#like finger splints and compression gloves

[void-tiger]

Well, my pcp isn’t ready to give up, which is great, ‘cause I am, but sadly Can’t with how much my symptoms seriously hamper my daily function in ways people just. Really take for granted.

[eiraeths]

ear’s guide to writing stab wounds

disclaimer!!!: this isn’t to be used as actual medical advice there isn’t enough information at hand to properly treat someone, this is just for writing.

hemostatic (blood clotting) control is the number one priority. minor bleeding can be controlled with direct pressure to the wound. moderate bleeding may require a compression bandage as well as direct pressure. severe penetrating wounds or a nicked artery means wound packing will be necessary as well as direct pressure.

types of stab wounds:

- blunt stab wound means whatever object caused the trauma wasn’t sharp or wasn’t moving fast enough so the skin tears.

- penetrating stab wounds go deep into the skin and into the muscle.

- superficial stab wounds don’t go too far under the skin and look worse than they actually are.

steps to treatment:

1. if the object is still inside the person’s body do not remove it unless it’s to the groin, neck, or axillae (armpit) and the bleeding is hard to control.

2. remove person’s clothes to check for any other wounds and keep the area clear.

3. keep an eye on blood pressure and airway.

4. the wound type and location changes how the rest of treatment will follow.

location:

head: direct pressure is mainstay. head wounds also bleed more than any other part of the body. has the highest mortality rate.

face: severe wounds to the face means the patient has to be seated forward to keep blood out of the airway.

neck: direct pressure is mainstay. if the airway can be secured and is absolutely necessary, wound packing can be applied.

arms: depending on the severity, any of the three treatments can be used.

legs: depending on the severity, any of the three treatments can be used.

abdomen: damage to organs is highly likely. direct pressure should be applied first while surveying if the object was long enough to damage an organ. if so, wound packing may be necessary.

chest: if the wound is deep enough it can cause open pneumothorax (‘sucking’ chest wound) a seal needs to be placed over the wound to keep air from getting inside. if this isn’t done in time the affected lung will collapse.

back: can typically be treated with only direct pressure. wound packing is rarely necessary.

neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis wounds should never be packed unless absolutely necessary.

treatment types:

direct pressure: key to any wound. can be done with whatever is available even if that means the medic needs to use their own body weight.

tourniquets: applied to the limbs. typically not applied for more than thirty minutes. in some cases, they can be left on for hours, keeping the phrase “life over limb” in mind. complications with tourniquets like nerve damage or ischemia (no blood circulation) are rare. don’t apply over a joint and apply above the wound.

wound packing: done with standard gauze and or hemostatic dressing

wound packing steps:

1. control the bleeding with pressure. use anything available even if it means t shirts or a knee.

2. place a gloved finger inside the wound too apply initial pressure. this will hurt like a bitch. also gives you an idea of what direction the blood is coming from so gauze can be used more accurately.

3. begin packing the wound with gauze. keep pressure on the wound with finger while wrapping gauze around another finger and pushing it in the wound.

4. keep packing the wound until no more gauze can fit in, and then keep direct pressure on for at least three minutes.

5. after the three minutes, use something like a bandage wrap to keep the gauze secure inside the wound.

6. splinting the area to keep it immobilized may be vital to keep the hemorrhage from restarting

7. if bleeding continues medic has to decide if they need to take out gauze and reapply with new gauze or apply more direct pressure. this is usually done by how long it takes to get to further treatment. the longer the wait the more of an incentive it becomes to repack the wound. if it’s just down the road then apply pressure.

most likely complications:

hypoxia, shock, and hypothermia are complications that need to be watched for and treated immediately if they occur.

hypoxia:

occurs when a region of the body doesn’t have enough oxygen in the tissue. can lead to organ damage, brain and heart damage being the most dangerous.

symptoms include: tachycardia (rapid heart rate), difficulty breathing, confusion, shortness of breath, anxiety, headache, and restlessness.

severe symptoms include: bradycardia (slow heart rate), extreme restlessness, and cyanosis (blue or purple tint to skin).

treatment: oxygen

shock:

life threatening condition where the body doesn’t have enough blood volume to circulate through itself. if it goes on for long enough, organ damage and death may occur.

symptoms: rapid, slow, or absent pulse, heart palpitations, rapid shallow breathing, lightheadedness, cold clammy skin, dilated pupils, chest pain, nausea, unfocused eyes, confusion, anxiety, and loss of consciousness.

treatment: if they’re not breathing, cpr is required. if they are breathing, lay on back and raise feet a foot off the ground to keep blood in the vital organs.

blood transfusion and fluids once in a hospital setting.

hypothermia: occurs when the body is losing heat quicker than it can produce. the more blood that’s lost the more likely hypothermia is to occur.

symptoms: differ based on severity

hypothermia:

in mild hypothermia: shivering, exhaustion, clumsiness, sleepiness, weak pulse, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), tachypnea (rapid breathing), pale skin, confusion, and trouble speaking.

in moderate hypothermia: bradycardia (slow heart rate), bradypnea (slow breathing), slurred speech, decline in mental function, shivering slows down, hallucinations, cyanosis (blue or purple tint to skin), muscle stiffness, dilated pupils, irregular heart rate, hypotension (decreased blood pressure), and loss of consciousness.

in severe hypothermia: shivering stops, hypotension (low blood pressure), absence of reflexes, compete muscle stiffness, fluid builds up in lungs, loss of voluntary motion, cardiac arrest (heart stops beating), coma, and death.

treatment: covering with a blanket, hat, and jacket, adding external heat like a hot pack, and if severe and in a hospital setting, warm fluids via iv, warm oxygen, and or a machine to warm the blood in the body.

if you have any questions feel free to ask! i plan on making a guide to gunshot wounds and a more in depth guide to hypothermia later.

