Comprehensive Care for Hand Injuries
Hand injuries are a frequent occurrence, impacting people across various age groups and lifestyles. From sprains and fractures to soft tissue injuries, these conditions can disrupt daily activities, affecting the hand’s functionality and strength.
At UK Hand & Wrist Surgery, we are committed to providing comprehensive hand injury treatment, guiding patients through effective options designed to restore function and promote long-term hand health. Led by Specialist Hand Surgeon Mr Patrick Goon, our team uses advanced techniques and personalised approaches to help each patient regain optimal mobility.
Common Types of Hand Injury
Hand injuries encompass a variety of conditions, each requiring specific treatment approaches. Common types of injuries include:
- Fractures: Hand fractures, such as wrist fractures or breaks in the fingers, often result from direct impacts, falls, or sudden force on the hand.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries affect ligaments, tendons and muscles, with common examples including sprains and overuse injuries.
- Tendon Injuries: Conditions like mallet finger and trigger finger stem from damage to the tendons or its pulley, which can restrict hand movement and cause significant discomfort.
- Overuse Injuries: Repeated motions or prolonged strain can lead to conditions such as tendonitis, where the tendons become inflamed due to overuse.
Each of these injuries can range from mild to severe, with varying effects on hand function and requires an appropriate treatment plan for optimal healing.
Symptoms of Hand Injuries
Identifying hand injury symptoms early can aid in preventing further complications. Symptoms to be aware of include:
- Pain and Swelling: Pain in the injured area, often accompanied by swelling, may indicate damage to bones, muscles, or tendons.
- Difficulty Moving the Hand or Fingers: Restricted movement or stiffness can be a sign of an injury, particularly if it worsens over time.
- Weakness or Reduced Grip Strength: A common symptom in tendon injuries and fractures.
- Numbness or Tingling: In wrist injuries or cases involving nerve compression and trauma, tingling sensations may extend into the fingers.
Seeking medical help promptly can prevent the progression of symptoms and promote the healing process.
For successful hand injury treatment, early intervention and personalised care are key to achieving optimal recovery outcomes.
Treatment Options for Hand Injuries
Treatment for hand injuries varies based on the severity and type of injury. Options range from non-surgical approaches to advanced surgical procedures:
Non-Surgical Treatments
For less severe injuries, conservative treatments may include applying an ice pack to reduce swelling and prescribing rest and physical therapy to support recovery. Splints or casts may be used to stabilise the injured area, promoting the hand’s natural healing process.
Surgical Treatment
Severe injuries, such as complex hand fractures, tendon, ligament or nerve damage, may require surgical intervention. Surgical options include:
- Fracture Fixation: Used for wrist fractures and other fractures in the hand, this procedure stabilises the bone, supporting proper alignment as it heals.
- Tendon Repair: Surgery may be necessary to repair torn tendons or damage to corollary structures, especially in conditions like mallet finger or traumatic trigger finger.
- Nerve and Ligament Repair: In cases of extensive soft tissue injury or nerve damage, surgical repair helps restore function and alleviate pain. Example would be skier’s thumb.
Our goal is to provide effective pain relief and facilitate a return to full function, regardless of injury severity.
Comprehensive hand injury treatment is essential for regaining mobility, reducing pain and restoring strength in the injured hand.
Key Benefits of Timely Treatment
Timely and appropriate treatment for hand injuries offers numerous benefits, including:
- Relief from pain and discomfort
- Improved mobility and strength
- Prevention of further injury
- Faster recovery
Recovery and Aftercare
Following hand injury treatment, a structured recovery plan is essential for optimal healing. Recommendations include:
- Immobilisation: In cases of fractures or significant soft tissue damage, splints or casts may be advised initially to protect the healing area.
- Applying Ice: Applying an ice pack periodically helps to reduce swelling and manage pain during the early stages of recovery.
- Physical Therapy: Gradual, guided exercises can improve hand strength and mobility over time.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ins with the specialist to monitor progress and address any concerns.
Mr Goon will guide each patient through their recovery, providing individualised support to ensure that the hand heals fully and regains its function.
Why Choose UK Hand & Wrist Surgery
for Hand Injury Treatment?
At UK Hand & Wrist Surgery, patients benefit from specialist care led by Mr Patrick Goon, an expert in treating hand and wrist injuries. We offer a range of treatment options, from non-invasive therapies to advanced surgical procedures, tailored to each patient’s unique injury and recovery needs.
