What should I do if my hand injury involves the tendons?

Nov 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

Immediately stop hand movement after injury to avoid aggravating the damage. Immobilize the injured hand using bandages, casts, or splints to reduce movement, alleviate pain, and aid in the healing of damaged tissues. During treatment, adequate rest, enhanced nutrition, and avoidance of excessive activity are important to promote recovery. If the injury is severe or symptoms persist, seek medical attention promptly.

Generally, if the hand is injured and the tendon is affected, treatment methods may include immobilization and fixation, cold and hot compresses, medication, physical therapy, and surgical treatment. Details are as follows:

1. Immobilization and fixation: Immediately stop hand movements after injury to avoid further damage. Fix the injured hand using bandages, plaster, or braces to reduce movement, alleviate pain, and aid in the healing of damaged tissues.

2. Cold and hot compresses: Within 24 hours of injury, apply ice packs or cold towels to constrict blood vessels, reduce exudation, and alleviate swelling and pain. After 48 hours, switch to hot compresses using hot towels or hot water bottles to promote blood circulation and accelerate the absorption of bruising and inflammation, aiding in recovery.

3. Medication: Under a doctor's guidance, take orally such medications as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or celecoxib capsules to relieve pain and inflammation. Follow medical advice to apply topical medications such as musk analgesic and blood circulation-promoting plasters, wind-dispelling blood circulation-activating plasters, or circulation-improving analgesic tinctures to enhance local blood flow and promote recovery. Pay attention to following medical instructions and avoid excessive or improper use.

4. Physical therapy: Treatments such as magnetotherapy, ultrasound, ultrashort wave therapy, and infrared polarization light can promote circulation and metabolism in the wrist, reduce inflammatory responses, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues. Conduct physical therapy under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.

5. Surgical treatment: If the injury involves severe tendon rupture or ligament tear, conservative treatment may be ineffective, and surgical intervention may be required. Surgical options include tendon suturing and ligament repair. Postoperative treatment often requires plaster immobilization and rehabilitation therapy, including functional exercises.

During the recovery process, adequate rest, enhanced nutrition, and avoiding excessive activity are important to promote healing. If the injury is severe or does not improve, prompt medical attention should be sought.

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How to reduce swelling from a hand injury, and what is the fastest method?

In general, swelling can be reduced through methods such as cold compresses, elevating the injured hand, compression, hot compresses, and medication. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Within 48 hours after the injury, apply an ice pack or a wet cold towel to the affected area for 10–15 minutes each time, multiple times a day. Cold compresses help constrict blood vessels, thereby reducing bleeding and swelling.

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How long should you bandage after suture removal for hand injuries?

After suture removal for hand injuries, the dressing is typically left in place for 1–3 days. If the wound is healing well without redness, swelling, or discharge, the dressing may be removed after 1 day. If there is still mild redness or swelling, or if the newly formed skin needs protection, the dressing can be kept for up to 3 days. If the wound reopens, leaks fluid, or shows signs of pus after suture removal, medical attention should be sought immediately at a surgical clinic. The wound condition should be closely observed on the first day after suture removal.

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Can you drink alcohol after getting stitches for a hand injury?

Do not drink alcohol after receiving stitches for a hand injury. Alcohol can impair wound healing and may increase the risk of infection or cause adverse reactions with medications. Therefore, alcohol consumption should be strictly avoided from the time of stitching until the wound is fully healed and sutures are removed. During this period, keep the wound clean and dry, eat a light diet, and ensure adequate rest to promote recovery. If you have any concerns about the healing process, consult your attending physician promptly.

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How to quickly reduce swelling and relieve pain from a hand injury

Generally speaking, there is no such saying as "how to quickly reduce swelling and pain from a hand injury caused by hitting." When a hand becomes swollen from hitting, measures such as appropriate immobilization, ice application, heat therapy, elevating the affected limb, and medication can be taken to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Immobilization helps decrease movement of the injured area, preventing further damage and worsening of the swelling. The affected hand can be immobilized using tape or bandages, and aluminum plates or paper splints may be worn to restrict finger movement.