Dislocation

Dislocation of the joints in the hand usually occurs when the ligaments around the joint are injured and are not able to hold the joint in their alignment. This happens most commonly from a direct sudden impact, after a fall or in ball sports.

A simple dislocation may be relatively easily reduced by a Hand Therapist or your GP and should be followed up with an XRay to confirm joint alignment and integrity. You will then need to have your ligaments and joint protected whilst allowing appropriate movement to reduce your risk of complications and expedite your return to full function and activity.

Common symptoms:

  • Deformity of the finger or hand
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Pins and needles or numbness in the hand or fingers
  • A sense of looseness or instability of the finger, palm or wrist
  • Inability to grasp objects
  • Reduced movement or too much movement of the finger/hand/wrist

Potential causes:

  • Fall with landing on the hand
  • Direct forceful contact to the hand in sports (ball sports)

Assessment:

Subjective assessment: We will ask you about your hand and wrist injury, how and when it is limiting you, your general health and other potential factors that may contribute to your concerns. We will also ask you what activities and sports you enjoy and what your goal is.

Objective assessment: We will look at your hand and palpate around the area. We will look at your movement and measure your grip strength. We will also look at the rest of your body including your elbow, shoulder and core to see if they are contributing to your symptoms. We will perform special tests clinically assess joint stability and determine the need for referral to a Specialist or for further imaging

Treatment:

  • Relocation of the joint (if applicable)
  • Custom casting or thermoplastic splinting
  • Swelling management
  • Taping
  • Activity modification
  • Muscle and/or other soft tissue release
  • Dry needling
  • Home exercise program including stretching, movement and strengthening exercises
  • Dry needling
  • Home exercise program including stretching, movement and strengthening exercises

Plan:

From the moment we meet you, we are planning an individualised and holistic approach to help you reach your goal and be your best!

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