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From when we wake up to when we fall back asleep, our hands work around the clock to aid in our daily functions. From completing tasks at work, to communicating with others, to eating and drinking, our hands and fingers are essential tools to carry out a wide range of activities in our everyday lives.
When someone suffers trauma to the hand or finger, it could disrupt their daily routines and, in many cases, impact their ability to work and earn a living. However, if someone injures their hand in the workplace, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover their medical expenses and time off work until they’re back on the job.
At Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee, we care about your health, well-being, and financial future. This drives us to provide the comprehensive, custom-tailored treatment you need while properly recording and documenting your treatment to help build your workers’ compensation claim. At our clinic, you can rest assured that you receive the individualized attention and care you need to heal from your hand injury as we help secure the benefits you deserve.
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Common types of hand injuries suffered at work include:
Cuts and Lacerations. These injuries can occur from handling sharp objects, tools, or machinery without proper protection.
Crush Injuries. Crush injuries can happen when hands are caught or compressed between heavy objects, machinery, or equipment.
Fractures and Broken Bones. Fractures can result from impact, falls, or crushing forces, leading to fractures in the bones of the hand or fingers.
Sprains and Strains. Overexertion, repetitive motions, or sudden movements can cause sprains and strains in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the hand.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs). Prolonged repetitive tasks, such as typing or assembly line work, can lead to RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis in the hands and wrists.
Burns. Exposure to hot surfaces, flames, chemicals, or electrical sources can cause burns to the hands.
Abrasions and Contusions. Scrapes, bruises, and minor injuries can occur from contact with rough surfaces, tools, or objects.
Amputations. In severe cases, traumatic accidents involving machinery or equipment can result in partial or complete amputation of fingers, hands, or limbs.
Prevention strategies such as providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), training on safe work practices, implementing ergonomic improvements, and maintaining equipment in good working condition can help reduce the risk of hand injuries in the workplace.
The hand is a complex structure composed of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues, making it susceptible to various injuries. Injuries to these areas can range from minor to severe and may require medical evaluation and treatment, including immobilization, splinting, casting, surgery, or rehabilitation through physical therapy. Prompt and appropriate management of hand injuries is critical for optimizing outcomes and restoring hand function. Common areas of the hand that can sustain injuries include:
Each finger consists of three bones called phalanges, except for the thumb, which has two. Finger injuries can include fractures, dislocations, sprains (ligament injuries), tendon injuries (such as mallet finger or jersey finger), and lacerations.
The thumb is highly mobile and essential for grasping objects. Injuries to the thumb can involve fractures, sprains (such as skier's thumb or gamekeeper's thumb), dislocations, tendon injuries, and lacerations.
Five long bones in the palm connect the fingers to the wrist. Metacarpal fractures are common hand injuries, often resulting from direct trauma or impact.
The carpal bones are eight small bones that form the wrist joint. Injuries to the carpal bones can include fractures, dislocations, and ligament sprains, such as scaphoid fractures or lunate dislocations.
The wrist is a complex joint that connects the hand to the forearm. Wrist injuries can involve fractures, ligament sprains (such as a wrist sprain or a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury), tendon injuries (such as De Quervain tenosynovitis), and nerve compression syndromes (such as carpal tunnel syndrome).
The hand contains numerous tendons and ligaments that provide stability and enable movement. Injuries to these structures can include strains, sprains, tears, and overuse injuries (such as tendonitis or ligamentous injuries).
Several nerves supply sensation and control movement in the hand. Injuries to nerves can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of function. Common nerve injuries include compression syndromes like carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve entrapment.
In severe trauma or lacerations, blood vessels in the hand can be injured, leading to bleeding, bruising, and impaired circulation.
Relieving pain and discomfort from a hand injury involves a combination of self-care measures, over-the-counter pain relievers, and, in some cases, professional medical treatment. Here are some strategies to help alleviate hand pain:
Avoid activities aggravating the pain and give your hand time to rest and recover.
If a healthcare provider recommends immobilizing the hand with a splint or brace to prevent further movement and promote healing.
Elevate the injured hand above the level of your heart whenever possible to reduce swelling and improve circulation, which can help ease pain.
A compression bandage or glove can help reduce swelling and support the injured hand, which may help reduce pain.
Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the injured area for 15-20 minutes several times daily. Cold therapy can help reduce swelling and numb the area, alleviating pain.
Perform gentle range-of-motion exercises recommended by a healthcare provider or physical therapist to prevent stiffness and improve flexibility in the hand. Avoid exercises that cause pain or discomfort.
After the initial acute phase of injury has passed (usually after 48-72 hours), you can try applying heat to the affected area using warm towels, a heating pad, or a warm bath to help relax muscles and reduce pain.