[zjasperwrites]

A Non-Exhaustive List of Tips For Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you type, write, draw, craft, or do anything with your hands, you are at risk for carpal tunnel! If you're developing any pain, or have none but want to take preventive measures, feel free to try these. I'm not a doctor, but these help my case of severe CTS!

This advice may not apply to everyone, but these are all things you can do without receiving medical care. Yet know that options like pain prescriptions, steroids, and surgery are possible for relief.

Give your hands a break when necessary and feasible. Even just implementing one rest day a week can be extremely beneficial.

Stretch your hands, fingers, arms, and neck regularly. This video can get you started.

Look into a hand massager. I use this one. If your pain is severe, I find massaging before stretching is most effective.

Vary your positions. You can reduce strain by trying differing neutral angles of arm/wrist position while working. Elevation helps.

Use ergonomics. Ones I use include an ergonomic mouse and mousepad, and this support pen from PenAgain.

Explore temperature therapy. Both heat pads or ice packs can be helpful depending on your needs and preferences.

Work on grip strengthening. If you already have CTS pain, be careful, but some wrist/finger exercise can help. I use this tool.

Train yourself to work more gently. Lighten your grip on writing tools, slow down and don't press so hard while typing.

If you already have pain, GET WRIST BRACES. Sleep in them to start, then wear them during the day if needed. You can also...

Try out k-tape. I personally get more pain if I use a brace 24/7, so this k-tape wrap is nice for day-time support.

Look into finger splints too. Finger hypermobility or exertion can strain wrists much more quickly, especially when typing.

Compression gloves also help. These are my "lowest tier" for support when my pain is mildest.

Get comfortable with voice-typing. Adjusting to this can be hard, but its an excellent way to keep writing without hurting yourself.

Especially if you have severe pain, consider tools marketed at amputees. Obviously be mindful of the resources you take up, but accessibility tools are for anyone who needs them. When my pain is at my worst, I am unable to use my arm/hand and can't even raise it, so tools to facilitate one-handed use are helpful.

And finally, not so much a tip, but a warning. Most likely, you'll get CTS pain in your dominant hand first. When that happens, do not switch to your non-dom hand and continue on. That hand is not in the clear, its next. Implement treatment and management in both hands, and use your non-dom hand when necessary while not overworking it either. Don't let yourself fall into denial because you can "get by" without adjustments. I promise the initial ability to keep working without inconvenience is not worth developing CTS in both hands lol.

If anyone else has advice please add on! I live as a walking warning to my husband who crochets to take care of his hands, so here's to hoping I can help others too!

[pawlmtree]

yo max any advice for drawing when your hands are hypermobile as fuck 🫠

(in all seriousness i draw a lot and i can bend my left pinky almost 180 degrees backwards, i can almost make my thumb touch my forearm, and im really worried about fucking up my hands, anything i can do to help at least slow down the process of damaging them?)

my hands are also very hypermobile and painful, and what has helped me is a combination of wrist braces, compression gloves, KT tape, and plastic finger splints. pleaseeee invest in these if you're able to and wear them while you're drawing + take breaks while you're drawing <- I'm really bad at this because i dont like stopping once i'm in the zone

[compo67]

feeling bleh and tired and kinda down today. it's just a lot of work to rustle up energy or positive thoughts/actions.

i got up, showered, got dressed in "going out" clothes, made myself breakfast (leftovers), ate, and did dishes before going to my PCP appt.

so like, if i did all of that, why don't i feel better?

of course, i have been chatting with H, Z, and KP. but their company can't do the work i need to do to get out of this hole.

i want to go to michael's and the dollar store to get things for quilting night with the gals on friday, and candy for K so i can send her a care package. but i may just do that stuff tomorrow instead.

pcp said this yucky physical feeling could be from mounjaro and titrating up. do any of y'all have experience with mounjaro? i tolerate it a lot better than ozempic, but i still get side effects.

thank god for zofran.

i have "permanently lonely" by orville peck stuck in my head today and that is not helping.

i'm going to try and write photo op now. if that doesn't pan out, i can try knitting or drawing. or i can take a nap before my psych and mindfulness meetings.

i am, however, looking forward to spending time with H this week and the gals on Friday.

i promised my PCP i would wear my finger splints and compression gloves more often.

*big long sigh*

okay, let's try.

[illycanary]

Ehlers-Danlos Fashion

Honest question for my fellow Zebras. If we're all wearing...

