Hand injuries can be debilitating, especially if it is your dominant hand. Activities you may have previously taken for granted such as getting dressed, eating, driving and writing can be difficult, if not impossible, when your hand is injured. Fortunately, specific exercises can strengthen the muscles and ligaments in your hand and get you back to your everyday activities.
Types of Injuries
There are 27 muscles and 27 bones in each hand and wrist, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics website. Therefore, it is no surprise that the types of hand injuries are as numerous and complex. Common hand injuries include broken bones, fractures, dislocations, sprains, muscle and tendon inflammation and jammed fingers. Many hand injuries occur during competitive sports. Most hand injuries are accidents and are rarely preventable.
Treatment
The type of treatment required for your hand injury depends on the type of injury you sustained. If the injury is minor, ice it for 10 to 30 minutes on and off for 48 to 72 hours. If severe pain, swelling or deformity is present, go to your doctor for further evaluation. If your doctor cannot diagnose your hand injury by examination, he may order X-rays to determine if breaks or fractures are present. An injured hand should be immobilized as soon as possible with a bandage, splint or cast so that it can heal normally. Left untreated, it can cause permanent deformity. Complex hand injuries may require surgical repair.
Benefits
To prevent loss of function, exercises should be started as soon as possible after a hand injury. Like other muscles in the body, the "use it or lose it" principle also applies to muscles in the hand. By strengthening the hand, you may also be preventing future injuries. Hand exercises can be done at home, at work or in the car and require little to no equipment.
Recommended Exercises
The types of exercises you should do depend on the type of injury you sustained. The following are general exercises that can strengthen the muscles and ligaments in your hand. Make an "O" by touching your thumb to each fingertip. Bend your thumb toward the base of your little finger, then spread your thumb away from your index finger. Crumple a piece of paper into a small ball. Rest your hand on a flat surface and spread your fingers wide apart, then bring them back together. Place your palm on a flat surface and raise and lower your fingers one by one.
Considerations
Consult your doctor to determine what specific types of exercises are appropriate for your hand injury. Ask how often you should do your hand exercises and how many times you should repeat each one. Discuss whether or not it is necessary to wear your immobilizer while you do your hand exercises. While it is normal for an injured hand to be sore during exercise, especially when you are first beginning, if your pain becomes severe, stop the hand exercises and consult your doctor right away.
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