Our hands are involved in nearly every action we perform, however simple or complicated it may be. However, most of us seem to remember the importance of hands only when we experience pain, injury, or loss of function. Hand health matters to our physical abilities and is closely related to our mental health and independence.
Hands in everyday life
Our hands are continuously used from the moment we wake up. We use them for everything such as brushing our teeth, preparing meals, operating a car or typing on a computer. Such mundane things might be routine, but they require a proper balance of strength, coordination, and dexterity.
Hands are somewhat complex, consisting of 27 bones, many muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all working together to provide a wide range of motions. In this respect, when you reach out to grasp an object, type, or write, your hands perform a coordinated action. Any injury or disablement of the hands can seriously impair these activities, causing frustration, dependency on others to complete tasks for us, and, at the extreme, a failure to be able to work or engage in hobbies.
How it affects independence
Maintaining hand health is directly related to preserving independence, especially when we grow old. Degenerative conditions such as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome may greatly limit hand function, thus hindering basic daily activities such as dressing, cooking, or driving. This loss of independence can prove particularly difficult for older individuals and may require them to seek assisted living arrangements or caregivers to aid them in their daily lives.
Beyond being independent physically, using our hands is related to our emotional and social independence. Holding someone else’s hand or writing a letter are simple actions that can bear much fruit in terms of emotional well-being. When this function is impacted, people experience isolation, frustration, and feelings of powerlessness.
Hand health and mental well-being
Hand health also has very significant implications for mental well-being. Patients who report chronic hand pain or have severely limited hand function are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression and stress. The loss of capacity to perform these primary activities of life can create feelings of powerlessness, frustration, and even loss of identity.
Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or severe hand injuries with constant pain and incapacity, could further aggravate mental struggles. Severe chronic pain has devastating effects on mood and cognitive functioning that make it hard to socialise or stick to a normal daily schedule. Moreover, an inability to participate in creative or leisure activities such as playing a musical instrument, knitting, or even gardening is not good for our psyche since these often help people relieve stress and express themselves.
An orthopaedic hand specialist diagnoses and treats the conditions that could otherwise cause various physical and psychological complications. The main role these specialists play is to assist in remedying the causes of pain and mobility issues in hands and restoring function and quality of life.
Relationship between hand health and occupational well-being
For many professionals in skilled trades, healthcare, or other creative fields, hand health is at the centre of their career. Musicians, surgeons, chefs, and artisans exemplify a group that depends on precise hand movement to do their job. Anything that disrupts hand function will have a direct impact on their ability to continue working, possibly curtailing their careers or preventing them from pursuing work in their desired field altogether.
Desk workers usually experience repetitive strain injuries. Some syndromes may arise from repetitively using the mouse or typing on the computer for a long time. Even though the condition may appear minor at first, if not treated adequately, it may lead to permanently disabling damage. Chronic problems can be prevented by maintaining proper posture, using ergonomic tools, and using breaks to stretch the hands and wrists.
Hand health encompasses not only the treatment of injuries when they arise but also how to prevent strain, maintain strength and ensure longevity and success in one’s career and hobbies.
The role of hand therapy
The most crucial phase of hand therapy is rehabilitation for patients suffering from injuries, undergoing hand surgery, or even chronic conditions like arthritis. There are therapists who can help individuals regain strength, flexibility, and functionality through individually designed exercises and treatment.
Hand therapy can help restore independence by improving fine motor skills and enabling individuals to perform daily tasks with greater ease. Whether you’re recovering from surgery or managing a long-term condition, hand therapy provides a structured approach to regain control over your hand movements and improve your quality of life.
Hand health is very much related to general health, whether it’s an activity of daily living or emotional or occupational health. So, prioritising proper care is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life.
For those who need specialised care, professionals offering hand therapy on the Gold Coast, The Palm Hand Therapy provide essential support in maintaining or restoring function, helping you live a fuller, more independent life.