Wednesday, January 27, 2016

SPLINTS AND WRAPS FOR FINGERS, sports injury, sprains and trigger finger

THESE FINGER SPLINTS AND WRAPS ARE ITEMS THAT THE HAND CENTER CANNOT STOCK OR PROVIDE THROUGH INSURANCE PLANS BUT MAY BE VERY USEFUL.

ONLY SOME FINGER problems are treated with these, speak to your doctor before you use these. These splints and the products here are NOT medical advice

POWER SPLINTS - used for finger and sports injury, FOR INDIVIDUAL FINGERS

Impact resistant, non-metal core that can withstand the hardest of hits
Protective side wings that flex inward or outward to fit various finger widths
Stretchy front velcro allows for a full range of finger motion while the back no-stretch velcro locks the middle joint in place
Fits under baseball/softball mitts and on top of football/batting gloves
Soft padding underneath to provide comfort and a perfect fit

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUDDY LOOPS used to protect the adjacent injured finger TWO FINGERS TOGETHER while allowing motion. Tape will work too but for the athlete or the worker who needs to take the tapes off and on through out the day these may be convenient

trigger finger splint may reduce frequency of symptoms of locking and clicking, these splints are a good temporaty solution, especially if locking and clicking is painful or associated with prolonged locking, however do note that long term use may lead to stiffness

ADJUSTABLE TO MOST ANY FINGER SIZE RIGHT OR LEFT

Thursday, January 21, 2016

WInter Weather Snow blower Safety Alert... JONAS and beyond

WINTER IS COMING....2016

Snow Blower Safety

Recommendations for safe use of a jammed snow blower snow blowers include: (OCD STICK)

SNOW THROWER CLEARING SAFETY STICK to clear chute

1. If the snow blower jams, immediately turn it OFF
2. Disengage the CLUTCH
3. DELAY...Wait 10 seconds after shutting of to allow Impeller Blades to stop rotating
4. Always use a STICK or broom handle to clear impacted snow. The stick most be strong enough to avoid breakage or eye injures can result from flying fragments.
5. Never put your hand near chute or around blades
6. Keep all shields in place. Do not remove safety devices on machine
7. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts
8. Keep a clear head, concentrate and ...
Do not drink alcoholic beverages before using a snow blower

As physicians dedicated to the care of the Hand and Upper extremity we want to inform the public concerning the perils and pitfalls of improper snow blower use. Physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and therapists who deal with these injuries live in fear of the first heavy wet snow of the season. Invariably injuries are seen despite general knowledge that these injuries occur. These safety tips cannot guarantee against injury but hopefully if you are reading these or even better spreading these, it is one more step towards preventing these types of injuries.

News organizations and weather services can help.

Conditions that are associated with a higher incidence of injuries, hay wet snow exceeding 6 inches of accumulation and temperatures above 28 degrees Fahrenheit offer good opportunities to provide warning for the public. We need your help to reduce the incidence of these preventable injuries.