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Strained My Left Hand After Lifting Weights

3/18/2025, 10:30:28 PMMale25-34

Recently, I attempted to deadlift my older brother, who weighs between 90 to 100 kg. I managed to raise him a few centimeters off the ground, but since then, my left hand's functionality has diminished. I've noticed that my left hand's ring finger struggles to press the volume button on my phone. Whenever I exert any effort, I experience a slight tingling sensation in my forearm, and the veins in my wrist become more prominent. What should I do to address this issue? By the way, I'm 15 years old.

ExerciseAgingFamily Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

3/18/2025, 10:30:44 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've experienced a strain in your left hand after an intense lifting effort, which could involve muscle or nerve involvement. Your diminished hand functionality, tingling sensation, and prominent veins suggest that you may have strained some muscles or even affected a nerve in your forearm or wrist. Let’s focus on how to care for your hand.

Immediate Actions to Take:

  1. Rest: Avoid using your left hand extensively, especially for heavy lifting or repetitive tasks, for at least a few days. This will help reduce strain and allow healing.

  2. Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours during the first couple of days. This can help reduce swelling and numb the area to alleviate pain.

  3. Compression: If swelling is present, consider wrapping your forearm gently with an elastic bandage. This can support the area and limit swelling while still allowing some movement. Just make sure it's not too tight.

  4. Elevation: Whenever possible, keep your hand elevated above heart level to help reduce swelling. You can prop your arm up with cushions when sitting or lying down.

  5. Gentle Stretching: After a couple of days of rest, if you experience less pain, you may gently move your fingers and hand to maintain flexibility. Start with small movements without applying pressure.

Monitoring Your Condition:

  • Pain and Symptoms: Keep track of how your hand feels over the next few days. If the tingling sensation worsens, or if you experience significant swelling, bruising, or inability to move your fingers, these could be signs that you need more specialized care.

When to Seek Help:

  • If symptoms don’t improve within a week, or if the tingling persists or worsens, seek medical attention to evaluate for more serious conditions, such as nerve compression or a more severe injury.

Prevent Future Injuries:

  • After healing, consider using proper lifting techniques and gradually increasing your weights to avoid similar injuries in the future. Strength training should always start with a warm-up and be done within your limits.

It's great that you're engaging in strength training, but it's also important to listen to your body and allow it adequate time to heal. Let me know if you have any questions or need further guidance!

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