Stretching of the ligaments of the hand. What is it?

Tension of ligaments is a damage that occurs due to injury or prolonged overexertion.

Stretching of the ligaments of the hand can occur when falling, when a person "lands" on a hand placed under him or makes a sharp flap to the side. Stretching can also appear when the hand is directed away from the natural bending line.

Like any other similar trauma, the sprain of the ligament of the hand differs from the dislocation and fracture in that the bones remain intact and the joint is in the correct position. Therefore, the stretched arm does not change shape, there are no signs of bones protruding under the skin.

However, such a trauma is dangerous, especially if the sprain is heavy.

Stretch of the ligament of the hand can have three degrees.

The first is an easy stretch, in which individual fibers are broken. There is a feeling of drawing or aching pain, seldom there can be a swelling.

The second is a moderate injury. Characterized by sharp pain, the appearance of a small edema. Hand movements are slightly difficult.

The third, the heaviest. A large number of fibers are traumatized or torn. There is a sharp pain, which sometimes can lead to loss of consciousness. At the site of stretching, there is a strong swelling, often a pronounced hematoma. Any movement can increase pain, cause dizziness.

First aid in stretching should be done clearly and quickly.

In case of slight damage, it is that the hand should be fixed with a tight bandage, over which cold is applied. If there is no possibility to put ice, it can be replaced with products from the refrigerator, wrapped in a towel. The cold is held for a quarter of an hour, then removed for an hour. The cooling procedure is repeated several times. On the second and subsequent days, if the pain does not pass by itself, apply ointment from sprain.

It can be Analgos, consisting of a mixture of substances that dilate the vessels, creating a pleasant feeling of warmth, activate blood flow and metabolism. Analgos, in addition, significantly reduces muscle tone

Ointments with snake or bee venom, for example, Apizarthron, increase the elasticity of muscles and ligaments, relieve pain.

Suitable also ointments, which include diclofenac, ibuprofen or indomethacin. Effectively act Fastum-gel, Efkamon, Nurofen-gel, etc.

Ointment should be rubbed into the injured place, then apply a fixing bandage, warmly wrapped.

At the second degree of stretching, first the first aid is the same. In this case, it is important not only to properly make a bandage, but it is recommended to put your hand so that it was relaxed, and the injured place was higher than the level on which the heart is located. The victim should sit down or lie down in a comfortable position, as much as possible to limit any movement. In this case, a doctor's consultation is recommended and, perhaps, more complicated treatment.

The stretching of the ligaments of the arm of the third degree requires a particularly careful attitude. Since severe pain can cause dizziness or faint, the affected person must be seated so that he does not lose his balance. Having laid your hand so that the injured place was in complete rest, you should first call an ambulance, and then provide first aid.

Treatment of stretching of the third degree is carried out in a hospital, because it requires the use of medicines, physiotherapy, massages. Sometimes, in order to prevent repeated stretching or weakness of the joint, an operation to restore ligaments is recommended.

Sometimes even after a full recovery on the ligaments, nodules may remain, which cause permanent repeated inflammation. Trauma can be repeated even with minor irregular movements, and the pain persists for a very long time.

If the tendon has not fused properly, the movements can cause a "stab" in the damaged area.

At sprains of the third degree ligaments, on time not cured in a hospital, dystrophy of a limb can arise.