Hand Injuries

Hand sprains happen in most cases during sport activities. The cause is either overuse or excessive load to the ligament. The severity and symptoms of a ligament sprain depends on the degree of stretching or tearing of the ligament.

1. Grade I sprain: This is a mild sprain and only some muscle fibres have been damaged. Healing occurs within 2-3 weeks.
2. Grade II sprain: This is a moderate sprain with more extensive damage to ligament fibres, healing occurs within 3-6 weeks.
3. Grade III sprain: This is a severe injury with a complete rupture of the ligament. Healing cannot happen by physiotherapy, and surgery is needed.

Physiotherapy optimizes the healing process. Exercise therapy, including stretching-, strengthening- and stability. Exercises helps to restore full function of the ligament.

Fractures are common to the hand/wrist and happen usually during sport or after a fall. Depending on the location and the severity of the fracture, treatment may be conservative or needs surgery. In both cases physiotherapy plays an important role for recovery to help to regain full function of the hand and fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes through an opening from the wrist to the hand called the carpal tunnel. Women develop carpal tunnel syndrome 3 times more frequently than men. Symptoms may be pain in the hand or altered sensation such as tingling and numbness. One of the common causes is repetitive movements of the wrist, especially when the wrist is bent inward. Swelling in this area also leads to compression of the nerve. The cause may be pregnancy, obesity, arthritis, certain thyroid conditions, diabetes.