention of further issues.
Signs of an Infected Hand Wound
- Increased pain, redness, and swelling around the wound
- Warmth in the surrounding skin
- Pus or abnormal drainage from the wound
- Fever or general feeling of being unwell
- Red streaks extending from the wound
Why is prompt treatment of hand infections so important? Hand infections can spread rapidly due to the complex anatomy of the hand, potentially leading to serious complications such as cellulitis, abscesses, or even sepsis if left untreated.
Treatment Approaches for Infected Hand Wounds
Treatment for infected hand wounds typically involves:
- Antibiotic therapy, either oral or intravenous, depending on the severity of the infection
- Wound cleaning and debridement to remove dead or infected tissue
- Incision and drainage for abscesses
- Elevation and immobilization of the affected hand to reduce swelling and promote healing
- Close monitoring and follow-up to ensure proper healing
In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary for more aggressive treatment and monitoring.
Peripheral Neuropathy: Its Impact on Hand Function
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the extremities, including the hands. It can cause a range of symptoms that impact hand function and quality of life.
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy in the Hands
- Severe pain, often described as burning or shooting
- Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations
- Numbness or loss of sensation
- Weakness and difficulty with fine motor skills
- Sensitivity to touch, even from light contact
How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed? Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, neurological tests, blood tests, and sometimes nerve conduction studies or electromyography to assess nerve function.
Causes and Treatment Options
Peripheral neuropathy can result from various factors, including:
- Diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)
- Traumatic injuries
- Autoimmune diseases
- Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Certain medications
Treatment approaches for peripheral neuropathy focus on managing symptoms and addressing underlying causes:
- Blood sugar management for diabetic neuropathy
- Pain management with medications such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or topical treatments
- Physical therapy to improve strength and coordination
- Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise
- Complementary therapies like acupuncture or massage
Vasculitis and Its Effects on Hand Health
Vasculitis is an inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels, which can have significant implications for hand health when it affects the vessels supplying the hands and fingers.
Understanding Vasculitis in the Hands
When vasculitis affects the hands, it can lead to various symptoms and complications:
- Pain and tenderness in the palms and fingers
- Reduced blood flow, causing coolness or color changes in the hands
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Skin ulcers or sores that are slow to heal
- Weakness and difficulty with hand function
How does vasculitis differ from other hand conditions? Unlike conditions that primarily affect nerves or muscles, vasculitis impacts the blood vessels, potentially leading to tissue damage due to reduced blood supply.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hand Vasculitis
Diagnosing vasculitis often requires a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes tissue biopsy. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage:
- Corticosteroids to suppress inflammation
- Immunosuppressive medications in severe cases
- Pain management strategies
- Lifestyle modifications to improve circulation, such as quitting smoking
- Physical and occupational therapy to maintain hand function
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing long-term complications and preserving hand function in individuals with vasculitis.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Palm Injuries
While many minor hand injuries can be treated at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. Recognizing these scenarios is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring proper treatment.
Signs That Require Prompt Medical Evaluation
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with home treatment
- Visible deformity or misalignment of the hand or fingers
- Inability to move the hand or fingers
- Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, or pus
- Numbness or tingling that doesn’t resolve
- Wounds that are deep, gaping, or heavily contaminated
- Injuries resulting from high-force impacts or crushing
Why is timely medical intervention important for hand injuries? The hand’s complex structure means that even seemingly minor injuries can lead to long-term functional impairment if not properly treated. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve outcomes.
What to Expect During a Medical Evaluation
When seeking medical attention for a hand injury, you can expect the following:
- A thorough physical examination of the hand and wrist
- Questions about the injury mechanism and your medical history
- Imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI if necessary
- Assessment of nerve function and blood flow
- Discussion of treatment options based on the diagnosis
Treatment may range from conservative measures like immobilization and physical therapy to surgical intervention for more severe injuries.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for palm of hand injuries is essential for maintaining hand health and function. Whether dealing with acute injuries, chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy, or inflammatory diseases such as vasculitis, prompt recognition and appropriate care are key to optimal outcomes. By staying informed and seeking medical attention when necessary, individuals can protect their hand health and maintain the ability to perform daily activities with ease.
