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Kevin Martin Broken Wrist – Arora Hand Surgery

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Professional Athlete, Kevin Martin, Shooting Guard of the Minnesota Timberwolves, suffers a Broken Wrist

Kevin Martin broken wrist is a big blow to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Wolves are now also missing Ricky Rubio, Nikola Pekovic, and Thaddeus Young.

Martin has been integral to the team, averaging 20.4 points.

Apparently Martin was sick that day, requiring IV fluids for an illness that he was battling. Playing under less-than-optimal health conditions seems to have cost him dearly as he is now out indefinitely. ally a game-time decision that night after needing IV fluids while battling an illness for most of the day.

Kevin Martin broken wrist occurred with 6:48 to play in the first quarter when he was fouled while shooting a 3-pointer. He was actually able to continue play and go on to score 34 points and make six out of nine 3-point attempts. The Timberwolves were able to break a five-game losing streak.

There has been no mention of the need for surgery for Kevin Martin broken wrist. A tweet from Timberwolves PR on Twitter confirmed that an MRI was performed at Mayo Clinic Square on Martins right wrist, revealing the fracture.

Kevin Martin Broken Wrist - AroraHandSurgery.com

AP Photo/Jim Mone

Although the nature of the injury is unclear, what is clear is that even professional athletes can suffer injuries under what seem to be innocuous circumstances, such as a fall from a standing position. Bruising of the fingers, hand, or wrist could be indicative of a severe injury such as a fracture. Professional medical attention is recommended for these types of concerns and a Hand Surgeon is well-qualified to diagnosis and treat such injuries. Dr. Arora is one such qualified individual, a practicing Hand Surgery Specialist in Michigan.

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General Hands

Greg Norman Hand Injury – Arora Hand Surgery

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Greg Norman hand injury highlights dangers of power tools. Another high profile individual is injured, this time using a chainsaw. This underscores the importance of safety while using powered tools, no matter what type or size. Greg incurred his injury at home while utilizing a chainsaw to cut down a tree. In a Tweet he stated “…he was a lucky man”, and “…when using a chainsaw ALWAYS be respectful of the unexpected.”

These injuries are commonly seen by Hand Surgeons. Dr. Arora has personally treated many patients who have suffered from injuries related to home use of power tools, including chainsaws, hedge clippers, and lawnmowers.

Such injuries can range from simple treatment involving repair of the skin only, to much more severe, involving repair of tendons, nerves, and blood vessels; occasionally skin or tissue grafting may be required. Recovery is dependent on the extent of the initial injury, but it is common for patients to require several weeks of occupational therapy after a severe injury. Unfortunately, severe injuries can lead to permanent impairment or loss of a digit or limb.

Dr. Aroras recommendation to all patients is that regardless of how minor you may think your injury is, or are told your injury is by a non-specialist, ALWAYS seek an EXPERT OPINION: what may seem innocuous at first-glance, can sometimes hide an underlying tendon injury that may become worse with time!

Greg Norman Hand Injury

[Greg Norman]
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General Hands

Avoiding Lawnmower Hand Injuries

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Knowledge most certainly is power when it comes to using a lawnmower safely. So, you need to know the common ways these injuries occur and to whom so that they can be avoided.

Who Gets Hurt and How

There are two groups of people who are most likely going to be at risk for a hand injury. These two groups include:

  • Adults of both genders between the ages of 25 and 64 years of age
  • Children who are under the age of five

Lawnmower hand injuries are common, accounting for about 22% of emergency room cases. However, other injuries common to these accidents include foot, ankle, and toes. Of all the injuries that occur, about a quarter of them lead to a need for amputation of the foot or hand. Children who are under the age of six are at risk of death.

The majority of lawnmower injuries occur when the grass is wet. Thats because it can clog the blades and lead to an operator of the machine attempting to unclog by hand.

Other Types of Common Lawnmower Injuries

While hands getting injured when an operator tries to clear the lawnmower blades may be the most common accident, it is not the only one. Others include:

  • People allowing other adults or children to ride on the back of the mower or in a cart that is being pulled by the lawnmower. The person could fall off and be injured by the moving machine.
  • The mower being pulled back toward the operator and possibly running over the foot.
  • Trying to use a riding mower across a slope, resulting in a tilted machine that rolls over on the operator.
  • Trying to use a push mower up and down a slope, resulting in the mower rolling back on the operator.

All of these accidents can be avoided if you operate the lawnmower safely and correctly.

