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Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture is a hand deformity which usually develops slowly over time. This condition affects a layer of tissue underneath the skin of the palm. Knots of tissue form under the skin and can eventually turn into a thick cord that pulls one or more fingers (most commonly the pinky and ring finger) into a bent position. Once this occurs, the fingers cannot be straightened completely which complicates daily life.
SYMPTOMS
• one or more lumps/nodules under the skin of the palm (may feel sore or tender)
• nodules cause tough bands to develop under the skin
• the bands pull fingers to bend toward the wrist
• as bending worsens, it becomes difficult or impossible to straighten fingers
How can physiotherapy help you?
The appropriate exercises to aide tendon and muscle gliding will be shown to you. modalities will also be used to help alleviate pain and reduce swelling associated with this injury. Acupuncture is also often used to help the recovery process.
Hand or Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures (AKA Colles’ fracture, distal radius fracture, broken wrist) are fairly common “break”; in the U.S., 1 out of 10 broken bones is a broken wrist. It commonly occurs from falling onto an outstretched arm or from being hit in the wrist.
Common risk factors include:
• playing contact sports
• skiing, skating, biking
• osteoporosis
• any type of accident or trauma
Hand fractures can occur in the small bones of the fingers or the long bones in the hand. Fractures can occur from twist injuries, falls, crush injuries, or contact sports.
SYMPTOMS
• pain, especially when flexing wrist or fingers
• swelling
• tenderness
• bruising
• deformity
SYMPTOMS SPECIFIC TO HAND
• inability to move finger
• depressed knuckle
• shortened finger
• finger crosses over its neighbour when forming a fist
How can physiotherapy help you?
After a thorough assessment, a physiotherapist can assess which phase of healing you are in and what exercises will be most necessary and beneficial to your continued recovery. Your physiotherapist will provide you with the appropriate strengthening exercises to help support the joint and bones affected. The physio may also use heat or ice to aid in pain relief. Progressing through the exercise program that your physiotherapist provides is essential to ensure you return safely to work or sport. Once the bone is healed, joint stiffness often occurs and the physiotherapist will help to mobilize the affected areas.
Traumatic/Crush Injuries
A crush injury is a traumatic injury where an object causes compression on the body or when (part of) the body is squeezed between two heavy objects.
How can physiotherapy help you?
Specific weaknesses caused by your injury will be assessed by your physiotherapist. The appropriate exercises will be shown to you based on your injury. Various modalities and joint or muscle techniques are also used with these types of injuries. |
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