![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/handsurgeonsnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Dog-Walking-Injuries.jpg\")
<\/b><\/p>\n<\/b><\/p>\nWhat are Dog Walking Injuries?<\/h2>\n
Generally, this injury occurs in your fingers, wrists, and elbows. If a dog is fairly large, an unexpected lunge after another animal may cause an acute injury to the hand or arm. Additionally, chronic injuries can develop over time due to the animal tugging and pulling on their leash.<\/p>\n
Injuries sustained while walking your dog usually involve the elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers, due to the leash being pulled on by the dog. Below is a partial list of some of the injuries related to dog walking that are treated at HandSport Surgery Institute in New York:<\/p>\n
When you injure your wrist while walking your dog, it will present with pain and limited range of motion with decreased strength of grip. This can cause inflammation in the ligaments, muscles, joints and tendons of the arm.<\/p>\n
Some of the most commonly reported symptoms of dog walking injuries include:<\/p>\n
Most injuries sustained while walking a dog result from the leash being pulled harshly due to an overly excited dog. <\/p>\n
A contributing factor involves holding the leash improperly, such as wrapped around the forearm, wrist or hand, or walking the dog on wheels (like when the owner is riding a skateboard or a bike). We advise walking a dog on foot and utilizing proper body and leash mechanics while walking your dog to prevent injuries to the hand, wrist, and elbow.<\/p>\n
Most injuries are easily distinguishable due to swelling, deformity to the region, bruising, or misalignment.<\/p>\n
X-rays may be required to determine the severity of injury to bones or ligaments. MRIs can assist in visualizing the extent of damage to soft tissue, when in question.<\/p>\n
Most dog walking injuries can be treated, quickly with simple conservative measures. However, consult with the hand surgeon following a painful episode while walking your dog. <\/p>\n
Additionally, patients suffering from chronic or intermittent pain should seek medical attention because chronic injuries may worsen with time.<\/p>\n
Conservative treatment plans include splinting, resting, taping, anti-inflammatory medication, a corticosteroid injection, and physical therapy. Additionally, patients given clearance to treat their injury with conservative measures can apply the P.R.I.C.E principles during a resting period:<\/p>\n
Infrequently, surgical intervention may be required to ease pain and optimize range of motion of the joints in the arm. Surgeries may range from minimally invasive procedures to treat fractures or torn tendons and ligaments.<\/p>\n
By holding the leash in the palm of your hand, you decrease the potential for injury from an excited dog. Additionally, you can adjust the pressure you apply to the leash while maintaining a firm grasp on your leash to prevent your dog from pulling too harshly.<\/p>\n
Other ways to prevent dog walking injuries include:<\/p>\n
Most patients recovering from dog walking injuries can look forward to a brief healing period for soft tissue injuries. <\/p>\n
Injuries requiring surgical intervention may require immobilization splinting or casting followed by a period of rehabilitation to maximize mobility and comfort.<\/p>\n