What are the causes?
Often, age and injury are to blame for hand injuries. The most common cause of a hand injury is when the patient falls on an outstretched hand. Other blunt trauma to the finger or hand are causes as well. Overuse and degradation of the tendon sheath or joint structure of the hand and wrist can lead to painful joint and tendon conditions.
What are the symptoms?
There are several symptoms of a hand injury, and you should seek medical care to see what can be done. Symptoms include pain in the hand or fingers or both, swelling, tingling or numbness, a clicking or grating sound when you move the hand or a finger, a physical deformity of a finger, or limited range of motion in either the hand or a finger or both.
What are my treatment options?
Depending on the location and severity of the injury, treatment may range from conservative measures to surgery. Jammed fingers usually only need ice, medication and taping the injured finger to a neighboring finger to heal. Dislocated fingers require x-rays and taping or splinting in order to heal properly. If you’ve fractured a finger, you will need x-rays, ice and splinting so that the injured finger realigns properly. If you experience a “Jersey finger” tendon tear, which is an injury that occurs when grasping an item and it tears your tendon, you will probably need surgery. If you’ve experienced a “skier’s thumb” ligament tear, you will need casting or even surgery to repair.
If you are interested in learning more about treatment options for a hand injury, call (219) 795-3360 today to schedule an appointment.
