What should I do if my hand is sprained?
A hand sprain is a common sports injury or accidental injury in daily life, usually caused by excessive twisting or improper force on the wrist or fingers. Proper management of hand sprains can speed recovery and reduce the risk of complications. The following are detailed treatment methods and precautions for hand sprains.
1. Common causes of hand sprains
Hand sprains usually occur when:
| reason | describe |
|---|---|
| Sports injuries | Excessive force on the wrist or fingers during basketball, volleyball, badminton and other sports |
| fall | Putting your hands on the ground when you fall, resulting in sprained wrists or fingers |
| daily activities | Improper movements such as lifting heavy objects and twisting towels |
| accident | Finger is pinched by door or wrist is pulled by external force |
2. Symptoms of hand sprain
After a hand sprain, you may experience the following symptoms:
| symptom | Severity |
|---|---|
| pain | Mild to severe pain that worsens with activity |
| swelling | Rapid swelling of the injured area |
| congestion | The skin may appear bruised or bruised |
| Restricted activities | Difficulty moving your wrist or fingers |
| joint instability | Severe sprains may cause a sense of looseness in the joints |
3. Emergency treatment of hand sprain (RICE principle)
After a hand sprain, the following measures should be taken immediately:
| step | How to operate | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Rest | Stop activity immediately to avoid further damage | Avoid supporting or lifting heavy objects with your hands |
| Ice | Apply an ice pack or cold towel to the injured area for 15-20 minutes each time | Repeat every 2-3 hours, avoid direct contact with skin |
| Compression | Gently bandage the injured area with an elastic bandage | Do not bandage too tightly to avoid affecting blood circulation |
| Elevation | Elevate the injured hand above heart level | Helps reduce swelling |
4. Rehabilitation and care of hand sprains
After the acute phase (usually 48-72 hours), the following measures can be taken to promote recovery:
| recovery stage | Nursing methods | suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 days | Continue to apply ice and reduce activity | Avoid applying heat to avoid worsening swelling |
| 3-7 days | Gradually begin gentle activities | Try slight finger or wrist flexion and extension |
| 1-2 weeks | Perform rehabilitation exercises | Such as grip ball, rubber band resistance exercises |
| 2 weeks later | Gradually return to normal activities | Avoid excessive exertion or strenuous exercise |
5. When do you need medical treatment?
The following situations should prompt medical treatment:
| symptom | Possible problem |
|---|---|
| Severe pain that cannot be relieved | Possible fracture or torn ligament |
| Visibly deformed or unable to move | Joint dislocation or severe injury |
| Swelling and congestion continue to increase | There may be internal bleeding |
| numbness or tingling sensation | Possibility of nerve damage |
| No improvement in symptoms after 3 days | Need professional evaluation |
6. Recommendations for preventing hand sprains
To prevent hand sprains, you can take the following precautions:
| Precautions | Specific methods |
|---|---|
| Warm up before exercise | Fully move your wrists and finger joints |
| Use protective gear | Wear wrist braces or finger bandages when exercising |
| Increase hand strength | Perform regular grip strength training |
| Pay attention to posture | Keep your wrists in a neutral position when lifting heavy objects |
| Avoid excessive fatigue | Take proper rest when working with your hands for a long time |
7. Common misunderstandings about hand sprains
There are the following common misunderstandings about hand sprains:
| Misunderstanding | Correct approach |
|---|---|
| Apply heat immediately after sprain | Apply ice for 48 hours first, then consider applying heat |
| Endure the pain and continue activities | The activity should be stopped immediately to avoid aggravating the injury |
| Forced reset on its own | Suspected fractures or dislocations should seek medical attention |
| Ignore minor sprains | Even minor sprains should be treated appropriately |
8. Dietary recommendations for hand sprains
Proper diet can help with recovery from hand sprains:
| food type | Recommended food | effect |
|---|---|---|
| Rich in protein | Eggs, fish, soy products | Promote tissue repair |
| Rich in Vitamin C | Citrus fruits, kiwi | Help collagen synthesis |
| zinc-containing foods | Oysters, nuts, whole grains | Accelerate wound healing |
| anti-inflammatory foods | Turmeric, olive oil, deep sea fish | Reduce inflammatory response |
Summarize
Although hand sprains are common, correct treatment is crucial. Remember the RICE principle, take appropriate measures according to the severity of the injury, and seek medical treatment promptly when necessary. During the recovery period, it is necessary to proceed step by step and not to rush. With scientific care and proper prevention, most hand sprains can fully recover.
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