Our commitment to personalised care ensures that every step of the treatment process is focused on achieving the best possible outcome, helping each patient restore function and regain hand strength. Whether recovering from a minor soft tissue injury or managing severe injuries requiring surgery, our team is dedicated to supporting your full recovery.
Meet Mr Patrick Goon
Mr Goon, a highly trained Specialist Hand Surgeon, leads our clinic with expertise and a commitment to excellence in care. His experience spans a range of simple to complex procedures, from carpal tunnel release to wrist joint replacements and tendon repair. His focus on minimally invasive techniques supports optimal recovery and reduces post-operative discomfort, ensuring patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Find out more
Book an Appointment with Mr Goon
If you are suffering from a hand or wrist problem, please use the online form to contact us and arrange an appointment with Mr Goon. Alternatively, you can call us on 01707 443 444 or email us at Enquiries@hertfordshirehandsurgery.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is physical therapy needed after a hand injury?
Physical therapy is often beneficial for regaining strength and mobility, especially after severe injuries or fractures. A specialist will advise if it’s needed in your case.
How long before I can return to activities after a hand injury?
Recovery times vary by injury. Minor injuries may allow a return to light activities within days, while more severe cases can require weeks or even months.
When is rest recommended for hand injuries?
In many cases, medical professionals prescribe rest as part of the treatment plan to allow the injured hand to heal fully. Avoiding strenuous activities can prevent further strain and support the recovery process.
What are common injuries involving the middle joint of the finger?
Injuries to the middle joint, such as sprains or ligament tears, are often due to direct impact or overuse. Treatment may involve immobilisation and specific exercises to restore movement gradually.
What Our Patients Say
Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
5th July 2024
I managed to dislocate one knuckle and badly break another knuckle in the same finger into multiple pieces, an injury which every Healthcare Professional that saw the X-ray told me was not only severe damage but also a particularly rare injury. Mr Goon and his team screwed the knuckle back together, which was particularly fiddly given the multiple small pieces.
After the operation I was given a number of exercises which were progressively added to over a series of regular appointments, both with Mr Goon and multiple Hand Therapists, to check and monitor my progress. I followed their instructions as closely as I could, both in frequency of exercising and how far to push the injury (I did want to actually recover fully after all, so why would I have not listened to the experts!), even though this was sometimes inconvenient or sore.
I’m delighted to say that I now have full use and movement of the finger and a scar which is unnoticeable unless you look very closely for it. Mr Goon and his team are all a credit to the NHS, not only due to their expertise, but all kept a very friendly and positive attitude at all times not just about the potential recovery but also with their general demeanor, were always supportive and happy to answer any question I had, even if I was worried they may have been obvious answers, and were always clear about the next steps I needed to take.
It’s also worth mentioning for anyone that may be critical of the NHS which is clearly currently under intense pressure based on the number of patients in the Hospital ever time I went in, I sustained the injury on a Wednesday evening, had the dislocation sorted at a Hospital walk-in clinic within 1.5 hours and had met the surgeon, gone through the options and procedure and was in surgery by Saturday morning. Mr Goon even came to see me himself and tell me how the procedure had gone as soon as I was fully awake. This shows what an amazing service the NHS actually provides, and I didn’t have to pay a penny.
The whole experience has far exceeded my expectations and I can only thank Mr Goon and his entire team for the amazing work that they have done to ensure my full recovery.
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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
3rd October 2024
I had an accident at work that led to part of my finger being cut off. Mr. Goon has been treating me, and thanks to his skill, I’ve actually got that part of my finger back, including the nail. Honestly didn’t think that’d be possible, especially not so soon. I’m really grateful to have had such a great doctor during such a rough time. It couldn’t have gone better. Joe Efford
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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
10th October 2024
I saw Dr Goon following an accident with a horse which resulted in numerous breakages in my thumb. Having had numerous visits and having experienced terrible pain I was not sure if Doctor Goon could help. How wrong I was, he was extremely good in every aspect of his work getting my pain under control pretty quickly. He reassured me, listening to my concerns and always made me feel completely at ease. He has a very positive attitude at all times with every visit exceeding my expectations. I will require further surgery but I am not concerned as I cannot fault the care from Mr Goon and his great team to date. I know I will be in safe hands. He is indeed “The Miracle Man”.
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