Compression socks...

Joint braces...

Compression gloves...

Finger Splints...

Corsets...

Canes...

And wheel chairs...

Then why they hell aren't we normalizing dressing like this???

[whentherewerebicycles]

i'm not sure if you've gotten this suggestion before, but my mom uses compression gloves when her arthritis makes her finger joints swell badly, and they could maybe help with your hands. this brand: www.isotoner(.)com has ones that go fully over the fingers and up the wrists a decent amount

thank you so much! I got compression gloves on someone else’s suggestion and felt like they helped a bit the first night, but then the doctor advised against them because I guess too much compression is actually the problem I’m dealing with, so more could make things worse. so I’m supposed to use braces/splints instead of the gloves. but idk I’m seeing a hand specialist on friday and I’m planning to ask them, as I don’t feel like the splints are helping much at all. idk man I’m kind of at the end of my rope here I just want them to induce me so I can have a baby in three and a half weeks and then massively increase my meds dosage 😩😩

[xmcu-fietro]

im in a slightly different situation but i hope it will still help that my joints get tired and injured super easily (im also hyperflexible but for different reasons) and i wear elbow sleeves a lot. i personally wear stuff for weightlifting, but i wear it under my clothes and it helps a lot to just keep things tight and snug and encourages you to not push your joints too much. ive rarely had wrist issues but i would suggest looking into again, weightlifting sleeves/gloves (not sure what theyre called) because im sure they keep your wrists nice and sturdy

obviously, you know your body better than anyone but elbow sleeves really helped me a lot with my pain so perhaps its something to look into (i got mine for around £12 and theyre very durable)

i also personally avoid ice packs and stick to either cooling ibuprofen gel (or something similar)

hope you find some good help soon, sending love

hi, thank you for these tips! I've heard of compression gloves/sleeves/socks but haven't tried any yet, although I think I should---I was actually looking earlier today for ways to help with finger/wrist stability when playing instruments, and compression gloves came up as a possible solution that won't get in the way of playing the way ring splints might. I bet some kind of compression material would be helpful for my knees too (I've got a knee brace I sometimes wear but it's too bulky to wear under my clothes).

I've tried heat and ice for the hand/wrist issues, and they kinda help me? But it's harder to carry around a heating pad or ice packs when I'm going places. I have a cbd gel (that has a bit of a cooling effect) that I like as well as a TENS unit, so I have found a couple things that help thankfully.

[hawkelf]

I spin professionally (contract work, about 2-4hrs per week, or 300-600 yards bulky thick n thin merino), yarn that I call 'upholstery yarn', for a local artisanal/art furniture company. It is not garment-quality yarn, though my default weight before I started this job was lace, and now evens out to dk-ish singles.

I also have chronic illnesses. I end up doing physical therapy every couple years at least. I have doctors who are really interested in my activity levels.

If you spin, take video for your doctors. If you have pain while spinning, take video for your pt/physio. They have no idea what I'm talking about until I show them, pantomime and 'like in old timey movies' only gets us so far. With video, I've been able to correct some posture things, and it's helped my neck, back, ELBOW.

Went to a hand therapist (occupational therapist) recently, for evaluation due to new diagnosis. Forgot to take video with. She measured my grip strength and was absolutely floored. Average top grip strength for my age bracket is in the 70s. I'm in the 90s. She said the only woman she'd met stronger than me grew up milking cows. I told her I knew a whole bunch of folks down the local fiber arts guild who could probably give me a run for my money, and she was in disbelief.

Then she gave me some tricks for hand fatigue, some really nice compression gloves, and some finger splints for my hyperflexible joints. All have improved my situation greatly.

I've had a hard time articulating to people just how fundamental spinning used to be in people's lives, and how eerie it is that it's vanished so entirely. It occurred to me today that it's a bit like if in the future all food was made by machine, and people forgot what farming and cooking were. Not just that they forgot how to do it; they had never heard of it.

When they use phrases like "spinning yarns" for telling stories or "heckling a performer" without understanding where they come from, I imagine a scene in the future where someone uses the phrase "stir the pot" to mean "cause a disagreement" and I say, did you know a pot used to be a container for heating food, and stirring was a way of combining different components of food together? "Wow, you're full of weird facts! How do you even know that?"

When I say I spin and people say "What, like you do exercise bikes? Is that a kind of dancing? What's drafting? What's a hackle?" it's like if I started talking about my cooking hobby and my friend asked "What's salt? Also, what's cooking?" Well, you see, there are a lot of stages to food preparation, starting with planting crops, and cooking is one of the later stages. Salt is a chemical used in cooking which mostly alters the flavor of the food but can also be used for other things, like drawing out moisture...

"Wow, that sounds so complicated. You must have done a lot of research. You're so good at cooking!" I'm really not. In the past, children started learning about cooking as early as age five ("Isn't that child labor?"), and many people cooked every day their whole lives ("Man, people worked so hard back then."). And that's just an average person, not to mention people called "chefs" who did it professionally. I go to the historic preservation center to use their stove once or twice a week, and I started learning a couple years ago. So what I know is less sophisticated than what some children could do back in the day.

