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3 Signs Your Thumb is Dislocated

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Thumb injuries, including a dislocated thumb, happen more often than you think. If you’ve suffered anything like this, you may need orthopedic therapy in Wichita, KS to regain full movement in the area. In the meantime, here are three signs that your thumb may be dislocated.

1. That Hand is Weaker Than the Other

If your thumbs is dislocated, it can have a domino effect on your hand. The nerves may be being pinched, which can weaken the hand. One way to tell is to quickly squeeze each hand as if you’re making a fist. Can the affected hand move as fast as the other? If not, you should see a physical therapist to see if you might have a dislocated thumb.

2. You Had an Injury

It’s possible to injure your hand and dislocate your thumb unknowingly. Something as fast as punching the wall with your hand, or hitting a punching bag at the wrong angle can cause this type of injury. Other common injuries that can result in a dislocated thumb are falling and landing on your hand, a motor vehicle accident and more.

3. Your Arm on That Side Feels a Bit Numb

Having numbness in one arm can be a sign of many things, including an impending heart attack. But if the numbness is slight and ongoing over the course of weeks, it could also be a sign that your thumb’s been dislocated and some nerves are being pinched cutting off circulation.

If you have any suspicions that you may have unwittingly dislocated your thumb, see yourphysical therapist in Wichita, KSright away. Permanent nerve damage can result if treatment doesn’t commence as soon as possible.

The Effects of a Concussion Can Last for Years

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When you experience a concussion in Wichita KS, you may assume that you are fine because symptoms do not show up right away. Remember that your brain has suffered a major trauma, and it may take time for the effects of the blow to your head to become obvious.

What Happens to Your Brain during a Head Injury?

When you fall onto hard pavement, hit your head against something, or suffer an assault, the sudden and intense jerking motions of your head and neck cause your brain to move around inside your skull. Since concussions do not typically damage the hard protective barrier surrounding your brain, it can be difficult for doctors to pick up on subtle cellular changes with standard imaging equipment such as an MRI or CT scan.

Possible Long-Term Effects of a Concussion

Most people are aware of the short-term effects of a concussion, such as blurry vision, light sensitivity, migraine headaches, and balance problems. Fewer people understand that even what appears to be a mild concussion can cause the following lasting effects:

  • Cognitive impairment, including memory and concentration issues
  • New psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
  • Personality changes, which can include irritability and aggression
  • Severe sensitivity to sound and light
  • Sleeping difficulties

The sooner you seek treatment after a concussion, the less likely it is that your symptoms will linger for months or years.

Vestibular Rehabilitation for Concussion Management

Your vestibular system, which includes your inner ear, brain, and vestibular nerves, can sustain serious damage in a concussion. Physical Therapy by Phoenix offers concussion management in Wichita KS with the primary goal of correcting the imbalance in your vestibular system. Please contact us to learn more about how physical therapy can speed up your head injury recovery time.