A Complete Guide to Treat Hand Weaknesses

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Muscle Injuries     |    Symptoms of Muscle Injuries     |    Treatment for Muscle Injuries     |    Nerve Injuries     |    Symptoms of Nerve Injuries     |    Treatment for Nerve Injuries

A complex network of muscles, nerves, joints, and bones allow for the greater movement and dexterity of the human hand. Around 35 muscles in the hand and forearm control the movement of the hand. It is these muscles that give the hand the ability to move and perform tasks like gripping an object. When the muscles, or nerves controlling it, are diseased it can lead to overall hand weakness which may be most obvious as a weak grip. Hand weakness is another umbrella term that covers a number of problems and disorders. Muscle or nerve injury is one of the major reasons that cause Hand Weakness.

What Are Muscle Injuries?

The major and minor muscles and their tendons are responsible for the movement of the hand and fingers. Often, these muscles or its tendons are damaged or diseased despite there being normal nerve function. Muscle problems usually appear with weakness, paralysis and/or pain with certain movements. There are around five different types of muscle injuries that might weaken the hand. They include:

  • Myasthenia Gravis

  • Muscular Dystrophy

  • Tendonitis

  • Polymyositis

  • Muscle Atrophy

What are the Symptoms of Hand Muscle Injuries?

Basic and immediately seen symptoms are instant swelling and severe pain. Other symptoms include:

  • Tenderness

  • Bruising

  • Stiffness

  • Decreased Motion

In case of severe injuries, one can actually listen to the popping or the tearing of the ligament faintly. In such cases, it is advisable to rush to the hospital immediately.

Five Basic Steps to be followed after a Muscle Injury

  • The first step is to sir the person down and immediately rest the hand on something that isn’t too soft or hard.

  • Secondly, apply ice to the affected area to reduce the amount of swelling.

  • Then elevate the hand a little so that blood flows away from the injury thus reducing chances of infection and swelling.

  • Slowly begin compressing the area with little force or use a cloth bandage to do so.

  • Finally, avoid any activity that further aggravates the injury or causes any kind of pain.

A Complete Guide to Treat Hand Weaknesses

Common Treatment Options for Hand Muscle Injuries

Cryotherapy

Cryo means cold and cryotherapy basically means the use of low temperatures to heal tissue and muscle injury. It involves the use of ice packs, cryo-bags, or ice baths to heal the tissue and muscle.

 

Aircast Back/Hip/Rib Cryo/Cuff Aircast Elbow Cryo/Cuff Aircast Ankle Cryo/Cuff
Aircast Back/Hip/Rib Cryo/Cuff Aircast Elbow Cryo/Cuff Aircast Ankle Cryo/Cuff

 

Splints

Splints are one the most commonly used objects. They restrict the movement of the injured area thus reducing any kind of further damage to the muscle or tissue. 

 

Clinic Latex Free Splinting Material Omega Black Thermoplastic 3.2mm Splinting Material Comfortprene Flexible Neoprene Splinting Material Solid Sheet
Clinic Latex Free Splinting Material Omega Black Thermoplastic Splinting Material Comfortprene Flexible Splinting Material

 

Compression Bandaging

Compression therapy is the one-stop solution for all muscle and nerve related issues. Compression gloves and sleeves can be used to reduce further muscle damage, relieving pain, and help in the healing process. 

 

3M Futuro Compression Basics Elastic Knit Ankle Support AT Surgical Athletic Pull-On Mid-Calf Ankle Compression Sleeve Bodymed Cold Compression Therapy Ankle Wrap
3M Futuro Compression Knit Ankle Support AT Surgical Athletic Ankle Compression Sleeve Bodymed Cold Compression Therapy Ankle Wrap

What are Hand Nerve Injuries?

Nerve damage and diseases do not only affect the hand grip but also cause problems with movement of the fingers and at the wrist. Since sensory fibers may also be affected by these nerves, a person may experience abnormal sensations like tingling, numbness or pain along with movement disorders.

There are seven different nerve injuries that can lead to a weakened hand. They are:

  • Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

  • Brachial Plexus Injury

  • Radial Neuropathy

  • Ulnar Neuropathy

  • Median Nerve Palsy

  • Cervical Radiculopathy

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Joint, bone and even ligament problems could also contribute to muscle weakness to some degree. Sometimes skin problems that reduce the elasticity of the skin or cause pain, as well as circulatory disturbances that reduce blood supply to the hand can lead to weakness.

A Complete Guide to Treat Hand Weaknesses

What Are the Causes of Hand Nerve Injuries?

Nerve injuries are mostly caused by prolonged use of the arm or keeping the arm in a stationary position for too long. Common causes include:

  • Fracture of the hand

  • Awkward position of the hand while sleeping

  • Increased pressure on the hand

  • Improper use of crutches

  • Sudden Blow or Trauma to the hand

  • Long-Term constriction of the wrist

Constant use of the hand in the same motion without giving it rest is one of the major reasons for nerve damage of the hand. Exposure to chemicals and heat might also sometime give rise to nerve injuries. Nerve injuries might get aggravated if the person is already suffering from a disease such as kidney diseases or diabetes.

Symptoms of Nerve Injuries

There are three major spots where nerve injuries occur - back of the hand, near the thumb, near the index and middle fingers. Major symptoms of nerve injuries include:

  • Sharp Burning Pain

  • Unusual sensations in the Thumb and Fingers

  • Loss of the Sense of Touch

  • Numbness in the Hand

  • Inability to stretch the hand

  • Inability to hold or grasp anything

If the pain is excruciating which slowly leads to complete loss of movement, it is recommended that you immediately rush to the nearest hospital to avoid any further damage to the hand or the nerves.

The drop of the hand is a common symptom of nerve injuries, in which the hand is immediately rendered useless because of the injury. The hand becomes numb and drops as if it has no movement. 

A Complete Guide to Treat Hand Weaknesses

Common Treatment and Rehabilitation Options for Hand Nerve Injuries

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic creams - They can be carried around easily and are a handy option for people involved in heavy work or for a sportsperson. They can be applied directly but one should always consult a doctor so that nothing allergic is used. 

ARI Medical Flexall 454 Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Gel Fabrication Point Relief ColdSpot Topical Analgesics Fabrication Point Relief ColdSpot Roll-On
Flexall 454 Pain Relieving Gel Fabrication ColdSpot Topical Analgesics Fabrication Point Relief ColdSpot Roll-On

Braces and Splints - Braces and splints as mentioned earlier work by restricting the movement of the injured area. For nerve injuries, they reduce the chances of aggravating the nerve damage. They are usually used while the treatment is being conducted. 

3pp Carpal Lift NP Wrist Splint Advanced Orthopaedics Deluxe Carpel Tunnel Wrist Brace Advanced Orthopaedics Cock-Up Elastic Wrist Brace
3pp Carpal Lift NP Wrist Splint Advanced Orthopaedics Deluxe Wrist Brace Advanced Orthopaedics Cock-Up Wrist Brace

Hand injuries might sometimes take weeks to heal and the correct treatment and rehabilitation options can reduce this time. They can also prevent further damage to the hand and bring back the effectiveness of the hand in a shorter time period. 

Where to buy products for Hand Weaknesses online?

At rehab-store.com there is a huge variety of Treatment and Rehabilitation Aids for Hand Nerve Injuries. Treatment and Rehabilitation Aids for Hand Nerve Injuries from well-known manufacturers like Hely and Weber, Patterson Medical, North Coast Medical and many more. Browse through our extensive range to select the products that best suits your needs.

 

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