What Steps Can You Take to Prevent a Hand Fracture?

Hand injuries can be painful and debilitating, but the good news is that many of them are preventable. Whether you have previously experienced a hand fracture or are prone to one due to your activities or lifestyle, taking proactive steps to prevent these injuries is crucial. 

In this article, we’ll discuss various measures you can take to reduce the risk of hand fractures and the appropriate steps for treatment if you experience one.

Wear Protective Gear

Wearing protective gear is one of the most effective ways to prevent a hand injury, especially if you engage in high-risk activities or work in environments with potential hazards. Consider the following, depending on your specific situation.

Safety Gloves

Invest in gloves designed for the task at hand. Whether gardening, construction or any activity that exposes your hands to potential injury, wearing the appropriate gloves can provide essential protection.

Hand Guards and Wrist Supports

If you’re involved in sports or recreational activities that put your hands at risk, such as cycling or skateboarding, consider using hand guards or wrist supports. These can help absorb shock and reduce the impact on your hands during a fall.

Use Safety Equipment

Safety equipment is readily available in many work or recreational settings and can significantly reduce the risk of hand fractures. Here are some examples.

Helmets

Always wear a helmet for activities like biking, skating, or snowboarding. While it primarily protects your head, it can also indirectly protect your hands by preventing more severe injuries.

Safety Goggles and Face Shields

Protect your eyes with safety goggles or face shields when working with tools or participating in sports where projectiles are a concern. These can prevent hand injuries resulting from reflexive attempts to shield your face.

Properly Maintain Tools and Equipment

Maintaining your tools and equipment is not just about prolonging their lifespan; it’s also about reducing the risk of accidents. Neglected or malfunctioning devices can lead to unexpected accidents that result in hand fractures.

Regular Inspections

Inspect your tools and equipment before use. Ensure they are in good working condition, with no loose parts or defects that could lead to accidents.

Follow Safety Guidelines

Always adhere to the safety guidelines provided with your tools and equipment. Use them for their intended purpose, following recommended safety practices.

Practice Caution in Sports and Recreational Activities

A study on 364 cases found that ball sports, cycling and equestrian sports accounted for the highest number of recorded hand injuries. Engaging in sports and recreational activities is a great way to stay active and healthy, but can also increase the risk of hand fractures. 

Learn Proper Technique

Whether you’re playing basketball, rock climbing, or any sport, take the time to learn and practice proper techniques. This knowledge can help you avoid situations where your hands are vulnerable to injury.

Warm Up and Stretch

Before any physical activity, warm up and stretch to prepare your muscles and joints. Flexible and conditioned hands are less prone to fractures.

Be Mindful of Falls

Accidental falls are a common cause of hand fractures. Being mindful of your surroundings and taking precautions can help prevent falls, whether at home or outdoors.

Clear Pathways

Keep walkways and stairs free of obstacles and clutter to reduce the risk of tripping and falling.

Install Handrails

Install sturdy handrails to provide support and stability in areas prone to slips and falls, such as bathrooms and staircases.

Exercise and Strengthen Your Hands

Regular hand exercises can increase the strength and resilience of your hands, reducing the likelihood of fractures. Stronger hands are less susceptible to injury.

Grip Strength Exercises

Perform exercises that target grip strength, such as squeezing a stress ball or using hand grippers. 

Hand Flexibility Exercises

Work on maintaining the flexibility of your hands through stretching exercises. Flexible hands are better at absorbing impact.

Pay Attention to Footwear

Surprisingly, the type of footwear you choose can impact your hand safety, especially when preventing falls. Wear shoes or boots with good traction, especially in slippery or uneven terrain. Proper footwear can help you maintain balance and avoid falls that might lead to hand fractures.

What to Do When You Have a Hand Fracture?

1. Seek medical attention: Be sure to see a healthcare professional. They can assess the severity of the fracture, provide pain relief, and determine the appropriate treatment.
2. Immobilise the hand: If possible, immobilise your hand with a splint or brace to prevent further injury and minimise pain.
3. Elevate the hand: Elevating your hand can help reduce swelling and pain.
4. Ice: Applying ice to the injured area can also help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth or towel to protect your skin.
5. Follow medical advice: Your healthcare provider will recommend the best course of treatment, which may include casting, surgery, or other interventions. 

Hand Fracture Treatment in Singapore

Preventing a hand injury in Singapore is essential for maintaining your quality of life and avoiding unnecessary pain and inconvenience. By taking precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of hand fractures.

If your hand is fractured in Singapore, you should seek medical attention. Depending on your condition, a hand fracture treatment at Spire Hand Centre may include the following steps.

1. Diagnostic imaging: X-rays and, if necessary, more advanced imaging like CT scans or MRI may be used to assess the extent of the fracture.
2. Casting or splinting: Immobilisation of the hand through casting or splinting is a treatment to allow the fracture to heal.
3. Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to realign and stabilise the bones for more complex fractures or those involving joint surfaces.
4. Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and hand exercises may be prescribed to improve strength and mobility during recovery.

Our highly experienced team specialise in treating bone fractures and is committed to ensuring your successful recovery from a hand injury. Contact us today for a consultation.