Treatment For Hand Injuries
We use our hands for the vast majority of activities and day-to-day tasks, from brushing our teeth in the morning to preparing dinner in the evening and everything in between. Hands can be prone to injury because we use them so often and in so many different ways. It is important to protect our hands, and when accidents do happen it is critical to receive proper care in order to maintain their function.
How Do Hand Injuries Occur?
A hand injury can happen anywhere. Adults often experience cuts or burns while cooking or suffer complex injuries while doing home repairs or yard work. Sports injuries can affect hands of all ages and may occur from contact activities such as football and soccer, high speed recreation like biking and skiing, and other sports such as basketball or tennis. Young children, who may still be learning balance and also use their hands to explore the world, are particularly susceptible to hand injuries. It is particularly important to get medical attention for children’s hand injuries to ensure proper healing and development.
What To Do When Do Hand Injuries Occur
Hands can be affected by many types of injuries:
At sometime in life, everybody will experience a small cut or minor bruise that can be treated with basic first aid. Small, shallow cuts that stop bleeding quickly may be cleaned and bandaged at home. Mild bumps, bruises, and muscle strains can be elevated and treated with an ice pack. Because the hands are so integral to overall function, it is important to watch for signs that professional medical attention is needed.
When To Seek Medical Attention For Hand Injuries
Seek immediate medical attention for any of the following:
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Severe swelling
- Numbness
- Inability to move any part of the hand
- Exposed bones or tendons
- Animal or human bites
- 2nd or 3rd degree burns
- Suspected break, fracture, or dislocation
Why Call a Plastic Surgeon for Hand Treatment?
The human hand contains 27 bones as well as a complex system of nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, tendons, and joints. Experienced plastic surgeons have specialty training in all aspects of hand surgery including nerve repair, tendon repair, broken bones, and they are also uniquely qualified to preserve appearance along with function. The expert plastic surgeons at Dr.STITCH are members of New York Plastic Surgical Group, which also provides specialized hand treatment at The Institute for Hand Surgery at NYPS Group. Our hand surgeons have completed extensive training in hand and upper extremity surgery.
When To Call Dr.STITCH
We know how important it is to get comprehensive care for hand injuries. We hope that you never need us, but we’re here for you if you do. If you or a loved one suffers a hand injury, contact us at the time of the accident or on your way to the ER; a Dr.STITCH surgeon can meet you at the emergency room or one of our conveniently located offices (in the case of an emergency, always call 911 first).
Call 1-877-DR-STITCH (1-877-377-8482) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Download our contact card or learn more about how Dr.STITCH works.