How should hand injuries be treated?

Generally, treatment methods for hand injuries mainly include wound cleaning and disinfection, hemostasis and bandaging, reduction and fixation of fractures or dislocations, medication, surgical treatment, etc. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Wound Cleaning and Disinfection

For hand injuries involving skin damage, the first step is wound cleaning and disinfection. The wound should be rinsed with normal saline to remove surface contaminants such as dirt and debris. Then, iodophor or hydrogen peroxide solution should be used to disinfect the wound and surrounding skin, killing surface bacteria and reducing the risk of infection. This creates a clean environment conducive to healing. Care must be taken during disinfection to avoid damaging healthy tissue within the wound.

2. Hemostasis and Bandaging

If the hand injury involves bleeding, prompt measures should be taken to stop the bleeding. For minor bleeding, direct pressure on the wound using sterile gauze for several minutes is usually sufficient. In cases of heavy bleeding or arterial hemorrhage, a tourniquet or compression bandage should be applied proximal to the wound (closer to the heart) with appropriate pressure. Care must be taken not to wrap too tightly, so as not to impair blood circulation in the hand. After hemostasis is achieved, the wound should be covered with sterile gauze and properly bandaged to protect it from external contamination.

3. Reduction and Fixation of Fractures and Dislocations

If the hand injury involves fractures or joint dislocations, a qualified medical professional should perform reduction—realigning displaced bone fragments or dislocated joints back into their normal anatomical positions. Following reduction, immobilization should be achieved using splints, plaster casts, or braces. Immobilization limits hand movement, maintains stability of the fracture or joint, prevents further displacement, and promotes bone healing and functional recovery. During immobilization, regular monitoring of hand circulation and sensation is essential.

4. Medication

Patients with hand injuries may use medications under medical guidance to support treatment. To prevent infection, topical agents such as mupirocin ointment or oral antibiotics like cefuroxime axetil tablets may be prescribed. For significant wound pain, analgesics such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets can be used. For open wounds, tetanus antitoxin injection should be administered to prevent tetanus infection. All medications must be taken strictly according to medical instructions.

5. Surgical Treatment

Severe hand injuries—such as extensive skin loss, tendon rupture, nerve damage, or comminuted fractures—require surgical intervention. Surgery aims to repair damaged skin, tendons, nerves, and bones, restore normal hand anatomy, and preserve hand function as much as possible. Postoperative rehabilitation exercises are necessary to promote functional recovery of the hand.

In addition, patients should keep the wound clean and dry during treatment, avoid contact with water, and visit the hospital regularly for dressing changes and follow-up evaluations to monitor wound healing and functional recovery. During the rehabilitation phase, hand exercises should be performed under medical supervision to gradually restore mobility and prevent joint stiffness caused by prolonged immobilization. If symptoms such as redness, swelling, increased pain, fever, numbness in the hand, or abnormal circulation occur during treatment, prompt medical attention is required.