Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Crush Injury
What is a crush injury of the hand?
A crush injury to the hand can result in significant damage to vital structures, including bones, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery, helping to restore function, reduce pain, and support the healing process after such an injury.
What can cause a crush injury of the hand?
Crush injuries to the hand typically occur when a heavy object falls onto it or when the hand becomes caught or compressed in a door or similar mechanism.
What are the symptoms of crush injury of the hand?
A crush injury to the hand typically causes sudden and intense pain. If the impact is severe enough to cause a fracture or dislocation, you may hear a cracking sound at the time of injury. Damage to blood vessels can result in visible bleeding and bruising, while swelling is common around the affected area. Movement may be significantly reduced due to pain and the involvement of multiple damaged structures. If nerves are affected, you might experience numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation in parts of the hand. Other possible symptoms include:
- Skin discoloration or coldness in the fingers
- Loss of grip strength
- Visible deformity of the hand or fingers
- Throbbing pain or increased sensitivity to touch
What should I do if I have a crush injury of my hand?
It’s essential to visit your nearest accident and emergency department as soon as possible to have a crush injury assessed and treated. To help manage swelling in the meantime, apply ice to the affected area using an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel for up to 20 minutes at a time. Adding gentle compression with a bandage can further help reduce swelling.
A hand X-ray may be needed to determine if any bones are broken. If there is significant soft tissue damage, an MRI scan may be recommended to assess injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Once the extent of the injury is known, you’ll be given a clear diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan, which may include surgery in cases of severe damage.
Physiotherapy for a crush injury of the hand?
In the early stages of recovery, you may need to wear a cast or splint to rest your hand and support proper healing. Despite this, physiotherapy can begin early, focusing on maintaining strength and mobility in the surrounding joints. As healing progresses, your treatment will include a series of stretching and strengthening exercises aimed at restoring normal hand function, reducing stiffness, and helping you return to everyday activities. Electrotherapy techniques such as ultrasound and laser therapy may also be used to accelerate tissue healing. Manual joint mobilisations can help improve movement in stiff or restricted areas of the hand. Additional physiotherapy may include:
- Scar management techniques (if surgery was performed)
- Grip and fine motor skill training
- Swelling reduction techniques such as massage or compression
- Advice on pacing, ergonomic adjustments, and adaptive tools
What shouldn’t I do if I have a crush injury of my hand?
If you’ve experienced a crush injury to your hand, it’s important not to manage the symptoms on your own. Prompt medical attention significantly improves your chances of a full recovery and restoring normal hand function. To avoid worsening the injury, you should also prevent anything that increases blood flow to the area. This includes avoiding hot showers, heat packs, and massage. Alcohol can have a similar effect and should also be avoided during the initial stages of recovery.
Can a crush injury of the hand have any long-term effects?
When multiple structures in the hand are damaged, recovery is often longer and more complex. Surgery may be required to repair broken bones or torn tendons. If nerves have been affected, you may experience persistent pins and needles or numbness, which can take several months to improve as the nerves gradually regenerate. Regardless of the severity of the crush injury, it’s crucial to begin a physiotherapy program as soon as the injury is diagnosed. Early intervention helps restore function and significantly reduces the risk of long-term complications.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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