Upper limb injuries

At one time or another, we have all had a minor injury to a finger, hand, or wrist that caused pain or swelling. Most of the time, our body movements don't cause problems, but it's not surprising that there are symptoms as a result of daily wear and tear, overuse, or injury.

Injuries to the fingers, hands, or wrists occur most often during the day:

-Sports or recreational activities.
-Work related tasks.
-Work or projects at home, especially if using machinery such as lawn mowers, snow ploughs, or hand tools.
-Accidental falls.
-Fist blows.

The risk of injury to fingers, hands, or wrists is higher in contact sports, such as wrestling, football, or soccer, and in high-speed sports, such as cycling, skating, skiing, snowboarding and skateboarding. Sports that require supporting one's body weight with hands and arms, such as gymnastics, can increase the risk of injury. Sports that use handheld equipment, such as ski poles, hockey or lacrosse sticks, or racquets, also increase the risk of injury.

In children, most finger, hand, or wrist injuries occur while playing sports or games, or as a result of accidental falls. Any injury to the end of a long bone near a joint could injure the growth plate (physis) and should be evaluated.

Older adults are at higher risk for injuries and fractures because they lose muscle mass and bone strength (osteopenia) as they age. They also have more problems with vision and balance, which increases their risk of accidental injury.

Most minor injuries heal on their own, and home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve symptoms and promote healing.

Sudden (acute) injury

An acute injury may occur as a result of a direct blow, a stabbing injury, or a fall, or by twisting, shaking, crushing, or bending an abnormally shaped limb. The pain may be sudden and severe. Bruising and swelling may also occur soon after the injury. Acute injuries include:

• Bruising . After an injury to the wrist or hand, bruising may spread to the fingers from the effect of gravity.
• Ligament injuries, such as a skier's thumb injury.
• Injuries to tendons, such as hammertoes.
• Joint injuries (sprains).
• Muscle pulls (strains).
• Broken bones (fractures), such as a wrist fracture.
• Dislocations .
• Crush injury, which can lead to compartment syndrome.

Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries occur when you overexert yourself with a joint or other tissue, often by "overdoing" an activity or by repeating the same activity. Overuse injuries include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on a nerve (median nerve) in the wrist. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers and hands.

• Tendon pain is actually a symptom of tendinosis, a series of very small tears (microtears) in or around the tendon tissue. In addition to pain and tenderness, common symptoms of tendon injury include decreased strength and movement in the affected area.

• De Quervain's disease can occur in the hand and wrist when the tendons and tendon covering (covering) on the thumb side of the wrist become swollen and inflamed.

Treatment

Treatment for an injury to the fingers, hands, or wrists may include first aid measures; medications; dressing for support; application of a brace, splint, or cast; physical therapy; and, in some cases, surgery. Treatment depends on the following:

• The location, type, and severity of the injury.
• How long ago the injury occurred.
• Your age, health, and activities (such as work, sports, or hobbies).
• Review your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.

If you need recommendations or help in orthopedic surgery and traumatology do not hesitate to contact me.

Dr. Leopoldo Maizo - Orthopedic Surgeon

---

Firma diseñada por @themonkeyzuelans, contáctalos vía Discord "themonkeyzuelans#9087"

---

Great projects from the Steemit community:

click here @fundition

• My Fundition campaign: https://fundition.io/#!/@drmaizo/6f88ggj8h

click here @cryptoeater

click here @familyprotection

click here @talentclub