Sprains and Strains of the Hands
The hands are made up of small bones and joints supported by ligaments, muscles, and tendons. When these supporting parts are injured, your hands can get sprained or strained.
Many people interchange the words sprain and strain, but each is referring to a different condition.
Hand Sprain vs Hand Strain
Hand sprains can occur when ligaments are injured. Ligaments are strong fibrous connective tissues that attach one bone to another. In hand sprains, the ligaments are either stretched out or torn. This can happen when one falls on an outstretched hand.
Hand sprains usually occur in the ligaments of the proximal interphalangeal joints in the middle of the fingers (the hinge joints that allow the fingers to bend).
The ligaments of the thumb are also prone to sprains especially in falls on which the thumb is pulled away from the body.
How about strains?
Hand strains refer to the stretching or tearing of the muscle or tendon fibers. It usually occurs in tendons that are used to either bend or straighten your fingers and thumb.
Sports like skiing and activities like typing can make one more prone to hand strains.
What are the common signs and symptoms of hand sprains and strains?
Hand sprain and strain can cause a range of symptoms such as:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Feeling of warmth near the site of the injury
- A sensation of popping or tearing
How are hand sprains and strains diagnosed and treated
Mild sprains and strains will heal with conservative treatment that can be done at home. This includes Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) therapy.
Our hand and wrist specialists may recommend imaging tests such as x-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and ultrasounds to rule out other conditions. Physical therapy and splinting may be recommended for a certain period of time.
If your hand sprain or strain is severe and conservative treatments provide no relief, our doctors may consider surgery to alleviate the symptoms and help improve your functionality.
If you suffered from a hand/wrist injury and you think it may be a sprain or strain, the hand and wrist experts at South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine can help. To request an appointment, please call (772) 288-2400.