How to Avoid Injury

To avoid injuring your hand or foot and dealing with potentially permanent damage, there are certain safety steps you can take. They include:

  • Only mowing the lawn when the grass is dry
  • Wearing proper footwear during mowing (sandals or flip flops are never safe)
  • Cutting up and down the slope when using the riding mower
  • Cutting across the slope when using a push mower
  • Making sure the mower is completely turned off and the blades have stopped moving before unclogging grass from the blades
  • Using a stick or broomstick to unclog the blades when they have grass in them
  • Never drinking while cutting grass and operating the lawnmower
  • Never allowing passengers to ride on the back of the mower
  • Ensuring the mower has sharp blades at all times
  • Always wearing the proper clothing and safety gear
  • Never ever using the lawnmower when you are barefoot

The common injuries that occur to the hand or foot when operating a lawnmower require more than one surgery to completely rectify the injury. At times, the damage can be permanent. Thats because these injuries often result in skin, tissue, and bones being completely ripped and soil or grass coming in contact with the wounds. It creates a recipe for infection and serious injury.

If you or anyone is injured by a lawnmower, call 911 immediately. This is not the type of injury that can be treated at home. It will need immediate attention at a hospital and you do not even need to touch or try to clean the wound. You could do more damage this way. Whatever you do, never use your hands or feet to remove grass from the lawnmower blades and never allow children around an operating machine. This is the best way you can avoid serious injuries to you or someone else.

Avoiding Lawnmower Hand Injuries

[Lawnmower Hand Injuries]
Categories
General

Sports Injuries of the Hand and Wrist and Where to Get Treatment

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Sports injuries of the hand and wrist – There is not a single sport that doesnt require the use of your hands in some fashion or form. For this reason, there are numerous sports injuries of the hand and wrist every single year. Even very small injuries to the hand or wrist can turn into something serious and permanent if not treated properly. Thats why, if your hand or wrist has been injured you will need to visit an emergency room or hand surgeon.

The Types of Injuries

About 10% of sports injuries that lead to an emergency room visit are to the hand, including lacerations, fractures, infections, and serious bruises. Of course, most common sports injuries are from blunt force trauma. The hand can be crushed or bent backward and can take the brunt of the force if you fall during a sports game.

In addition to the sudden injuries that occur during a sports game, there is also the risk of overuse injuries. This can include inflammation or damage to ligaments and muscles. Generally, these occur when the player is required to make the same motion over and over again. Its commonly seen in sports like golf, baseball, and tennis. These repetitive motion injuries even have names: skiers thumb, Dr.Quervains tendonitis, basketball finger, and tendonitis.

Preventing Injuries

The first thing you should do is work to prevent these injuries if you play sports regularly or even if you only play on occasion. Steps you can take for prevention include:

  • Wear wrist guards and gloves as needed. Make sure the items you use for protection of the hands and wrists are high quality and designed to help dissolve impact on the small bones, ligaments, and tendons in the hand.
  • Always take breaks during sports activities to give your hands a chance to rest, especially if your sport requires repetitive motions.
  • Always use the proper posture and position any time you need to make repetitive motions. For example, know how to hold the bat or tennis racket properly before using it.

Even if you take these steps, there is a chance you could sustain an injury to your hand while playing sports.

When to Go to the Doctor

If you are injured, you will need to determine if the injury is minor or serious. Often, very minor things can be treated at home. However, if you experience any of the following, you need to visit the emergency room or hand surgeon:

  • You have a bleeding wound that has not stopped bleeding after 15 minutes of pressure.
  • You have severe pain and swelling in the hand.
  • You notice your hand or fingers turning gray or becoming discolored.
  • You see that your fingers are abnormally bent or twisted.
  • You can hear a clicking or grating sound whenever you move your fingers or hand.
  • Bruising and swelling does not get better after two weeks.

If you have any reason to believe that you have sustained a serious injury, it is better to be safe than sorry. When it comes to your hand, taking any chances can result in permanent damage. Always see a hand surgeon or go to the emergency room if you think your hand is hurt more than it seems at first.

The Treatments

There are different treatments used to deal with sports injuries of the hand. A simple contusion (bruise) can be managed with ice and medication. Some cuts require stitches. If any bones are broken or ligaments and tendons are damaged, then hand surgery may be required as opposed to simple casting. Thats because there is too much of a risk for permanent damage in the hand. In some cases, consecutive surgeries will be needed to fully repair the injury.

When you play sports, you are at risk of hand injuries, even if you take proper precautions. However, you should always use safety gear to protect your hands and wrists. Additionally, if you must make the same repetitive motions over and over again, then take breaks throughout the sport to allow your hand time to rest. If you have any sports related injury of the hand, go to a doctor or hand surgeon as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more permanent the damage can become and there may not even be a solution to giving you back full use of your hand.

Sports Injuries of the Hand and Wrist

[Sports Injuries]
Categories
General

Avoiding Injuries when Carving a Turkey

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How to Prevent Injuries When Carving a Turkey

When autumn comes around, there are quite a few things to look forward to. You and your family will likely enjoy the crisp feel in the air, turning leaves, football season, and, of course, Thanksgiving. This holiday comes along with yams, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and that delicious turkey on its way to the table. The fall and winter seasons come with quite a few chances of hand injuries from falling while ice skating to losing your footing on a ladder. However, one of the greatest risks to you, and this may be a surprise, could come from turkey carving.

