Hand injuries

Soft tissue hand conditions

Dupuytren's contracture

Dupuytren's contracture is a thickening and shortening of tissue/fibres in the palm of the hand, resulting in clawed fingers as they are pulled towards the wrist. The ring and little finger are usually the most impacted, but any finger can be affected. Knots of tissue form under the skin — eventually creating a thick cord that can pull one or more fingers into a bent position. In many instances it becomes impossible to completely straighten the fingers and simple activities such as eating and drinking become a challenge.

The cause is unknown, but risk factors include advancing age, male gender and Northern European ancestry, The condition tends to progress in fits and starts, and may take decades to finally limit the functioning of the hand.

Palmar fasciitis

Dupuytren's isn't the only problem which can affect the fascia of the palm. Inflammation of the palmar fascia (palmar fasciitis) may be due to less common problems, and is usually painful. The two conditions are completely different problems which happen to affect the same structure.

Palmar fasciitis may be part of a syndrome associated with arthritis, a problem following trauma or part of a syndrome associated with malignancy.

SportsMed TENS therapy for Hand injuries

After a diagnosis of Dupuytren's or fasciitis, your injury management plan should include treatment as often as possible.

SportsMed is the TENS, ECS and EMS machine we suggest to aid repair of an Achilles' tendon injury.

SportsMed electrotherapy can be used everyday - outside the clinic - for drug-free, on-demand pain relief. It is also designed and programmed to aid circulation, reduce inflammation, hasten healing and help with muscle strengthening.

User guide

Please read the User Guide which comes with your TENS unit

Pad placement - Hand injuries

Pain relief - place pads where they are comfortable and most effective for pain relief

Injury healing - pads are placed at the location of the injury

Muscle rehabilitation - the generic advice is to place one pad at the top of the muscle and the second pad one-third along the length of the muscle you wish to strengthen. You may need to consult your physiotherapist for specific guidance on which muscles to target.

If you have any questions please phone our office for further advice.