Why Your Hand Injury is Making You Stiff (And How to Prevent It)

If you’ve injured your hand and now you can’t make a fist or grab anything, you’re not alone. Stiffness after injury is common, but it can become a permanent problem if not treated early. In this video, Dr. Lucius Pomerantz, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and hand specialist, breaks down the causes of post-traumatic hand stiffness, what’s happening in your tissues, and how to prevent it before it limits your function for life. We’ll explore: ✔️ The anatomy of hand stiffness ✔️ Why it happens after injuries ✔️ The 6 essential hand exercises to stay mobile ✔️ The role of collagen, inflammation, and motion ✔️ Tips for recovery and when to seek help 👋 Stick around for Part 2, where we dive into treatments for stiffness including splinting, rehab, and advanced therapies. 📌 Subscribe & hit the bell so you don’t miss it. Your hands will thank you. 00:00 – Why hand stiffness after injury is a serious issue 00:18 – If untreated, stiffness can become permanent 01:00 – Anatomy of stiffness and how it develops 01:17 – The balance: moving too early vs. waiting too long 01:36 – What stiffness really is (not just motion loss) 02:05 – Collagen cross-linking and how it causes rigidity 03:10 – When motion loss becomes a medical emergency 04:13 – Why finger joints like the PIP and MCP matter 05:29 – Importance of moving all fingers during rehab 05:36 – Two main causes of post-traumatic stiffness 06:06 – How inflammation, swelling, and scar tissue limit motion 06:51 – Brain’s role in adapting to hand pain 07:06 – Safe position splinting during early healing 07:22 – Why swelling worsens at night 08:08 – How to prevent stiffness: key actions 08:27 – 6 essential hand exercises (overview) 09:41 – Lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and improve healing 10:06 – What’s coming in Part 2: treatment options - - - - If you have an idea of something you want to see me cover on this channel please feel free to let me know! Please SUBSCRIBE to get notified when new videos are uploaded! Let's connect: Instagram:   / drlucmd   Facebook:   / drluciusfightdoc   Website: https://synergysmg.com/physician/m-lu... Contact Email: [email protected] ** Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. Any medical information on this channel is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for consulting with your own physician. Always seek out the advice of a qualified health professional for your personal situation. ** The information provided on this platform is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read or seen here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. This platform does not create a doctor-patient relationship. The content shared is based on general knowledge and should not be considered tailored to individual circumstances. For personalized advice, please consult a licensed healthcare professional. Use of this platform and reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.