Causes, treatment, and seeing a doctor
Pain in the palm of the hand can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Causes can include injuries, infections, and conditions that affect the nerves, blood vessels, or tissues inside the hands.
In this article, we describe some possible causes of pain in the palm of the hand, along with other symptoms and treatment options. We also look into general treatment tips and when to see a doctor.
Injuries to the hand are a common cause of pain and other types of discomfort, particularly in people who regularly use heavy equipment, play sports, or work in hazardous environments.
Injuries can damage key areas of the hand, including nerves, tendons, and muscles.
Examples of injuries that may lead to pain in the palm include:
- knocks, blows, and forceful impacts, such as from dropping something heavy on the hand
- falling on the hand
- burns, such as from a cooking injury
- cuts to the palm
- insect bites or stings
- overusing or overextending the hand, such as during sports or very repetitive tasks
Other symptoms of a hand injury can include bruising, swelling, and stiffness. More severe injuries can result in damage to the structures and tissues inside the hand and wrist, such as the:
- joints
- bones
- tendons
- ligaments
- nerves
- blood vessels
Treatment
A person can often treat mild hand injuries at home, such as by:
- resting the hand as much as possible
- applying ice to the area for up to 20 minutes at a time
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers
People with more severe injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, should seek prompt medical attention. Also, see a doctor for hand injuries that get worse or do not seem to be getting better.
When a person has carpal tunnel syndrome, this tunnel in the wrist becomes compressed or inflamed, placing pressure on the median nerve and tendons that run through it.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can include:
- pain in the wrist, palm, and fingers
- numbness or a tingling sensation in the palm and fingers
- weakness in the hand or a reduced ability to grip objects
Symptoms often begin gradually and may be worse at night or when a person first wakes up.
Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome can include:
- hand and wrist injuries that cause swelling
- regularly performing repetitive tasks with the hands
- a frequent use of vibrating hand tools
- pregnancy
- diabetes
- a family history of carpal tunnel syndrome
Treatment
Nonsurgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome can include:
- wearing a brace or splint
- avoiding or adjusting activities that may aggravate symptoms
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
- receiving prescription medications, such as steroid or lidocaine injections
- trying yoga, acupuncture, or chiropractic therapies
For people with severe or difficult-to-treat symptoms, a doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Share on PinterestA fever or general feeling of being unwell are potential symptoms of an infection.
If a cut or wound on the palm of the hand becomes infected, it can lead to pain and swelling.
Other symptoms of an infected cut or wound can include:
- pus or drainage
- redness around the area
- warmth in the surrounding skin
- a fever or generally feeling unwell
Treatment
It is essential for people with symptoms of a wound infection to seek medical treatment. An infection can lead to serious complications, such as cellulitis, abscesses, and sepsis.
Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for people with an infected cut or wound. If the infection is significant, a doctor may need to surgically drain the affected area.
Peripheral neuropathy typically refers to conditions that affect nerves in the body’s extremities, such as the hands and feet.
In the hands and fingers, peripheral neuropathy can cause:
- severe pain, which may result from even a light touch
- a burning or tingling sensation
- numbness or a loss of sensation
- difficulty moving or using the hand, such as when grasping objects
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimate that more than 20 million people in the United States have some type of peripheral neuropathy.
Diabetes and physical injuries are common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Other causes can include:
- autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- conditions that decrease oxygen supply to the peripheral nerves, such as atherosclerosis and vasculitis
- nutritional imbalances, such as vitamin B-12 deficiency
- infections that attack nerve tissues
- excessive alcohol intake
Treatment for peripheral neuropathy usually begins with addressing the underlying cause. For example, managing blood sugar levels may help reduce the effects of peripheral neuropathy in people with diabetes.
Doctors may also prescribe medications to help relieve pain, such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and skin creams.
Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels, and it can affect many parts of the body. There are numerous types of vasculitis and symptoms can vary considerably from person to person.
When vasculitis affects the hands, it may cause:
- shooting pains
- numbness, or a loss of feeling
- tingling sensations
- a loss of strength
Doctors do not fully understand what causes vasculitis. However, autoimmune disorders, infections, or certain blood cancers can sometimes trigger this condition.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of vasculitis and the location and severity of a person’s symptoms.
