Hand Aid

Continued...

If you are going to continue activity with a jammed finger, tape the injured finger to the next available uninjured one for support and protection. However, don't just tape and play unless you have seen a physician and been assured it is OK to do so.

Of course, prevention is the best medicine, and the exercises you do to rehabilitate an injured hand are the same you will do to prevent the injury in the first place.

Strengthen your grip by squeezing a tennis ball or hand grippers. Five or 10 minutes a day perhaps during your commute to work, can make a big difference. Take care of your hands - strong, healthy hands are important in your daily life as well as in many sports.

Some simple hand-strengthening exercises

Grip and Spread: Sitting or standing, extend injured arm in front of you, palm down. Make a tight fist, keeping wrist in neutral position. Release fist and spread fingers wide. Perform 10 to I5 repetitions twice daily.

Towel Twist: Sitting or standing, hold a towel with your hands about 8 inches apart, palms down, arms extended at chest height. Alternately twist towel forward and backward. Perform 10 to 15 repetitions twice daily.

Grip and Squeeze: Sitting or standing, hold a rolled elastic bandage in your injured hand, palm down, arm extended. Squeeze bandage tightly, then relax, Perform 10 to 15 repetitions twice daily.

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About the authors: Carol L. Otis, M.D., is Chief Medical Advisor to the Sanex WTA and UCLA student health physician. Roger Goldingay is a former professional soccer player. They are married and the co-authors of The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide.

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Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
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