Complex in its function and design, the hand is one of the vital body organs. Any injuries to the structures of your hand can lead to a potential life-devastating complication. To avoid such health risks, it is often advisable to seek proper medical attention from a board-certified healthcare provider. Different hand injuries are associated with different symptoms, but the most reported injuries include; bruising, swelling and pain. Hand fractures often affect your range of movement and may be accompanied by numbness, weakness, bleeding, and deformity for more severe cases. Hand burns can also cause skin discoloration, blistering, and redness. Early evaluation of hand injuries allows quick healing and eliminates the risk of severe function. In this post, we will tell you why you should have your hand injuries evaluated by Dr. Kristopher Downing La Jolla.
Cuts or Lacerations
If you experience any lacerations or cuts on your hand, you should apply pressure to the wound to stop excessive bleeding. If possible, get clean water to help wash the debris and dirt from the wound. Once the wound is properly cleaned, carefully cover it to prevent further injury or infection. If there are any large foreign objects embedded in your hand, such as knives, hooks, or nails, do not remove them; instead, seek immediate medical attention.
Broken bones or joint dislocations
If you experience hand fractures or joint dislocations, you are advised to cover the injury with a clean cloth, gauze, or towel if the fracture is open. Apply ice packs on the dislocated joint for about 20 minutes to help relieve the pain. Make sure to seek professional medical evaluation.
Soft tissue injuries
For soft tissue hand injuries or amputations, apply pressure around the area to prevent further bleeding. Cover the wound with a damp cloth or bandage and slightly elevate the injured hand above your heart to control the bleeding. Carefully cover the amputated body organ with a damp cloth and place it near an ice pack. Seek immediate medical help.
Burns
Cool with lots of water for hand burn injuries and cover the injury to avoid further injury. Frostbite hand injuries can be treated by soaking in warm water, covering the injury, and seeking medical assistance.
Infections
Hand infections can be treated by keeping the injury clean and dry. Contact your doctor for professional help. Hand infections are one of the most reported hand injuries that can affect persons of all ages. There are different types of hand infections each having their symptoms. Depending on the severity of your hand infection, your doctor will recommend certain treatment solutions to help relieve the symptoms. It is also advisable to seek immediate medical treatment for hand infections to avoid further health complications.
The most common causes of hand injuries include; burns, lacerations, high-pressure injuries, soft tissue injuries and amputations, infections, fractures, and dislocations. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may experience numbness, decreased motion range, bleeding, tenderness, discoloration, swelling, redness, loss of tissue, skin discoloration, and deformity. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a hand injury, consult your physician or seek immediate medical evaluation.