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Sub-Category:

Nerve and Tendon Injuries

Sub-category: Nerve and Tendon Damage

Symptoms:
pain at the injury site; numbness or tingling in the affected area; weakness or inability to move a limb or digit; swelling or bruising; visible severance or deformity in severe cases

Root Cause:
Damage to nerves or tendons caused by lacerations, crush injuries, or extreme strain, resulting in loss of motor or sensory function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination focusing on motor function, sensory deficits, and tendon integrity. Imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound may be used to assess the extent of tendon or nerve damage. Electromyography (EMG) may assess nerve function.

Treatment:
Surgical repair of severed nerves or tendons (e.g., suturing or grafting), immobilization with splints or casts, followed by physical therapy to restore function and strength.

Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin ) to prevent infection if associated with open wounds. Pain management with NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ) or opioids (e.g., oxycodone ) for severe pain. Nerve pain may be managed with gabapentinoids (e.g., gabapentin or pregabalin ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Fairly common, particularly in industrial or sports settings. Tendon injuries account for about 30% of hand injuries requiring medical attention.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational hazards, participation in contact sports, repetitive strain, and accidental trauma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; successful recovery often depends on early intervention. Tendon injuries may recover fully in 6-12 weeks with proper treatment, while nerve injuries may take months to years depending on severity.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, loss of function or strength, infection, scar tissue formation, and permanent nerve or tendon damage in severe cases.