The wrist and hand is composed of 29 bones, 19 in the hand and fingers, 8 in the wrist and 2 in the forearm. As a complex the wrist, hand, and fingers are capable of a great variety of movements, however the forearm muscles are actually responsible for most of the movement and strength of the hand and fingers.
The hand is a very commonly injured part of the body because of its constant involvement in almost all activities. Because of this it requires accurate and early diagnosis of hand & wrist injuries to obtain optimal recovery. Minor hand injuries or wrist injuries if not treated appropriately can become chronic problems, affecting not only day to day activities but also your job requirements and lifestyle. It is advised that you seek the advice of a physiotherapist if you have sustained an injury to this area.
Most injuries can be separated into acute or chronic.
Acute wrist / hand injuries include:
- Bruises
- Torn ligaments such as skiers thumb
- Sprains – injuries to joints
- Strains – injuries to muscles
- Fractures
- Dislocations
Chronic wrist / hand injuries include:
- Tendinosis
- De Quervains disease
- Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
We provide assessment, diagnosis and management of hand injuries. Whether you have been injured at home, work or playing sport we can help you. We can assess and diagnose your hand injury and order x-rays if necessary. If you need medical management we will talk to your Doctor as required to organise further care.
Everyone most probably has had a wrist injury or hand injury at some stage in their life. These are commonly caused by:
- Overuse type injuries from work
- Sporting or recreational activities
- Falls
Wrist injuries or hand injuries such as wrist sprains are commonly seen by physiotherapists and these are caused by a fall and trying to stop the fall with your hand. Commonly the wrist is bent backwards and symptoms will appear such as swelling, bruising, loss of range of motion and loss of wrist strength.
For this type of injury the physiotherapist will accurately diagnose the wrist injury and then work out a treatment plan accordingly. Usually RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) principles are the first part of the treatment, followed by other hand physiotherapy techniques. Some of these hand physio treatment techniques for the wrist injury include immobilization, exercise, stretching, splinting and strength.
TIP OF THE MONTH
Try doing something creative for five minutes everyday. Draw a quick picture with coloured pencils just for fun or write a short poem. Even the smallest burst of creativity may inspire you.
TOWARDS WELLNESS
For a total workout, include spirit, mind and body. Consider some alternatives to your regular weight and cardio training. For a change of pace, try yoga, Pilates or tai chi, all of which engage your spirit, mind and body. Include these alternative mind/body disciplines on a regular basis. Add them to your workout regime and feel the difference.