Obviously, the last thing you want to do is end up cutting your hand while trying to carve the turkey since that would effectively ruin your holiday for you and the family. Studies show that turkey, ham, and roast carving injuries can occur several times while carving the meat itself and during cleanup. So, how can you protect yourself and ensure that you and your family enjoy a festive and blood-free Thanksgiving meal? There are a few things you can do to practice safe turkey carving.

The Preparation

There are a few things you should do when preparing for the turkey carving. They include:

  • Ensuring all knife handles are dry and clean.
  • Keeping all cutting utensils sharp. A dull knife means you have to exert more pressure to carve and a simple slip could result in a serious injury.
  • Ensuring all cutting surfaces are dry so that your turkey or meat doesnt slip around.

These are the first steps toward ensuring your safety during turkey carving.

The Next Steps

When you begin carving your turkey, never cut towards yourself. The blade should be traveling away from you at all times for safety. Thats because if the blade is moving toward you and you slip, then you could cut yourself very badly. Additionally, do not do that old habit of placing your free hand below the knife so that you can catch the meat slices. Instead, allow the slices to fall to the plate. If you put your hand there, a simple slip could mean a carved hand.

If you want to be extra safe, then consider using an electric carving knife. This means you will not have to put nearly as much pressure on the knife and risk a slip. Always use kitchen shears if you need to cut through bone or joints.

The Clean Up

Do not just toss knives in the sink. Someone could inadvertently cut themselves when cleaning up. The best thing to do is keep all knives separate and in a conspicuous place. That way, whoever, will be doing the dishes will not cut themselves as they reach into the dishwater.

If You Get Hurt

If you do sustain an injury while carving the turkey, it is a good idea to assess the wounds immediately. Minor cuts can be cared for at home. You just need to apply pressure to the wound after cleaning it properly. The bleeding should stop in just a few minutes. Then, you can apply a first aid ointment and cover the wound.

There are some cases when you will need to see a doctor or hand surgeon by going to the emergency room:

  • If the bleeding doesnt stop after 15 minutes of applying pressure or does not slow down drastically, then you will need to go the emergency room.
  • If you notice that your fingers or parts of your hands become numb or tingle for no reason, then contact a doctor.
  • If you are not able to properly clean and cleanse the wound, you will need to visit an emergency room to avoid an infection.
  • If you dont know whether or not you have had a tetanus shot, you will need to visit a doctor to avoid contracting this painful illness.

The holiday season is a time to spend with family and enjoy fantastic meals. If you want a special Thanksgiving dinner, then that likely means carving a turkey, which could be dangerous if you dont take the proper precautions. Be sure to follow the advice here so that you can avoid cuts and other carving injuries. That way, you, your family and friends will simply be able to enjoy the fun events of the Thanksgiving season without injury or trips to the hospital.

Avoiding Injuries when Carving a Turkey

[Turkey]
Categories
General

Getting Surgery For Arthritis – Arora Hand Surgery

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With so many people afflicted with arthritis, the need for this condition to become better understood has been a goal of many doctors. With the wearing away of cartilage and bone and heavy amounts of inflammation setting in, arthritis becomes a serious problem that causes real pain. Sometimes surgery is the best option for relieving the pain. Other options do exist depending on your individual case.

The Non-surgical Route

Through the use of splints, heat or cooling treatments and rest, you may be able to reduce the bulk of your symptoms with arthritis. Special medication may also be of benefit. With special exercises prescribed by an occupational therapist, you can relieve many arthritis symptoms without going through surgery. Different patients have different needs and levels of activity. A doctor can develop a plan of treatment tailored to your specific needs. When you are working with Dr. Arora, rest assured that ALL options will be tried before surgery becomes a consideration.

Potential Benefits of Surgery

Surgery does help in many cases. Any arthritis that impacts your hand or even any part of your arm can have an impact on your overall quality of life. Pain on a regular basis indicates inflammation. Inflammation causes the in immune system to remain on full alert. The relief of pain means an improved quality life and better overall health since constant pain has adverse effects on mental and emotional well-being. Reducing pain itself may clear up many issues your body experiences in compensating for the arthritis inflammation.

Another benefit you may derive from surgery comes as more aesthetically pleasing joints. If your joints have suffered from arthritis for a time, they may become deformed. Restoring the joints to full functionality may also offer healthier normal looking joints, which many people consider a boost to their self-esteem.

Making the Choice

Speak to your Hand surgeon about the potential of surgery. A recovery process may temporarily hinder your ability to work and do many of your regular daily functions. Realize this when you make the decision for surgery and plan for your healing time. Take the necessary time to understand precisely what your surgery will entail before you make a call.