However, it often involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as steroids. For more severe vasculitis, doctors may recommend cytotoxic drugs, such as azathioprine, methotrexate, or cyclophosphamide.
Share on PinterestA doctor may recommend pain relievers to treat palmar fasciitis.
Palmar fasciitis is a rare medical condition that causes inflammation of the palmar fascia, a thickened band of tissue that connects the palm to the fingers.
The inflammation can make it difficult or painful when a person tries to straighten their fingers.
Palmar fasciitis usually affects both hands and is more likely to occur in people with polyarthritis.
Another condition affecting the palmar fascia is Dupuytren’s contracture.
Treatment
Treatment options for palmar fasciitis include:
- deep tissue massages
- pain relievers
- steroid therapy to relieve inflammation
A doctor may also recommend treating any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to palmar fasciitis.
People can often treat hand pain at home by:
- resting or immobilizing the hand, for example with a brace or splint
- applying an ice pack to the affected area for up to 20 minutes at a time
- taking over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and inflammation
- performing gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, such as grasping an exercise ball
- massaging the hands to promote circulation and relieve muscle stiffness
When pain is severe, or it gets worse or does not respond to home treatments, see a doctor.
Seek prompt medical attention for:
- severe hand pain
- severe hand swelling
- suspected dislocations or fractures in the hand or finger
- severe wounds or bleeding that will not stop
Pain in the palm often results from a minor injury or from overusing the hand.
However, hand pain can sometimes also be the result of an underlying issue, such as an infection, inflammation, or peripheral neuropathy.
If hand pain gets worse or does not get better with home treatments, see a doctor. Anyone who suspects that they have an infected wound or a broken or dislocated bone should seek prompt medical attention.
Pain in the palm of the hand
There are many causes of pain in the palm of your hand. You can often ease the pain yourself. But see a GP if the pain does not improve.
How you can ease palm pain yourself
If you see a GP about pain in your palm, they’ll usually suggest you try these things:
Do
rest your hand when you can
put an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) in a towel and place it on your palm for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
take paracetamol to ease the pain
remove any jewellery if your hand is swollen
stop or cut down activities that are causing the pain – for example, writing, typing, DIY or housework
wrap a bandage around your hand to support it
wear a splint to support your palm and ease pain, especially at night – you can get these at most pharmacies and supermarkets
keep your hands and wrists moving with gentle exercises to help ease pain and stiffness
Don’t
do not use ibuprofen in the first 48 hours after an injury
do not use heat packs or have hot baths for the first 2 to 3 days after an injury
do not lift heavy objects or grip anything too tightly
A pharmacist can help with hand pain
You can ask a pharmacist about:
- the best painkiller to take
- the best splint to support your hand and ease pain
- if you need to see a GP
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- pain in the palm of your hand is stopping you doing normal activities
- the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
- the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
- you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your hand
- you have diabetes – hand problems can be more serious if you have diabetes
- you have a painful palm and also feel unwell with a high temperature
- your palm is painful, warm, swollen and stiff
Immediate action required: Go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E if:
- you have severe pain in your hand
- you feel faint, dizzy or sick from the pain
- you heard a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of the injury
- you’re not able to move your thumb or hold things
- your finger or thumb has changed shape or colour
- you’ve lost the feeling of part or all of your hand
These might be signs of a broken hand.
What we mean by severe pain
- Severe pain:
- always there and so bad it’s hard to think or talk
- you cannot sleep
- it’s very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
- Moderate pain:
- always there
- makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
- you can manage to get up, wash or dress
- Mild pain:
- comes and goes
- is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities
Common causes of pain in the palm of your hand
Pain in the palm of your hand is often caused by bruising or injuring your hand.
Your symptoms might also give you an idea of what’s causing the pain in your palm.