"Can you make me a snickers bar?" No, that would be pretty hard. I just make sandwiches mostly. Sometimes I do scrambled eggs. "Oh, I would've thought a snickers bar would be way more basic than eggs. They seem so simple!"

Haven't you ever wondered where food comes from? I ask them. When you were a kid, did you ever pick apart the different colored bits in your food and wonder what it was made of? "No, I never really thought about it." Did you know rice balls are called that because they're made from part of a plant called rice? "Oh haha, that's so weird. I thought 'rice' was just an adjective for anything that was soft and white."

People always ask me why I took up spinning. Isn't it weird that there are things we take so much for granted that we don't even notice when they're gone? Isn't it strange that something which has been part of humanity all across the planet since the Neanderthals is being forgotten in our generation? Isn't it funny that when knowledge dies, it leaves behind a ghost, just like a person? Don't you want to commune with it?

[bestlifenails]

Why Does My Thumb Nail Hurt

Hi! Do you ever experience pain in your thumb nail? It can be a bothersome and uncomfortable sensation that makes it hard to do everyday tasks. If this is something you’re experiencing, then don’t worry – I'm here to help. In this article, we'll explore why your thumb nail might hurt, as well as possible treatments that could provide relief. So let's get started!

Common Causes Of Thumb Nail Pain

I'm sure you've experienced thumb nail pain before. But if it persists, there could be an underlying issue causing the discomfort. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes of thumb nail pain. One cause is bruised nails. You may experience this after accidentally hitting or banging your thumb against something hard - resulting in a painful sensation and discoloration around the area.

Nail fungus can also cause thumb nail pain, with signs such as yellowing or blackening of the fingernails. If left untreated, this type of fungal infection can lead to more serious issues like severe cracking and splitting of the affected nails. No matter what kind of thumb nail pain you're dealing with, it's important to get any persistent symptoms checked out by a doctor right away so that they can recommend treatment options tailored to your specific situation.

Potential Treatments For Thumb Nail Pain

Pain in the thumb can be a real nuisance, making it hard to do even everyday tasks. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat this kind of pain and get back on track with life. From natural remedies to splinting techniques, here are some potential treatments you should consider for your thumb nail pain. Natural remedies include soaking the affected area in warm water and Epsom salt. This helps reduce inflammation and swelling around the sore spot. You can also apply ice or cold compresses periodically throughout the day – this will help numb any discomfort from movement that may occur when using your hands for daily activities. Additionally, you could try taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium to help relieve symptoms of soreness or stiffness. Another way to address thumb nail pain is through splinting techniques. These involve wearing a thin device (usually plastic) around the top of your finger or thumb while sleeping or engaging in certain activities like typing on a computer keyboard or playing sports. The purpose of this device is to keep your fingers straight so they don’t move too much during these activities which could further irritate your injured nails. It also keeps pressure off of any sensitive areas near the injured spot so you won’t feel as much pain when doing common movements like gripping objects or writing with pens and pencils. If you’re suffering from persistent thumb nail pain, seeking out specialized advice from a medical professional might be beneficial in finding relief and getting back into form quickly. Your doctor can provide more specific tips tailored to your individual needs including recommendations for additional treatment plans if necessary.

Tips For Avoiding Thumb Nail Pain

I understand how uncomfortable it can be when your thumb nail hurts. Pain in the thumb nails can have many causes, ranging from a fungal infection to poor circulation or even injury. Thankfully, there are some preventative measures and lifestyle modifications you can take to avoid any future discomfort.

To start with, make sure you keep your hands clean and dry as much as possible throughout the day – this will help reduce the chances of developing an infection such as fungus. Additionally, try not to pick at hangnails or tear off cuticles since that may cause bruising and inflammation of the skin around the nail bed. If you participate in activities involving repetitive motion with your thumbs, ensure that you wear protective gloves whenever appropriate to protect them from further damage. Furthermore, if your daily routine involves working with chemicals like detergents or solvents for long periods of time, consider wearing protective gear such as rubber gloves and safety glasses which provide extra protection against irritants. Taking regular breaks during these tasks can also be beneficial in reducing stress on the affected area. Finally, remember to follow good hygiene habits by cleaning under your fingernails regularly and keeping them trimmed short so they don’t snag on fabrics or other surfaces. With these tips in mind, hopefully you won't experience any more pain in your thumb nails!

When To See A Doctor For Thumb Nail Pain

It can be worrying when you start to experience pain in your nails, especially if it doesn't seem to subside. Pain in the thumb nail is particularly concerning as it can interfere with everyday activities such as typing or even gripping objects. In this article we'll discuss potential causes of thumb nail pain, when you should see a doctor and tips for injury prevention and environmental factors that may affect symptoms. Injury from trauma to the finger or nail bed are common causes of thumb nail pain. This includes blunt force injuries such as dropping something heavy on your hand, or a more serious incident like hitting your thumb with a hammer. Symptoms accompanying this type of pain might include swelling, bruising, discoloration and tenderness around the affected area. If these symptoms persist after several days then you should consider seeking medical attention. Treatment for thumb nail pains depends on its cause but could involve rest and avoiding further strain on the affected area by using splints or other protective devices. Taking anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce swelling while wearing gloves during certain tasks may also prevent additional damage caused by external elements such as cold temperatures or chemicals in cleaning products. As always it's important to follow basic safety guidelines and practice injury prevention measures which can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort down the road!

Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Thumb Nail Pain

Having thumb nail pain can be a sign of something more serious, so it is important to talk with your doctor. There are some preventative steps and home remedies you can take before seeing the doctor, but if symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical attention should not be put off.

Before making an appointment with the doctor, there are certain precautions that one should take. These could include taking over-the-counter medications for inflammation and avoiding activities that may aggravate the area of discomfort such as gripping objects tightly or using tools requiring forceful motions. Additionally, applying warm compresses to reduce swelling and using ice packs intermittently can help alleviate pain in the short term. If these methods do not provide relief after a few days, visiting a health care provider is recommended. A physician will examine any underlying causes and determine what course of action needs to be taken in order to properly treat this condition. Discussing preventative care tips on how to avoid future episodes can also be beneficial when engaging in conversation with a healthcare professional. Home remedies like soaking the affected area in warm water or gently massaging it with lotion can often prove helpful too. It is essential to reach out for medical advice when experiencing persistent pain around the thumb nail region – doing so ensures proper diagnosis and treatment plan implementation. Taking precautionary measures at home will likely only relieve symptoms temporarily; speaking with a healthcare provider helps identify potential sources of distress and gain access to treatments best suited for individual conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Symptoms Of Thumb Nail Pain? If you're experiencing thumb nail pain, there are a few key symptoms to look out for. These include inflammation, discoloration of the nail and tenderness when pressing on it. Treating this type of discomfort typically involves anti-inflammatory medications or creams that can help to reduce the swelling. Additionally, if the nail has changed color due to an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor in order to clear up the issue. Can Injury To The Thumb Nail Cause Pain? Yes, an injury to the thumb nail can certainly cause pain. Splitting nails, for example, are a common and painful occurrence that may be caused by overusing fingernail clippers or trying to pry something open with your fingers. Nail fungus is another culprit of painful thumbs, as it often leads to the nail becoming discolored and brittle which may result in splitting. In both cases, taking care of the affected area – such as washing it regularly and keeping it dry – is recommended in order to reduce discomfort.

Are There Any Home Remedies For Thumb Nail Pain? Are you experiencing thumb nail pain? If so, there are several home remedies that can help. Soaking your thumb in a warm salt or iodine solution may be beneficial for relieving the discomfort. Additionally, trimming off any jagged edges of the nail can reduce irritation and pressure on the area. You may also want to apply a topical ointment or cream for temporary relief. Finally, if you have an infection it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Are There Certain Activities That Can Increase The Risk Of Thumb Nail Pain? Yes, certain activities can increase the risk of thumb nail pain. For instance, picking up heavy objects or excessive texting on your phone are two common culprits. If you find yourself regularly doing either of these activities, it's important to take breaks in between and give your hands a rest. Additionally, make sure that when picking up something heavy you lift with your legs rather than using only your arms so as not to strain them too much. How Long Does Thumb Nail Pain Usually Last? Thumb nail pain can be a common issue, but how long it lasts depends on the severity of your injury or condition and any preventative measures you take. Depending on your situation, thumb nail pain could last anywhere from days to weeks. To help reduce the duration of discomfort, make sure to practice proper nail care by keeping them clean and trimmed as needed. Additionally, if there are activities that increase your risk for thumb nail pain, try to avoid those or find ways to do them more carefully.

Conclusion

Thumb nail pain can be a nuisance and painful condition. While it is not always serious, it should still be taken seriously as there may be underlying causes that need to be addressed. Fortunately, most cases of thumb nail pain are treatable with simple home remedies or over-the-counter medications. The key is to identify the cause of your thumb nail pain and address any underlying issues as soon as possible in order to reduce further discomfort. If my thumb nail pain persists for more than two weeks, I will consult with my doctor so we can determine the best course of action for me. Read the full article

[gaylordnantais]

The Top Five Types of Hand Injuries in the Workplace

There are a number of different types of hand injuries in the workplace. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries, such as fractures, lacerations, and crush injuries. In some cases, hand injuries can even lead to amputation.

Workers in a wide variety of industries are at risk of suffering hand injuries. Some of the most common industries where hand injuries occur include construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

This blog post will look at some of the most common types of hand injuries in the workplace. We will also discuss some of the key strategies that can be used to prevent these injuries from occurring.

Hand Injuries in The Workplace

Hand injuries are a common occurrence in the workplace. In fact, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), hand injuries account for approximately 20% of all occupational injuries. While any part of the hand can be injured, the fingers are typically more vulnerable due to their small size and delicate structure.

Furthermore, certain jobs carry a higher risk for hand injuries than others. For instance, manual laborers such as construction workers or factory workers are more likely to suffer hand injuries than office employees.