Stop by Dr. Avery Aroras office and visit with the staff. They can direct you to their many patient resources and answer any questions you have.

Getting Surgery For Arthritis

[Arthritis Surgery]
Categories
General

Pumpkin Carving Injuries – Use Your Head

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Staying Safe when Carving Pumpkins

“Goblins, alley cats, witches on brooms. Wind in the trees playing scary tunes. These are the things that are heard and seen in the dark of night on Halloween.” Yes, Halloween is a fun time for many, especially since it can mean scary haunted houses, trick or treating, decorating, costume parties, and pumpkin carving. Most people consider those activities to be safe, but keep in mind that plenty of pumpkin carving injuries occur to the hand every year when people attempt pumpkin carving.

Pumpkins are extremely tough and that can make carving rather difficult. A slip of the knife can mean a hand injury that sends you to the emergency room. However, if you want to carve that jack o lantern safely, then follow these tips to protect you and your hands during the process.

Work in a Dry and Well Lit Area

To begin with, find the right place to work. This should be a well-lit area where you can always see the pumpkin and the knife. Additionally, the area should be completely dry. That includes the surface where the pumpkin rests as well as any blades you will be using. Anything that is damp could cause the pumpkin to slip and that will most likely lead to an injury.

Use the Proper Tools

Its a good idea to choose the right tools when you will be carving a pumpkin because the wrong ones could be dangerous.

  • If you decide to use a knife, make sure it is clean and dry. This is a case when a dull knife is better because it will not get lodged in the skin of the pumpkin.
  • If you do use a sharp knife, then make sure you use it very carefully. Do not hold the pumpkin stead on the other side of the gourd from where your knife is working. If the blade becomes stuck, you will have to exert pressure to dislodge it and it could protrude from the other side of the pumpkin, cutting you.
  • Consider using a pumpkin carving kit. These kits come with very small serrated blades that are much less likely to get lodged in the pumpkin and do not have sharp tips, which mean they cannot penetrate your hand.

When carving the pumpkin, if you choose to use a knife, then make sure you are always carving away from your body. Also, use small cuts to avoid the knife getting stuck in the pumpkins skin.

Considering an Alternate Route

If your children wish to get involved, do not allow them to use any sharp blades and do not carve while they have their hands on the pumpkin. Instead, consider an alternative. You can use Sharpie markers to draw fun faces on the pumpkin or your children can use stickers and paint to decorate. This way, no blade will be used and your kids will be safe.

If you will be carving the pumpkin anyway, make sure you do so in a controlled environment far away from any children and do not let small children assist or get too close to any blades.

What to Do in Case of Injury

Pumpkin carving injuries can range from minor to very serious. If you suffer from a severe injury, you will need to go to an emergency room or hand surgeon right away. The injury could take months for your hand to recover.

If you think the cut is minor, then wash it with water and antibacterial soap and then apply pressure to the wound. It should stop bleeding in a few minutes. However, if it continues to bleed after 15 minutes of this pressure applied, you will need to visit the emergency room. Other signs that tell you that a visit to the professionals is a must include:

  • Fingers that become numb or start tingling and do not stop
  • Severe penetrative cuts or actual loss of fingers
  • Cuts that occur when you are not up to date on your tetanus shot

If you are unsure, but you think your injury is bad, it only makes the most sense to go see a hand surgeon or emergency room doctor as soon as possible. If you have severe injuries that are left untreated, then you could deal with permanent damage. Stitches may be required if the cut is deep. If it involved any nerves or tendons, then you may need surgery to correct the problem.

Pumpkin Carving Injuries

[Pumpkins]

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Stories

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Dr. Aroras office from my first call to schedule my appointment was friendly. Walking in the first day, I felt like I was in a nice atmosphere. Dr. Arora was EXCELLENT in taking great care of my hand injury. He was gentle and very understanding to the concerns I had about my hand. His expertise was admirable and I would recommend anyone with an injury to their hand to his office to be under his care. Because of him, I have healed faster than expected and will make an 100% recovery! Thank you Dr.

Jackie S.

I first thought I was going to have to have painful injections or surgery, but Dr. Arora suggested physical therapy may do the trick. I was doubtful, but I agreed to do it. Now, my pain is gone, and with the help of an ergonomic keyboard at work to keep my hands in the correct position, I am virtually pain free. The therapy strengthened my wrists and shoulders, and built more flexibility into my wrists.

Jerry T.

My experience with this doctor was positive from the outset. Dr. Arora was kind and spent a great deal of time with me. Staff was friendly. The office was nice and bright.

Ariel G.

Very friendly and helpful Great staff!!! Doctor Arora was very professional and did great work. I was very happy with everything!

L B.