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When hand tendon injuries do not respond to nonsurgical treatments like medications, splinting, and physical therapy, tendon repair surgery is an effective option to restore hand function and alleviate pain. During this surgery, damaged or ruptured tendons are surgically repaired to reconnect the muscles and bones, allowing the hand to regain mobility and strength.
When hand tendon injuries do not respond to nonsurgical treatments like medications, splinting, and physical therapy, tendon repair surgery is an effective option to ... Read More
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A hand tendon injury refers to any damage caused to the tendons in your hand. These tendons, both flexor tendons and extensor tendons, play a crucial role in our ability to move and control our hands.
In your hands, there exist two groups of tendons: the flexor tendons of the hand which help you bend your fingers and the extensors of the hand which aid in straightening them out. These crucial structures run through the length of your hand and wrist, ensuring mobility and functionality.
An injury to these tendons can significantly impair hand function. For example, if the flexor zones of the hand are injured, it might become difficult for you to hold objects or perform tasks that require fine motor skills like writing or buttoning a shirt.
In India, hand ligament injuries are quite common due to various lifestyle habits and professional demands. From sports enthusiasts to manual labourers, everyone stands at risk of developing a hand tendon injury. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as surgical intervention or physiotherapy exercises can help manage these injuries effectively.
Hand tendon injuries can be caused due to various factors:
Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention, and timely treatment of hand tendon injuries, which can have a significant impact on daily activities and overall hand function.
One’s hand is a sophisticated tool with a complex system of tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Different types of injuries can significantly impair hand function, particularly when they involve the tendons in the hand. Here’s a brief explanation of the different types of hand tendon injuries:
Hand ligament injuries or tendon injuries present various symptoms, depending on their type and severity. The most common symptoms include:
The first step in diagnosing hand tendon injuries or hand ligament injuries involves a thorough medical history review. The doctor will seek to understand how the injury happened and discuss the symptoms with you.
Following this, a physical examination is conducted. This includes assessing your hand’s range of motion, pain levels, and any visible swelling. Physical investigation often provides vital clues about the nature and extent of the tendon injury.
The next step might involve imaging tests, such as X-rays. While X-rays help rule out fractures, more detailed images of soft tissues, including tendons and ligaments in hand and wrist, can be obtained using ultrasound or MRI scans.
The treatment for hand ligament injuries or tendon injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury. Non-surgical treatments include immobilisation using splints or casts to keep the affected area stable. Physical therapy involving targeted exercises can improve range of motion and strengthen the hand after initial healing. Steroid injections might be administered to reduce inflammation in conditions like De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
However, certain conditions require surgical intervention. For fully torn tendons, tendon repair surgery might be necessary where the ends of the torn tendon are stitched back together. Release procedures are beneficial in cases like Trigger Finger or De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis where the tendon sheath is constricted.
After surgery, rehabilitation is crucial to restore full function to the hand and to prevent complications like stiffness or the formation of scar tissue. This may involve wearing a splint for several weeks followed by a structured physical therapy programme. Understanding these treatments for hand ligament injury fosters quicker recovery and helps pre-empt potential complications.
Hand tendon injuries are usually brushed off as minor injuries, but they can turn into serious conditions in the following circumstances:
While it’s not always possible to prevent a hand tendon injury, you can certainly reduce your risk. Regular stretching exercises help maintain flexibility in the tendons and muscles in your hand. Remember to always use protective gear while participating in sports and be cautious when using sharp objects. Despite these preventative measures, if you experience pain or discomfort, consult with your family doctor immediately who may refer you to a specialist if needed.
Hand ligament and tendon injuries often come with misconceptions. Let’s debunk some myths and highlight some facts:
If you suspect a hand ligament injury, you should consult with your family doctor or an orthopaedic specialist as soon as possible. Delaying consultation and treatment might exacerbate the problem, leading to more serious implications such as a complete loss of hand function. Remember, it is always better to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any hand pain or discomfort, especially if it affects your daily activities.
When consulting with your doctor about your hand ligament injury, consider asking:
Tendons in our hands and wrists are essentially the fibrous cords that connect our muscles to the bones. When we move our fingers or wrists, these tendons glide smoothly with the help of tendon sheaths that reduce friction. There are two main types of tendons in our hands: flexor tendons, which enable us to bend our fingers; and extensor tendons, which help straighten out our fingers.
The flexor zones of the hand refer to five distinct regions that help physicians identify and classify injuries to the flexor tendons. From the fingertip towards the wrist, they are labelled as Zone I to V respectively. Each zone has unique characteristics which impact how injuries in these areas are treated.
A hand ligament injury happens when the ligaments, or fibrous tissues connecting bones together, are stretched or torn. This can be due to overuse or trauma, such as a fall or direct impact on the hand. Such injuries can result in pain, swelling and impaired function.
The extensors of your hand are muscles that are located on the backside of your forearm. They connect to various bones in your hand via extensor tendons, and play a crucial role in straightening your fingers and thumb and aiding wrist movements.
Treatment for hand ligament injuries starts with rest and immobilisation of the affected area to allow healing. Anti-inflammatory medication may be given for pain relief, coupled with physiotherapy once the initial swelling subsides. In severe cases where ligaments are completely torn, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Yes, there are specific hand tendon injury exercises advised by physiotherapists. These exercises help regain strength and flexibility in the injured hand. They may include finger bends, wrist flexion and extension, and thumb bends and stretches. However, these must be done under the guidance of a physiotherapist to avoid further injury.
Flexor tendon injuries generally occur from cuts on the palm side of the hand where flexor tendons are located. They cause difficulty in bending one or more fingers. Extensor tendon injuries, on the other hand, are usually due to cuts on the back of the hand and can make it hard to straighten your fingers or thumb.
Hand ligament and tendon injuries are quite common in India, largely due to falls, sports-related activities, or workplace accidents. They can affect people of any age group, but those involved in manual labor or high-risk sports are particularly at risk.
Preventive measures include using appropriate safety equipment in sports or work environments, practicing good ergonomics while handling objects or performing repetitive tasks, warming up before engaging in physical activities, and engaging in regular hand and wrist strength training exercises.
Not all hand tendon injuries require surgery. In fact, many minor injuries can be managed with rest, anti-inflammatory medication, ice application, and physiotherapy. However, for severe tears or ruptures that significantly impair function, surgical intervention may be necessary.
