Five Most Common Hand Injuries

A person uses their hands in almost everything they do, from turning off the morning alarm clock, preparing and eating their breakfast, placing a call on their phone, even scratching their leg. Hands are oh-so necessary! Here are five of some of the most common hand injuries.

1) Broken bones are a common hand injury. There are many delicate bones in a person's hands and how they are aligned is of utmost important to the way they perform. If you feel you may have a fracture, it is important to see a physician who will perform an x-ray and exam to determine if and where the break is.
Some symptoms include pain, swelling, inability to move the fingers properly, and deformity. If you do have a break, your physician will most likely treat it by resetting it into correct position, then applying a cast or splint. At times this may need to be followed up by physical therapy.
2) Burns are another common hand injury because of the amount of time they are right in the thick of our work: in cooking, working with electricity, tending fireplaces, camping cookouts, etc. The first thing that should be done in the case of a burn is to submerge the skin in cold water.
Never put butter (which was an old wives' tale of the past) on a burn, as that holds the heat in, allowing more damage to the skin. The cold water will stop the burning from progressing into other tissues. If the damage appears severe, seek medical attention right away.
3) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition brought on by diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. It can also be brought on by obesity, pregnancy or repetitive movement. It is due to swelling in the hand and wrist area which affects the nerves in the area.
This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling and loss of strength. There are exercises which can help mild cases or even in the prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
4) Nail bed injuries occur in the fingernail portion. They are usually due to a blow with a heavy object such as a hammer during carpentry work or being inadvertently slammed in a door. Swelling occurs under the nail bed, causing pain and inflammation.
It is a good idea to see a physician in any other than mild cases, because deformity and infection can occur. Fluid and blood may need to be drained by the physician, which will reduce pressure and allow the area to heal.
5) Lacerations are cuts. Mild lacerations can be treated at home with a cleansing and topical antibacterial cream, but a deep cut, one that exposes bone and muscle will need to be stitched up in order to properly heal.(Andrew Stratton)
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