Every day, our hands perform an array of functions – from typing on a keypad to lifting heavy things. But because they are so frequently used, our hands are also susceptible to injuries. Orthopedic specialists who specialize in hand surgery treat hand injuries and diseases, but they also highlight the need for prevention. In this article, you’ll learn valuable tips and tricks from orthopedic surgeons about how to avoid hand injuries and maintain healthy hands.
Understanding the Vulnerabilities and Hands
Understanding why our hands are susceptible to injury is essential before diving into prevention techniques. The human hand has a complex structure made up of ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The hand’s intricate design provides precision, strength, and agility. But it can also be prone to injury. The following are common hand injuries.
- Strains and Sprains: The sudden force of an impact (strains) or the overstretching (sprains) can cause the muscles or tendons to be stretched or torn.
- Fractures: Broken bones in the hand may be caused by falls, accidents, or direct trauma.
- Lacerations and Cuts: Sharp instruments, such as knives and other tools, may cause deep lacerations.
- Hand Burns: Thermal injuries from hot surfaces can harm the skin as well as the tissues below the surface of the hands.
- Repetitive Hand Positions and Motions: Conditions including carpal tunnel can develop as a result of repeated hand movements.
- Arthritis: The joints of the hand can be affected by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, causing pain and restricted mobility.
Prevention Tips
- Proper Ergonomics: Maintain good ergonomics whenever you work at a desk, computer, or other stationary device to avoid repetitive stress injury. Please set up your workspace so that it minimizes strain on the hands and wrists.
- Hand Health at Home: Always be careful and focused when you are cooking or using sharp objects. Always cut far away from your body. Also, keep scissors and blades sharp to prevent slipping.
- Activities and Sports: Wear protective gear like gloves when you are participating in activities or sports that may result in hand injuries. Use safety rules and regulations to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Warming up and stretching: Before engaging with activities that involve the use of hands for an extended period, such as playing musical instruments or using a keyboard, warm your arms by gently stretching to improve circulation.
- Strength & Conditioning: Use hand and arm exercises to improve the stability of joints and strengthen muscles. Consult a physical therapist for an individualized exercise program, if required.
- Resting and Taking Breaks: Take regular rests during repetitive work to allow your hands and wrists to recover. This allows your muscles to recover.
- Safety from Fire: Always wear protective gloves when handling open flames.
Conclusion
Our hands, which we use continuously in our daily lives, are valuable assets. For our health and independence, protecting and preventing injuries to the hands is essential. Orthopedics plays a crucial role in treating disorders and hand injuries. But their expertise extends beyond treatment. If you follow the tips and advice of orthopedics hand surgeon, you will reduce your risk for hand injuries. Your hands will also remain healthy and fully functional. It is important to remember that early intervention and proactive measures can have a significant impact on the quality of your life and your health.