What should I do if I've pulled a tendon in my hand?
Oct 20, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Hand muscle strain may be caused by factors such as excessive fatigue, overly cold environments, muscle injury, calcium deficiency, or tendon sheath inflammation. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Avoid overexertion and apply warm compresses with a hot towel to the affected area to help relieve discomfort. Tendon injuries can lead to hand strain, accompanied by pain, swelling, and impaired movement.
Hand muscle strain may be caused by factors such as overexertion, excessively cold environments, muscle strain, calcium deficiency, or tenosynovitis. Symptoms can be improved through methods like warm towel compresses, keeping warm, ice packs, and medication. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a professional doctor.
1. Overexertion: Prolonged, repetitive, or excessive use of hand muscles and tendons—such as typing, using a mouse, or performing repetitive manual tasks at work—can lead to muscle fatigue and fascial tension, causing lactic acid to accumulate in the muscles, resulting in a sensation of strained tendons in the hand. Avoid overuse, and apply a warm towel to the affected area to help relieve discomfort.
2. Cold environment: In cold conditions, blood vessels constrict and blood flow decreases, making muscles and tendons more prone to injury. This may result in symptoms such as shivering and a pulling sensation in the tendons. Maintaining warmth and promptly leaving unfavorable environments can help alleviate these symptoms.
3. Muscle strain: Incorrect posture, uneven force distribution, or sudden movements may cause strain to the muscles or tendons in the hand, leading to a feeling of tendon pulling, accompanied by pain, swelling, and movement difficulties. Wrap an ice pack in a towel to promote vasoconstriction and prevent further swelling of the hand.
4. Calcium deficiency: Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy muscles and tendons. Insufficient calcium levels may lead to muscle spasms, cramps, and tendon discomfort, which may manifest as a sensation of strained tendons in the hand. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may take medications such as calcium carbonate tablets, oyster calcium carbonate granules, or calcium gluconate tablets. Additionally, increasing intake of calcium-rich foods like milk and pork bone soup is beneficial.
5. Tenosynovitis: Tenosynovitis refers to inflammation of the tendon sheath, often related to excessive hand use, improper hand movements, or other factors, causing pain and discomfort in muscles and tendons, and possibly resulting in a sensation of tendon strain. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release tablets, diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules, or celecoxib capsules. It is also important to avoid maintaining the same posture for long periods.
In daily life, it is important to develop good living habits, ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late, and maintain a positive mood, avoiding negative emotions such as anxiety and irritability, all of which contribute to overall physical health.