The Basics:

Some of the most common hand injuries occur when our hands come into contact with sharp objects or hazardous materials. Other causes of hand injuries include:

Overexertion

Repetitive motions

Vibration from equipment

Cold weather

Preventing Hand Injuries:

You can do several things to prevent hand injuries in the workplace. These include:

Wearing gloves whenever possible

Using caution when handling sharp objects or hazardous materials

Taking breaks every hour to rest your hands

Using proper lifting techniques

Stretching your muscles regularly

Some Common Types of Hand Injuries in the Workplace

An estimated 1.8 million workers in the United States sustain hand injuries yearly. The five most common types of hand injuries in the workplace are fractures, dislocations, cuts and lacerations, nerve damage, and burns. Let’s take a closer look at each type of injury.

Fractures – A fracture is a break in one or more bones in hand. They can be caused by a fall, collision with another object, crush injury, or wrist twisting. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness. Treatment includes immobilization in a cast or splint, followed by physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion.

Dislocations – A dislocation occurs when two bones forming a joint become separated. This can happen when the hand is struck violently against an object or hyperextended (bent backward). Symptoms include pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty moving the fingers or thumb. Treatment usually involves setting the joint back into alignment, followed by Physical Therapy to restore function. Surgery may also be necessary to repair any damage to the surrounding tissues.

Cuts and Lacerations – Cuts and lacerations are among the most common types of hand injuries seen in emergency rooms across the country. They are caused by contact with sharp objects such as knives, blades, glass, or metal. Symptoms vary depending on the size and depth of the wound but typically include pain, bleeding, swelling, and infection. Treatment generally involves cleaning and stitching up the wound under sterile conditions. Surgery may be required to ensure proper healing if there is significant muscle or bone damage.

Nerve Damage – Nerve damage can occur when there is direct trauma to one of the nerves in your hand. This can cause numbness, tingling sensation, burning pain, weakness, or paralysis. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the compression of the nerve tissue. With appropriate treatment, most people make a full recovery.

Burns – Burns account for about 5% of all hand injuries treated in US hospitals yearly. They are caused primarily by contact with flames, hot liquids, electrical currents, radiant heaters, etc. The severity of the burn depends upon its depth, the extent of the area affected, the clothing burned, etc. Most first-degree burns heal without scarring, while second and third-degree burns may leave scars.

Contact and Visit Us at Gaylord and Nantais Attorneys at Law

Although there are several things you can do to prevent different types of hand injuries in the workplace, accidents can still happen. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you have sustained a hand injury. Gaylord and Nantais Attorneys at Law have over 40 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured workers. We offer free consultations, so contact us today at (562) 561-2669 to see how we can help you.

[pawlmtree]

שלום, מה נשמע ✨🦁

what sort of stuff do you do to manage your EDS and widespread pain (no pots for me). I’m looking for some items and recs because my pains really flaring up during finals and I wanna get back home to a comfy place all set up with disability friendly stuff. thank u!

🦓🎉

I had another question I’ll put here too, which was could you give a list of the things that help you work as an EDS/pain guy like me? I’m looking into a better chair but I’m sort of overwhelmed and lost and in pain when I work too long, and I haven’t worked in months because i can’t find a good setup. product recs here also work great but I’m really just looking to ask what’s made ur life a little easier :,)

shalom!! 🦁

it really differs from person to person what items will help, and also depends on where your pain is, so all i can do is share what's helped me personally, and hope that perhaps some of it could apply to you

wrist braces

for wrist pain - i go through periods where i wear them and periods where i don't, they can be helpful for stability during times of activity, some people wear them when they sleep bc many (myself included) often accidentally hyperextend our joints during sleep -_- but do be careful not to wear them all the time bc it can sometimes cause more pain or result in weakness

compression gloves

for hand pain/finger joint pain - i don't use these much lately but i used to use them almost every day in combo with wrist braces to try to calm down finger + wrist pain by providing tightness and support, honestly they just feel really nice and comforting in general for me personally but theyre not for everyone.

plastic finger splints

these changed my life when i was having severe finger joint hyperextension and pain..... wearing them restricts the finger joints from hyperextending/bending too far which is helpful in preventing pain and keeping your joints in a more normal range... these helped me a lot for finger pain so i highly recommend them if you have finger pain!!

KT TAPE

i don't use it much anymore because it's kind of annoying to apply and remove, but it helped me a lot with keeping my knees, elbows, and wrists within better ranges of movement, and it felt really comfortable and tight in a secure and safe way if that makes any sense..!? warning is that it can be painful to remove if you have sensitive skin or body hair, but i take it off in the shower which helps a bit. its economically more worth it to buy a roll and cut it yourself rather than buying pre cut pieces, but if you dont have the patience or spoons for cutting it each time then they do make pre cut pieces!

other than that i have used a cane, elbow crutch, and now a hybrid manual/electric wheelchair, with the wheelchair ABSOLUTELY CHANGING MY LIFE ive had the least amount of pain and highest about of mobility (in terms of spending 5+ hours outside!! wow!!) that ive had in a long time, and if your condition gets to the point where going places is difficult/painful/anxiety inducing to you because of how much pain you'll be in during or afterwards, please don't feel ashamed to look into using a mobility aid!

