Hands, Fingers and Thumbs

Digg this page

A hand injury may not seem as drastic as other larger limb injuries but without full function of the hand fingers and thumb, sports such as badminton, weight lifting or any throwing or catching action is nearly impossible.

CAUSES OF HAND FINGER AND THUMB INJURIES

Usually the hand has had a direct blow from perhaps a hockey stick or the athlete has fallen causing damage to the hand. A finger injury is frequently damaged in rock climbing or become stubbed when catching a ball. The thumb often becomes twisted or jolted. Thumb injuries can be from continually gripping a ball as in cricket, for example long bowling practice sessions or from constant cycling, or pressure being put on the thumb whilst gripping the handle bars. In many cases it is the nerve in the thumb that becomes damaged.

SYMPTOMS

If the hand has suffered a fracture, that is a bone or bones have been broken or cracked in the hand, there will be pain and swelling to the hand and the hand will not be able to move.

With finger injuries the bones can be displaced or dislocated and you will be able to see the finger out of joint. There may also be some swelling. It may be that a finger has a sprain which is a torn or partially torn ligament, or it may be a finger tendon injury which is a strain. The finger will not move and there will be swelling around the joint.

The thumb may have numbness and tingling or a pins and needles sensation.

TREATMENT TO AID RECOVERY OF THE HAND

For a fracture of your hand you should see your doctor. To relieve pain after injury apply ice over the injured area for 15 minutes using a towel between ice and skin to prevent ice burn. Also make a sling to immobilize your hand keeping your hand up to control swelling. Try to move you elbow and shoulder as much as possible because if they stiffen up, it will delay recovery of you hand.

For a finger dislocation apply ice for 15 minutes after injury and leave the finger how it is found. Do not attempt to put the finger back into position as there may also be a fracture. It is advised to seek medical advice.

A thumb injury needs rest and perhaps as in cycling adjust the bike to fit the rider better, and relax the grip where ever possible in ball practice.

HAND AND FINGER EXERCISES

Spread your fingers apart and close them several times.
Imitate a typing action and do this as fast as you can.
Place your hand palm down on a table and lift each finger in turn.
Squeeze a rubber ball, hold for a count of ten and release the your grip.

Repeat these exercises regularly during the day as long as there is no pain or discomfort.

Advanced exercises

Throw a ball against a wall and build up to throwing a ball with a partner gradually using more distance in between.
Use a racquet, golf club or other equipment to practise strokes before returning to your sport.

PREVENTING HAND AND FINGER INJURIES

Use protective gloves when necessary. Football goal keepers can also wear reinforced gloves to prevent fingers bending backwards when saving the ball. Always warm the fingers up before activity as this will bring blood and oxygen to the working parts.