Hand/Wrist Injuries
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Inflamed tendons and their synovial sheaths within the tunnel cause carpal tunnel syndrome. This inflammation leads to compression of the median nerve. Repeated wrist flexion or direct trauma to the wrist is the cause of this condition. The signs and symptoms and tingling, numbness, weakness in thumb movement. Management of this condition requires rest, immobilization, and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. If the conditions persist, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Finger Dislocations
Fingers may become dislocated by hyperextension of the finger or twisting or shearing forces. Signs and symptoms of finger dislocations may include pain, swelling, and deformity. Treatment for this injury is cold application, splinting, and reduction of the dislocation.
Finger Fractures
Direct crushing or compressive forces usually cause finger fractures. Signs of a finger fracture may include pain, swelling, and deformity. Treatment of a finger fracture requires splinting, cold application, and referral to a physician.
Wrist Fracture
The most common location for a wrist fracture is at the distal end of the radius or ulna (forearm bones), and the scaphoid bone (one of the carpal bones in the hand). The usual mechanism for this injury is to fall on an outstretched hand. Signs and symptoms are like a severe sprain with swelling and point tenderness. Management of this injury requires immobilization, cold application, and referral to a physician for an x-ray.
Wrist Sprain
A wrist sprain is the most common of all wrist injuries. They occur by falling on an outstretched hand that is hyperextended, violent flexion, or torsion. Signs and symptoms for a wrist sprain include pain, swelling, and difficult moving the wrist. Sever sprains should be x-rayed. Management of a wrist sprain includes splinting, cold application, and bracing or taping for support to prevent further injury.
Wrist Strain
Wrist strains occur with repetitive motions that cause overuse o the wrist tendons and their sheaths. Signs and symptoms include pain with use or passive stretching, and tenderness and/or swelling over the tendon. Management of this condition consists of rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, ice massage, and rehabilitation of progressive-resistive exercises.
