Media Center
Thanksgiving Hand Safety
With the holidays quickly approaching it is very important to take time to review some hand safety tips. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) reports that cuts from carving turkeys are one of the top five most common injuries on Thanksgiving. So here are a few tips to keep your hands safe during the holiday season and prevent unwanted visits to the Emergency Room.
Thanksgiving Kitchen Safety: whether carving the turkey or prepping your vegetables these skills will keep your fingers and hands safe.
- Curl fingertips inward to create a C-shape while slicing vegetables to protect your fingers.
- Do not cut towards yourself.
- Do not place your hand under meat while you are slicing the meat.
- Make sure your cutting surface and knife are dry.
- Use Kitchen shears to cut bones.
- Do not allow children to carve, cut or chop.
- Do not place sharp knives in dishwater, either wash immediately or place to the side to wash later.
- Do not rush and get distracted
Lacerations of the hands and fingers can result in very serious damage to nerves and tendons and may require surgery for repair. Most lacerations appear benign but a small cut from a sharp knife can cause major damage to nerves and tendons that lie very shallow in your hand and fingers. If you sustain a laceration or puncture wound to your hand or finger:
- Control the bleeding by holding pressure to the laceration.
- Clean with a mild soap and water and apply a bandage.
- If you have numbness or you cannot straighten or bend your finger please see a hand surgeon.
- You should have your finger or hand laceration examined by a hand surgeon within 2-3 days. Surgery is usually performed within 7 to 10 days after an injury. In general, the sooner the surgery is performed, the better your outcome.
- The longer you wait, the less likely we are able to repair the injury.
Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season!
- TOA Hand Center Specialists