as for the second question, honestly i still struggle with that myself, i can't keep up as well as i'd like to on my homework and commission work, but what does help is trying to maintain good posture while on the computer (sitting in a chair without slouching too much, keeping my neck from bending weird and trying not to hyperextend wrists or fingers while typing, which ermmm i still fail at a lot)

also trying to switch position and task every 2 or so hours is what's necessary for me, unfortunately i suck at doing this and get hyperfocused on drawing for 3+ hours sometimes, which ends up in a lot of pain and soreness afterwards -_- so i do recommend trying to give yourself breaks/switching position and task every so often if it is possible for you to do so...

thank you for the message and i wish you so much luck and low-pain days <3

[saydams]

great information, thanks!

i use hand braces when i sew, which might help you also.

usually i wear gloves for arthritis (i need fingerless so i can use my fingertips and not sew my gloves to my project ha ha.)

sometimes i wear this wrist brace (there are also versions made of neoprene or spandex that are more flexible, if you need less support) (or more mobility!). but they support my wrist and my thumb.

you can also support your finger with something like this. these are good to keep a finger joint from overextending, if you have hyperflexible joints

tips on learning how do fiber arts with apraxia / fine motor deficits? want to crochet or knit but every time try ends in injury because dexterity bad and because impulsive motor. any tools that can buy for this? have looked for adaptive classes but can’t find

sudden remember this ask… meant to answer

am actually maybe. worst person ask this because. not really know. some personal pointers, not sure how helpful they are:

knit for me easier because know how do it & learned motor pattern. if erase motor pattern memory & tell me relearn again now that motor & ability learn new stuff even worse, not sure what would say.

there two types of hold yarn/needles for knit. am knit “english style” (throwing), which basically, use right hand to wrap yarn over right hand needle & keep tension. another called “continental style”, which you use left hand hold yarn hold tension, usually like hold some finger on left hand high with yarn n manipulate right needle to almost “hook” that yarn.

use english style because learned this way never learned continental, but do find it easier for me. find continental, for someone like me with very bad motor, have less control n grip on left hand needle since some of your fingers used hold yarn, n have lots going on, need insert right needle into loop while making sure left hand yarn tension keep good, then “hook” yarn (find that take more dexterity just simply don’t have), n again while left hand keep tension, pull yarn through hoop make stitch. like entire time you cannot drop tension on left hand or else mess up. find continental left hand hold yarn similar to crochet hold yarn, n because bad motor, have like only one way that can actually hold yarn in left hand n let it stay n not loosey goosey, but that really hurt hand after a while & semi permanently messed up middle finger. people say continental knitting faster more efficient, but rather take so called slower way than try do “fast” way that cannot do at all. but have seen ring type adaptive tools you hook yarn on n it help tension?

compare to english, feel like it. you can break each step into it own thing. insert needle into loop, but this time with both hands full finger grip both needles. then, wrap yarn over needle with right hand. now that used to it, can just use some fingers, but if beginning, perfectly okay like, support right needle against body to prevent it fall off, then use entire right hand wrap. and then, can do both hand pull loop through. you not have to so worry abt tension through out all this because after finish all of this, can just pull on yarn n adjust tension.

one really funny chant (well for us would be chant in head) for english is “stab it. strangle it. scoop out its guts. throw it off a cliff.” & it work for some, it kind of violent, but maybe it help.

not very helpful advice is just. take it slow. it will be frustrating. that okay. we struggle with motor & we work with what we got & we not gonna be like most knitters with okay motor n that okay.

advice for knitting beginners often always knit with bigger/chunkier yarn and bigger needles, because knit up faster. true, but more reasons for us with bad motor:

found that, holding small needles hurt hand make hand stiff easier, n bigger needles, because thicker, have easier time hold.

keep tension not too tight or else will be hard go through loop. think looser tension may be easier at first, just as long as not too loose where yarn fall off?

explore between bamboo needles vs metal needles (smoother which help yarn glide but also may be easier fall off). explore between pointy tip needles & more dull tip needles (pointy may help with insert through loop. but if you use hand to push on tip to help go through loop, it may hurt).

use lighter color yarn (darker esp black yarn hard see stitches)

use plied yarn with more tighter twist, instead of yarn that just one loosely spun single. first type easier see easier go through loop, second type it easier poke through yarn itself & split yarn. so first type better for beginners

.

crochet harder for me because new motor pattern now that ability learn stuff really declined… n same issue with continental knit with left hand hold yarn. it also lots right wrist movement. but unless do specialty crochet, there only one working loop (instead of like knit there many on needle). so it easier put down n pick up project.

have seen adaptive tools where make handle part thicker! which make easier. have also seen people just DIY that n use chunk of foam

.

spinning yarn, most financial accessible thing for beginners is drop spindle, so talk about that.

there different weights of drop spindle, some heavy some lighter, n different weight spindle said to make spin different thickness of yarn easier (but have spun lace weight yarn to worsted & bulky yarn on same spindle, so definitely not must). remember more spun up yarn you wrap on spindle, heavier it get, so if weight impact motor ability, that something think about.

there also type called supported spindle! where instead of lift spindle in air, it spin resting on thingie. never used myself but something worth look into!

