A wrist injury can often include sprains, strains, or fractures from sudden injuries. In addition, wrist pain can also result from long-term problems like repetitive stress. At Hand In Hand Occupational Therapy of LI, we can address your wrist injury and form a proper diagnosis. Our occupational therapy near Mineola will then recommend an appropriate plan of treatment.
Symptoms of Wrist Injuries
Wrist injuries like a sprained, strained, or fractured wrist all have similar symptoms. These symptoms need to be addressed as soon as they are recognized. Describing these symptoms to our occupational therapy near Mineola can help to diagnose the type of wrist injury. Symptoms of an injured wrist include:
Pain
Swelling
Tenderness or warmth around the injury
Feeling a popping or tearing in the wrist
Bruising
Loss of motion
Weakness
Causes of Wrist Injuries
Damage to the wrist can result in pain that holds you back from properly using your wrist. Sudden impacts or repetitive stress are two of the causes of wrist injuries. Sudden impacts to the wrist can include falling onto an outstretched hand or bending and twisting the wrist in an improper way. Repetitive stress can include repeating an activity that involves repetitive wrist motion, like during sports or playing an instrument. This repetitive stress inflames the tissues around joints and could cause stress fractures. Such sports that involve repetitive stress on the wrist include football, bowling, golf, gymnastics, snowboarding, and tennis. Activities that involve your wrists, such as knitting and cutting hair, can also lead to a disabled wrist.
Wrist Injury Prevention
Wrist injuries can be unavoidable, but proper prevention techniques can be applied to decrease the chances of injuring your wrist. Prevention techniques include:
Build bone strength- Consume an adequate amount of calcium to strengthen bones.
Prevent falls- Wear supportive shoes, remove hazards in your home, and light up your living space.
Use protective gear for athletic activities- Use wrist guards to protect your wrists from improper bending.
Pay attention to ergonomics- Take breaks when typing on a keyboard for an excessive amount of time.
Diagnosing a Wrist Injury
During an initial exam, our occupational therapy near Mineola will do the following:
Check if your wrist is tender, swollen, or deformed.
Check your range of motion by asking you to move your wrist.
Assess your grip strength and forearm strength.
Imaging tests may be taken to further diagnose the wrist injury. These tests include X-rays, CT, MRI, or Ultrasound.
Treatment for a Wrist Injury
Forms of treatment for a wrist injury vary depending on the type of injury and circumstances. Prescription or over-the-counter medication can be recommended by the doctor. Therapy is another form of treatment that can be suggested, such as occupational or physical therapy. Exercises and rehabilitation are included in these therapies. In most severe cases, surgery can be required.
Contact Our Office
If you are in pain from a wrist injury, connect with our staff at Hand In Hand Occupational Therapy of LI. Our occupational therapy near Mineola can properly diagnose your injury and recommend a form of treatment for you. Schedule an appointment with us today!
What Is Occupational Therapy near Mineola?
A hand therapist is an occupational or physical therapist who treats people with problems affecting their hands or upper extremities. A hand therapist can help with before surgery, post-surgery, or non-surgical treatment. Some hand specialists may have a certification, which makes them Certified Hand Therapists.
After graduating from an accredited program and passing a national exam, a therapist will gain a license to practice in their state. Some states require a license to practice, but that is not always the case. After graduating, a hand therapist must have no less than three years of experience and four thousand hours of hand therapy practice. Along with that, they must also pass a certification exam that gives them a five-year license.
Why Do You Need Occupational Therapy near Mineola?
If you live an active lifestyle, your job is very physically demanding, or you sit at a desk all day hacking away at a keyboard, you may need a hand therapist in the future. Most people who work at an office at a desk all day will most likely experience the negative side effects of carpal tunnel syndrome. A job that requires you to constantly use your hands for carrying heavy objects will have the same effect on a person as well. Unfortunately, constant activity can lead to major injuries. Even if you don’t feel discomfort, but you live one of these lifestyles listed above, you may still have this problem. Get checked out today, just to be safe!
What Injuries and Illnesses Does Hand Therapy Treat?
Long Island hand therapy can be extremely beneficial for a number of different conditions, here are just some of them:
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Ganglion Cyst
Tennis Elbow
Hand Pain
Repetitive Motion Disorder
Trigger Finger
Golders Elbow
De Quervains Tenosynovitis
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Sprains, Dislocation, and Fractures
Burns and Wounds
Amputations
Fine Motor Skill Deficiencies
Arthritis
How Can Occupational Therapy near Mineola help?
Here at Hand in Hand, occupational therapy near Mineola, we specialize in treating shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands. The treatment sessions we provide are commonly one-on-one, to provide the most attention for our patients. We also offer pediatric care for younger patients, as well as patients with special abilities/needs. If you are looking for a good Long Island occupational therapy near Mineola, look no further. To book an appointment or to learn more, visit our website today!!