Symptoms | Possible cause |
---|---|
Aching pain that’s worse at night, numbness or pins and needles, a weak thumb or difficulty gripping | Carpal tunnel syndrome |
Pain or tenderness in your palm at the base of your fingers or thumb, stiffness, clicking when you move your finger or thumb | Trigger finger |
Pain, swelling and stiffness that lasts a long time, may be hard to move fingers, may have a lump | Arthritis |
Sharp or burning pain, tingling or numbness, palm feels more or less sensitive to touch or heat | Peripheral neuropathy |
Heat, pain and redness in the palms | Erythromelalgia |
Information:
Do not worry if you’re not sure what the problem is.
Follow the advice on this page and see a GP if the pain does not get better in 2 weeks.
Page last reviewed: 24 March 2022
Next review due: 24 March 2025
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 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
Injury of the hand, treatment of the joint of the hand
Treatment and surgery of the wrist joint
According to the frequency of injuries, the hand ranks first among traumatological and orthopedic diseases. Fractures of the bones of the hand (scaphoid, phalanges of the fingers, metacarpal bones,), ruptures of the tendons of the flexors and extensors of the fingers, fractures of the radius and other injuries of the wrist joint do not allow the injured hand to function fully, and with untimely and incompetent treatment, injuries of the hand can cause disability.
MedicalConnectionsGmbH organizes the treatment of a hand injury in Germany at a high level. We offer a comprehensive approach – diagnosis, treatment and subsequent individual rehabilitation by the world’s leading specialist, a sports orthopedist who operates exclusively on the wrist joint – Dr. Schutz. The correct implementation of all stages (from examination to rehabilitation measures) under the supervision of an experienced doctor allows you to get the maximum effect from the treatment of a hand injury, both in the short and long term.
Symptoms of hand injury
Characteristic signs of fractures of the hand – edema, local pain on palpation and load, weakness in the joint, limitation of movement; with rupture of the flexor/extensor tendons of the fingers – the impossibility of active flexion/extension of the fingers.
Diagnostics
For accurate diagnosis of hand injuries in German specialized clinics, they use:
• clinical examination;
• x-ray;
• computed tomography;
• MRI;
• ultrasound examinations;
• ultrasonography;
To clarify the diagnosis and determine the exact amount of damage, arthroscopy is prescribed.
Treatment
Surgical treatment of hand injury using microsurgical technique
Dr. Schütz is a sports osteopath and plastic surgeon who treats hand fractures using the latest minimally invasive, functionally stable osteosynthesis technology. The world’s leading specialist in wrist surgery, masters innovative techniques of reconstructive procedures at the highest level and restores the functionality and aesthetics of the hand, even in cases that, according to some experts, seem hopeless.
Advantages of surgery
In case of bone fractures, even minor, not completely eliminated displacement of fragments can lead to dysfunction of the hand. If limited to conservative treatment, long-term immobilization will be required. In the future, this can cause stiffness in the joints and long-term rehabilitation treatment.
Operative methods of treatment of a hand injury provide accurate reposition (restoration of the anatomical configuration) and stable fixation of the bones. Thanks to this:
• eliminates the possibility of secondary displacement of fragments;
• no additional fixation with plaster or polymer splint required;
• it becomes possible to make early movements in the joints;
• Fast recovery of normal hand function.
Microsurgical intervention is carried out from mini-approaches. This allows you to minimize the size of the surgical injury, so that the development of the fingers can be started already on the 3-4th day after the operation.
In the treatment of nonunion fractures and false joints of the navicular bone, osteosynthesis with a conduction screw is used. If necessary, bone grafting is performed. Thanks to this, the fracture of the navicular bone heals, which avoids the development of such a serious complication as severe arthrosis of the wrist joint.
In case of ligament injuries, a tendon suture is performed using microsurgical technique. In chronic ligament injuries – tendon plasty (one-stage or two-stage).
German clinics successfully provide assistance to victims with hand injuries, regardless of the time of occurrence of damage and the degree of complexity. Modern methods of surgical treatment using microsurgical techniques provide the fastest and most complete restoration of hand function. The rehabilitation course in a private clinic is carried out by the coaches of the Olympic team and the best physiotherapists in Bavaria.
The entire process of treating a hand injury is supervised by one of the world’s best specialists in hand microsurgery, a leading orthopedist, plastic surgeon, Dr. Schutz.