Hand injuries aren’t often talked about but are some of the most complicated injuries to suffer. Hands have 27 bones, all of which could break if impacted. The bones of the hands include those in the wrist, knuckles and fingers.
In a car accident, it’s possible to suffer hand injuries in a number of ways. For example, if you lose control of the wheel and are gripping it with your thumb on the inside and fingers on the outside, the whipping or turning of the wheel could result in broken or dislocated thumbs. If the windshield breaks and you outstretch your hands, they could be badly broken or badly lacerated.
Hands are intricate body parts
Hands are very intricate. They have more bones than most other areas of the body and perform precise movements. In addition to the many bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles and bones come together to help you grip and release.
Even small hand injuries require medical help, because any injury to the structure of the hand could impact your ability to use your hand.
What are the most common injuries to the hands?
The most common injuries to the hands include dislocations, fractures, soft-tissue injuries, burns, amputations, cuts and infections. Nail injuries and wrist injuries are also common.
What are some symptoms of hand injuries?
It’s normally easy to tell if you have an injury to the hand. You’ll feel pain in most cases. If you’re cut, the fingers may bleed profusely. Numbness and weakness are possible with broken bones or other injuries. You’ll also likely have a decreased range of motion. The hand may look pale or bloodless due to decreased circulation.
Hands may also swell or appear deformed due to injuries. If an infection is present, the hand may feel warm, become red or be tender.
What should you do if you hurt your hands?
It’s a good idea to seek medical help immediately if you believe you’ve injured your hands. When the hands get injured, they may be unable to complete the same tasks as before. You could lose your grip, be in extreme pain or be unable to place pressure on your fingers. Receiving appropriate medical help will give you a better idea about what happened to your hands and the treatment options available to you. In some extreme cases involving broken bones or ligaments, surgery may be necessary to restore your hands to their best functionality.