When a person detects the threat of physical harm, it can be common for their first reaction to be defending themselves with their wrists or hands. Similarly, individuals use their hands and wrists for a variety of tasks, and it is possible to strain them too heavily. When a person injures their wrist or hands they can suffer long term effects that affect their quality of life.
Common Types of Injuries to the Wrist and Hand
A person can suffer injuries to their wrists or hands in a number of ways. Some common injuries to this area of the body can include:
- Broken Bones: The wrists and hands have several bones that can be broken upon impact or serious trauma. Recovering from these injuries can require a lengthy period of time, and sometimes even surgery.
- Sprains: A sprained wrist is a common injury that stems from an over exertion. At times, these can occur when a person uses their hands or wrists or break their fall. Sprains can take a long time to recover from, however, they rarely need invasive medical procedures.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a long term health condition that affects a person’s wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome can range from mild to severe, with the most severe cases sometimes requiring surgery.
- Burns: It is very common for a person to underestimate the heat of an object and burn their hands upon touching it. While most of these are mild, sometimes severe burns can occur, which can require immediate medical attention.
- Cuts: When a person attempts to shield themselves or break their fall with their hands, they may suffer cuts on their hands.
Common Sources of Injuries to the Wrist and Hand
There are numerous potential sources of injury to a person’s wrist and hands. Some particularly common sources of these types of injuries can be:
- Workplace Injury: Workplace injuries to the wrist or hand can range from carpal tunnel syndrome from repeated actions, such as typing, to more serious trauma such as a broken or sprained wrists or fingers from attempting to lift things.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: When a person falls, it is common for them to attempt to protect themselves by attempting to break their fall with their hands. This can lead to injuries to the wrists and hands from the impact of the fall.
- Deliberate Physical Harm: When a person is protecting themselves from an attack, it is common to block one’s face and head using wrists and hands. This can lead to injuries to these areas of the body.
- Vehicle Accidents: Vehicle accidents can cause many different types of harm to multiple areas of a person’s body including their wrists and hands.
- Sports Injuries: Injuries to the wrists are common in nearly every sport, whether they involve high contact or not.
Injuries to the wrists and hands are often coupled with other complications as well. While they may heal faster than other injuries, they can still impede on a person’s quality of life. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal today.