Gentle massages of the hand and surrounding muscles may help alleviate tension and discomfort. Use gentle circular motions and avoid putting excessive pressure on the injured area.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with hand injuries. Follow the recommended dosage instructions on the package and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
If pain persists or worsens despite self-care measures, or if you suspect a more severe injury such as a fracture or ligament tear, seek medical attention from a healthcare provider. They can assess the injury and recommend appropriate treatment, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other interventions.
Listening to your body and avoiding activities that worsen the pain is essential. If you have concerns about hand injury or pain management, consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment recommendations.
Immobilize the Finger. Keep the injured finger immobilized by gently splinting it to an adjacent finger using tape or a small piece of cardboard to prevent further movement and reduce pain.
Apply Ice. Apply an ice pack or cold compress wrapped in a cloth to the injured finger to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, especially within the first 48 hours after the injury.
Elevate the Hand. Keep your hand elevated above the level of your heart, if possible, to help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage instructions on the package. If you are not sure what you should take consult your Physician before taking any OTC pain medication and anti-inflammatories.
Seek Medical Attention. Visit a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or urgent care center, for a proper evaluation and diagnosis of the injury. X-rays may be necessary to confirm a fracture's presence and determine the injury's extent.
Follow the Treatment Plan. Follow the treatment recommendations provided by your healthcare provider, including wearing a splint or brace, taking prescribed medications, and possibly undergoing further imaging tests or procedures.
Rest and Protect the Finger. Avoid using the injured finger for activities that could worsen the injury or cause further pain. Protect the finger from further trauma by avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
Attend All Follow-Up Appointments. Attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by your healthcare provider to monitor healing progress, assess any complications, and determine when it's safe to resume normal activities.
Seek prompt medical attention for a suspected broken or fractured finger to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications. Delayed or untreated finger fractures can lead to long-term impairment or complications such as malunion or nonunion of the bone.
An injured hand or finger can significantly affect your daily life in several ways:
Pain and Discomfort. The pain and discomfort associated with a hand or finger injury can make it challenging to perform everyday tasks, such as writing, typing, cooking, or even simple activities like buttoning clothes or opening jars.
Limited Mobility. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may experience limited mobility or range of motion in your hand or fingers, which can hinder your ability to grasp objects, use tools, or perform manual tasks effectively.
Difficulty Performing Work. Suppose your job requires manual labor or the use of your hands. In that case, an injury can impact your ability to work efficiently or may even prevent you from working altogether, resulting in lost wages and financial strain.
Impact on Independence. Hand injuries can affect your ability to perform basic self-care tasks independently, such as grooming, dressing, and eating, which may require assistance from others during recovery.
Emotional and Psychological Effects. Coping with the limitations imposed by a hand or finger injury can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or depression, especially if the injury interferes with your ability to engage in activities you enjoy or to fulfill your responsibilities.
Social Limitations. Participating in social activities or hobbies requiring manual dexterity, such as sports, arts and crafts, or playing musical instruments, may be challenging or impossible while recovering from a hand injury, leading to feelings of isolation or exclusion.
Long-Term Implications. Hand injuries can sometimes result in long-term complications, such as reduced grip strength, stiffness, or chronic pain, which may require ongoing management and adaptation to maintain functionality and quality of life.
Overall, the impact of an injured hand or finger on your daily life can vary depending on the nature and severity of the injury. Still, seeking prompt medical attention and following appropriate treatment recommendations is needed to promote healing and minimize long-term effects. Rehabilitation and occupational therapy may also be beneficial in restoring function and adapting to any residual limitations caused by the injury.
When you suffer a hand injury at work, it could put your life on pause. You may be unable to return to work and support yourself and your household as you try to cope with the injury and pain. Our work injury doctors at Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee know how much the proper hand injury treatment and documentation can make a difference for an injured worker, so we comprehensively document your injuries and treatment for your workers’ compensation case. We are medical professionals well-versed in the workers’ compensation claims process, care about your health and well-being, and are ready to help get you on the road to recovery.
A work injury takes a toll on not only your job, but your entire livelihood. At Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee, we know what you’re going through, and we’re here to help you heal from your injury and aid in your transition back to work. We have been helping people in the Milwaukee and Wisconsin community with their work injuries for many years, (since 2012), and in other states since 1989 so we know what we are doing. We will also build your workers’ compensation claim documentation for you over the course of your treatment to help facilitate getting you the workers’ compensation benefits you need and are entitled to. This is what we do best! You can count on us and that's our promise.
If you are not receiving proper care for your injury, you have the right under Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Law to choose your own doctor and to get a second opinion.
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