What is a hand infection?
During routine activity, the hand is vulnerable to injury. Any injury to the hand, particularly one that breaks the skin, can introduce harmful bacteria into the area, resulting in an infection. The nail, tendons and their coverings, joints, and other structures deep within the hand can all be infected. If you think you have a hand infection, contact Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab for a visit.
What are the symptoms of a hand infection?
A hand infection, if not treated early, can cause severe problems, such as stiffness in the wrist and fingers, decrease in hand strength and loss of tissues such as skin, nerve and bone.
Symptoms of a hand infection include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Pus
- Loss of motion
Some finger infections cause the finger to be held in a bent position and extreme pain is felt if the finger is forced to straighten.
What are the causes of a hand infection?
One common cause of hand infections occurs when bacteria from the mouth of a person or animal gets into the body after the skin is broken. This may occur when the knuckle is split open by the edge of a tooth or after a cat or dog bite.
A simple cut or scrape that is not kept clean or a splinter left in a finger can develop a hand infection. Cellulitis is the result of a skin injury such as a cut, insect bites or from a healing surgery incision.
It can spread into the bloodstream and cause serious problems. Other hand infections are the result of herpes virus or even some bone diseases.
What is the treatment for a hand infection?
In order to identify how to treat an infection, a physician may conduct tests to establish the sort of bacteria that is causing it. Antibiotics and rest are effective treatments for several hand infections.
Others may need more intensive therapy to drain the infection or remove infected or dead tissue, allowing the skin to recover without issues. In cases of more serious hand infections, hand therapy is frequently recommended.
What can a hand therapist do for me?
The hand therapist’s goals are to assist the patient to regain as much motion, strength and function in their hand after a hand infection.
The hand therapist is an important team member in the treatment of hand infections. Treatment may include wound care (dressing changes), range of motion and strengthening exercises.
The therapist may fabricate an orthosis to protect the injured area of the hand. An orthosis might also be made to improve joint motion once the infection is gone.
Are you in need of hand therapy?
If you are struggling with a hand infection, contact Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab for a visit. Our hand therapists in Fort Myers, FL are leading experts in the field and can help you regain strength and flexibility as you recover.
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