As with any other type of invasive intervention, hand surgery is something that we all want to avoid as much as possible. It can be tedious, painful, and inherently risky. Fortunately, most cases of hand injuries or conditions can be treated without the need for surgery. In addition, there are strategies you can employ to keep your hands in tip-top condition and prevent problems altogether. Check these out.
Tip #1 Wear Protective Equipment
On the job, follow your employer’s safety regulations. Wear the right protective equipment, particularly well-fitting gloves. If your job involves lifting heavy objects, grip the load using your palms and fingers – your palm grip is much more secure.
If your job requires using power tools or operating machinery, pay attention to your tasks, and never do them when you’re tired or ill. Also, be mindful of where you place your hands at all times. Never use your hands to feed material into machines as well as to sweep up broken glass or other sharp objects.
Tip #2 Rest Your Hands
If your occupation involves keyboard use, hammering, or other activities that stress your hands, make sure to take short, frequent breaks. Do not wait to feel pain in your hands; step away from work for 10 to 15 minutes every hour to give your hands rest and a good stretch. This is crucial for protecting your hands from repetitive strain injury.
Tip #3 See a Hand Doctor
If you’re experiencing pain and other symptoms of a hand problem that don’t respond to basic remedies, see an orthopedic doctor – particularly one who specializes in hand and upper-extremity conditions. Your orthopedic doctor will carry out a complete assessment to formulate a diagnosis and determine the suitable treatment.
Depending on your specific condition, your doctor may recommend platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or physical therapy, or a combination thereof:
- PRP therapy involves your doctor extracting a small sample of your blood; placing it in a centrifuge to separate the PRP (the liquid portion of your blood) from the other components; and injecting it into the diseased or injured area of your hand to activate your body’s self-healing ability.
- If you need physical therapy, your doctor will work with your PT to craft an individualized treatment plan. Your PT can guide you through safe exercises aimed at improving the strength and restoring the normal function of your hand. Your physical therapist may also recommend application of heat and cold to reduce inflammation, increase range of motion, and relieve pain. They can also teach you how to take pressure off your hand and wrist as you work, and show you alternate ways to do everyday tasks. They may also recommend splinting to relieve stress and provide protection and support for your hand.
Hand Surgery in Palm Beach County, FL
At Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches, Dr. Jennifer Tucker, our board-certified hand and upper-extremity surgeon, delivers unmatched treatment outcomes for the full range of hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder problems. Should hand surgery be necessary for you, you can rely on Dr. Tucker to help you restore the function and mobility of your hand – and get you back to doing the things you love.
Book your visit with Dr. Tucker today. You may call us at (651) 733-5888, or request an appointment right here on our website. We look forward to giving you “a helping hand!”
