Every year, over 500,000 Canadians injure their hands at the workplace. What’s worse, if adequate safety measures had been taken, these injuries could have been prevented.

The first step toward prevention is awareness. In this piece, we’ve outlined four common hand injuries—other than bruises and lacerations (cuts)—that you should know about.

Sprains

Damage incurred by the ligaments in your hands is known as a sprain. Ligaments are connective tissues that hold your bone and cartilage together. They can tear if you twist your hand at an awkward angle—which is why thumb and finger sprains are quite common.

Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the part of your hand that’s injured. To treat the sprain, avoid unnecessary hand movements for the next few days and apply a cold compress to relieve the pain. You could also take anti-inflammatory medication to decrease sensitivity in the area.

Fractures

The hands are extremely vulnerable to fractures because, unlike most of our body, they have a very thin layer of muscle protecting them. If something falls on them or if a heavy weight falls on them, the bones can fracture.

Symptoms include severe pain that worsens if the hand is squeezed, swelling, bruising, and numbness. Sometimes, the fracture is visible, such as when the bone looks twisted or if there’s external bleeding.

If that’s the case, clean the cut first and stop the bleeding, then consult a doctor immediately. Depending on the extent of the injury, a doctor might recommend a plaster cast, splints, or braces, among other options.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that’s caused by repetitive motion of your hand, such as typing on a keyboard. While not severe, the symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated.

Symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling sensations, and weakness in the wrist. There are non-surgical treatments available such as physical therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy. PRP therapy is becoming increasingly popular as it is less invasive compared to surgeries and much more effective compared to physical therapy.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons that connect your muscles and bones. It is less intense compared to fractures but can be debilitating if not cared for. Tendonitis also occurs as a result of repetitive motion.

If you engage in a lot of sports, then you are also at a greater risk of hand injuries. For example, DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis affects the tendon that connects your forearm to your thumb—it is common in pro-golfers. Similarly, Trigger Finger is known as the condition that affects the flexor tendon in your finger.

Tendonitis can be treated with rest and physical therapy. PRP therapy has been known to successfully treat tendonitis too.

If you’re looking to relieve chronic hand pain, the physicians at RegenerVate Medical Injection Therapy clinics specialize in PRP therapy. Our regenerative therapy works for Hand Arthritis, Trigger Finger, and De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.

Make an appointment at our clinic today by calling 1 855 847 3975.