(top whirl drop spindle where round disk thingie on top) advice is get one with notch on disk. find that without notch, yarn may slide all over place & especially with low motor, hard to hook yarn in way that not let it slide all over place.

n when start. take it slow. break it into multiple steps. don’t try do too much at once. when get used to, maybe able spin it and draft (like pull roving into thinner strand for yarn) while it spinning. but at beginning. spin, over spin it so have more twist on yarn than want. park it (like put it between two legs, etc rest it somewhere), then draft it/pull roving. then spin again. then park it. etc. and then wrap it around spindle.

don’t try spin too thin at first. it okay if it thick n thin and you not do it on purpose. try learn with (non superwash) wool because wool have microscopic scale-y teeth thingie on fiber that help it stick together n not too slippery, so even if you accident break roving, can just smoosh them together n it be alright. there some breed of wool that said to be more friendly for beginners than others (apparently merino not one).

.

probably over all tip for any craft is. find method that allow you split each step into its own thing, where can pause between each thing, n not have to do multiple things at once.

n take it slow n let self be frustrated. ok to fail n start again later. learned to knit 3 separate times until finally stuck. motor skill simply didn’t work for crochet so failed at least 8-10 separate times (like not restart one project 8-10 times in one sitting but like 8-10 times each with weeks or months or year in between).

feel like said bunch of nothing & very obvious tips but 😅hope at least some of it helpful?

if have specific craft in mind or specific project in mind, again not sure how helpful can be but happy give own thoughts to you

[asciidot]

I just saw a post on chance abt mobility aids for typing n coding and Why Did Nobody Tell Me Those Exist!!!! i mean i probably should have researched but i always default to just taking a painkiller or two n roughing it if im having a flareupso it didnt cross my mind. This is so cool what the hell

[fairieboywhump]

Would you like to share ur thoughts on oc’s and mobility aids :3c

WHY YES I ABSOLUTELY WOULD

OKAY OKAY OKAY SO.

lets start with the first oc i ever gave a mobility aid to. trevor ! he has a wheelchair and crutches because he has very severe chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as POTS, so standing up can be a complete nightmare and he often needs something to help keep him upright. (pots causes fainting and blackouts when you stand) trevor has covered both his crutches and his wheelchair in stickers. misti helped.

cathal, at some point after hes rescued is going to need a cane occasionally and im thinking he might also use a rollator sometimes because he can hold onto it with both hands and not have to lift it off the ground, as well as rollators have a seat so when his leg or his joints start to act up, he has somewhere to rest. hes also going to have finger splints to help how his fingers on one hand will pop out of place (thanks nicholas) and compression gloves and socks for his terrible circulation. and knee braces. for when his knees act up. he spent a looong time kneeling, that fucks them up

your ocs are the ones im most excited abt im not even gonna lie to you.

cain obviously has his cane (i keep fucking mixing up the spellings this is hell for my brain fog) but since both legs were damaged i think forearm crutches would be a really good fit for him as they'll support you from both sides instead of just one, and put less pressure on your wrists than just a cane will because of the part that supports your forearm. he would also benefit from compression clothes i think, but there is the double side of those sometimes hurt too and that would be a choice you have to make on your own of whether theyre smth he would use. i think he would also benefit from a wheelchair on days where its especially bad, i mean he was left to sit with his injuries for a while so thats inevitably going to fuck with how well he can heal, and i mean we both know its not realistic to just go Oh well hes rich he can fix his legs entirely and never have another problem with them again. thts a cop out i see so often so ppl dont have to write mobility aids and it makes me soooo mad. anyways. thts not relevant.

i also think ! that zander is going to need them! i think he would benefit a Lot from compression gloves, it kind of feels like theyre holding your hands together so they dont just completely fall apart and i think especially on the hand tht he had surgery on it would be a great help. and a back brace. he could use a back brace. that poor man. im trying to decide what actual. Mobility Aid specifically would help him and i think a cane or crutches would be good but especially with the way tht zanders pride and self esteem is i cant imagine him ever going for anything more noticable. i think cathal would have to argue with him to make him use one at all tbh. he probably doesnt think he deserves to use one but cathal would tell him that what he actually doesnt deserve is to be in so much pain and suffering so much because he needs these aids and refuses to use them

[thebibliosphere]

Didn't want to derail your finger-splint post -- but omg you are a frostie too? I've got Raynaud's, and before I was diagonsed legit NO ONE had heard of it. Even now, anytime I hear of someone else I'm like *gentle finger guns* Do you have any magic tricks? (Feel free to ignore if you have low spoons or just don't care)

Fellow frostie finger guns!

And god, I wish. I rely a lot on compression gloves but also microwavable mittens. These things. Cold makes all my body hurt, so I have a lot of things like these I can shove in the microwave and then just put them all on and finally feel some shred of warmth lol