Common Injuries of the Wrist and Hand Wrist

Common Injuries of the Wrist and Hand

Wrist and Hand Anatomy �The hand including the wrist consists of 27 bones � 8 carpals make up the wrist � 5 metacarpals form the structure of the hand � 14 Phalanges are the bones of the fingers

Wrist and Hand Anatomy � 8 muscles create movement at the wrist � 3 Muscles move the hand � 8 muscles move thumb � 9 muscles move the fingers

Did you know… �Injury to the thumb ligament is one of the more common skiing injuries. It ranks second only to knee sprains.

Fractures of the Wrist and Hand �Finger fractures- can involve any of the three phalanges (bones) in each finger (two in the thumb) Most finger fractures can be treated with a finger splint, but if the fracture is severe may be necessary to use pins, wires or screws �Boxers fracture – break in the 5 metacarpal leading to the little finger Often the result of slamming a clenched first against a solid object

Fractures of the Wrist and Hand �Baseball Finger- an injury to the finger resulting from tearing of the finger tendon and damage to the cartilage Occurs when a ball or other object strikes the tip of the finger bending it beyond its normal range of motion �Scaphoid fracture – a break in the scaphoid bone in the thumb The most commonly fractured bone in athletics – often occurs from falling onto an outstretched hand

Tendonitis �Inflammation of tendons caused by overuse or repetitive stress �de. Quervains Tenosynovitis- tendonitis originating at the base of the thumb

Tendonitis – Signs and Symptoms �Ache or pain at the wrist �Worsens with forceful gripping, rapid wrist movements or moving the wrist and fingers to an extreme position

Tendonitis – Treatment �Rest �Ice – Ice bath or Ice Massage �Anti-Inflammatory medications

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome �Carpal Tunnel is a passageway that runs from the forearm through the wrist, the median nerve runs through here �Median nerve – supplies feeling to the thumb, index and ring fingers �Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – an inflammatory disorder caused by irritation of the tissues and nerves around the median nerve

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome �Women are three times more likely than men to get carpal tunnel syndrome �Certain conditions can increase your risk: Diabetes Gout Hypothyroidism Rheumatoid arthritis Pregnancy Sprain or fracture of the wrist

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Signs and Symptoms �Pain, numbness and tingling in the wrist, hand fingers �May experience sense of weakness and develop a tendency to drop things �May have trouble fastening buttons

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Signs and Symptoms �May feel that hands are swollen even though there are no visible signs of swelling �May lose a sense of heat and cold �Symptoms occur both when the hand is being used and when at rest

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Treatment �Affected hand wrist should be rested for at least 2 weeks �Wear a wrist splint or brace to keep the wrist from bending �Ice massage or ice bath �Strengthening exercises

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Treatment �If carpal tunnel syndrome is left untreated the muscles on the thumb side of the hand can atrophy (shrink and waste away)

Rheumatoid Arthritis �A disorder that causes inflammation of the lining of the joints. �The body is mistakenly attacked by its own immune system. �It is a chronic disorder that can worsen over time and may never go away.

Rheumatoid Arthritis �Affects about 1% of the US population �Usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, but can also affect younger and older individuals. �Occurs three times more often in women than men. �Cigarette smoking and family history increase the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Signs and Symptoms �Pain, warmth and swelling at the joint �Joint pain usually occurs on both sides of the body at the same time. �Joint stiffness that usually occurs in the morning or after periods of inactivity. �Ongoing fatigue and low grade fever.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Signs and Symptoms �Inflammation of the lining of the joints can destroy cartilage and bone which can cause deformity of the joints. �As the condition progresses joints can develop considerable pain and loss of function.

Rheumatoid Arthritis X-Ray

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis �The most common type of arthritis in kids. �Causes joint inflammation, stiffness and damage �Can affect a child’s growth.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Treatment �There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and pain. �Moist heat, paraffin bath, acupuncture and regular exercise (avoid high impact activities) have been shown to help with symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Wrist and Hand Strengthening Exercises �Squeeze a stress ball Firmly squeeze the ball 20 times rest for 30 – 45 seconds and repeat �Wrist Stretch Extend hand away from the body Pull fingers towards the ground Hold the stretch for 20 -30 seconds

Wrist and Hand Strengthening Exercises �Wrist Flexion Hold a dumbbell and bring arm over the edge of a table with palm towards ceiling Bring hand up towards ceiling and lower back down – repeat 15 -20 times �Wrist Extension Hold a dumbbell and bring arm over the edge of a table with palm towards floor Bring hand up towards ceiling and lower back down – repeat 15 -20 times

Preventing Overuse Injuries �Read the following article (click on hyperlink) Write a 300 word summary of the article (can be written or typed Create 3 questions for a class discussion (print a copy of the article if you want to refer to it during the class discussion) �Preventing Overuse Injuries