What Are The 3 Most Common Hand Injuries?
Did you know that nearly 1 in 6 people will suffer from a significant hand injury in their lifetime? The hands are essential tools that enable us to carry out a variety of daily tasks. It can be as simple as buttoning a shirt to as complex as typing an email or preparing food.
It is crucial to understand the most common hand injuries, their symptoms, and available treatment options in order to maintain optimal hand health and seek appropriate treatment when necessary.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON HAND injuries?
Trigger Finger:
Stenosing tenosynovitis, also known as Trigger Finger, is a condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position and straightens out suddenly, similar to pulling and releasing a trigger. This occurs when the sheath surrounding the affected finger is inflamed or narrowed, making it hard for the tendon to glide smoothly.
The following are common trigger finger symptoms:
Stiffness
Clicking or Popping Sensation
Pain
Locked Finger
Non-surgical treatments are effective for mild to moderate trigger finger cases. Resting the finger, using splints to keep it straight, and taking anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections directly into the tendon sheath offer significant relief by improving tendon movement and reducing inflammation. Surgery for trigger finger involves releasing the tight tendon sheath with a small incision in the palm. During this procedure, the tendon is allowed to move more freely, alleviating trigger finger symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the palm, is compressed or squeezed at the wrist. Carpal tunnels are narrow passageways in the wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments. Hands and arms can experience pain, numbness, and tingling when the median nerve is compressed.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) include:
Numbness and Tingling
Pain and Discomfort
Weakness
Burning Sensation
Fine Motor Difficulties
Surgical and non-surgical treatments are available for carpal tunnel syndrome. Wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and modifying activity to reduce wrist strain can be effective treatments for relieving symptoms and improving hand function. If conservative measures don't provide relief, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended. In this surgical procedure, the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel is released to relieve pressure on the median nerve, allowing improved nerve function and symptom relief.
Ganglion Cyst:
Typically located in the wrist or hand, ganglion cysts are non-cancerous, fluid-filled lumps that develop along the tendons or joints. These cysts contain synovial fluid, a thick, jelly-like fluid that lubricates joints and tendons. A ganglion cyst is formed when this fluid leaks out and accumulates in a sac.
Ganglion cysts are commonly characterized by the following symptoms:
Visible Lump
Pain
Swelling
Restricted Movement
Ganglion cysts can be treated in a variety of ways depending on their severity and symptoms. Mild cysts can be treated non-surgically with approaches such as observation and aspiration, in which fluid is drained using a needle. Cysts that are large, painful, or impair function may require surgical excision.
Remember, it's imperative to prioritize hand health by seeking prompt medical advice for symptoms.
