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Is finger support important for your hand function?

July 15, 2022 /

The hand is an intricate and incredible feat of engineering. Each hand is made up of 27 bones, 29 joints, 112 ligaments, and tendons, and is capable of a wide range of movements.

The hand is an essential tool for everyday tasks. From writing and cooking to cleaning and opening doors, we rely on our hands for a wide range of activities.

These activities can be divided into two categories:

  • Fine motor skills involve smaller movements, such as writing or picking up small objects.
  • Gross motor skills involve larger movements, such as reaching or moving your whole arm.

However, many of us take hand function for granted and don’t think about all the different ways our hands help us every day.

As a matter of fact, there are three main types of hand function:

  • Gripping refers to the ability to hold an object in your hand, for example, when you pick up a book or brush your teeth.
  • Holding refers to the ability to keep an object in your hand without dropping it, like, when you carry a bag of groceries or write with a pen.
  • Manipulation refers to the ability to move an object around in your hand, such as, when you turn a doorknob or button your shirt.

The hand’s ability to perform these functions is made possible by the delicate balance of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. When any of these elements are out of alignment, it can cause pain, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and nerve injuries.

Age is another factor that causes decreased hand function, such as arthritis, poor circulation, and nerve damage.

Therefore, if you have ever injured your hand, you know just how important hand function is. Even a simple injury that makes it difficult to grip can make everyday tasks much more difficult. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your hands.

There are many ways to help maintain hand function and prevent decline. These include exercise, using assistive devices, and receiving occupational therapy. By taking steps to preserve hand function, we can improve our quality of life and maintain our independence.

Finger support as a method to preserve hand function

Finger supports are devices that can be worn on the finger to help with the function of the hand.

There are many different types of finger supports, each designed for a specific purpose. Some of them help to stabilize the finger joints, while others help to keep the fingers from bending too far back.

Additionally, they can be used to help with conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis.

Finger supports are typically made from materials such as plastic, metal, or foam, and they can be purchased at most pharmacies and medical supply stores.

Which types of finger support exist?

There is a variety of finger supports available on the market today.

Some of them are designed to be worn all the time, while others are intended for use only during activities that could put stress on the joints.

The most common type of finger support is a splint, which is a device that is placed around the finger to immobilize it. This can be helpful if you have a finger that is healing from an injury or surgery. It can also help to reduce pain and swelling. A splint can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, or fabric.

Another type of finger support is a wrap, which is a strip of material that is wrapped around the finger to provide support and stability. Wraps are typically made from elastic or velcro.

And finally, gloves are usually made of stretchy material, such as lycra or spandex, and fit snugly on the hand. They provide support and stability for the fingers and help to reduce pain and fatigue.

Finger splints important for hand function

They are an effective finger support treatment for a variety of finger injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and tendonitis.

Made from a variety of materials, they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and levels of support. When choosing a finger splint, it is important to consider the type of injury you are treating, as well as your comfort and needs.

Some finger splints are made from soft materials that can be easily adjusted, while others are made from harder materials that provide more support.

There are also finger splints that come with built-in padding or gel packs for additional comfort.

In general, finger splints should be removed during periods of activity and replaced if they become loose or uncomfortable. With proper care and use, finger splints can help you heal from your finger injury and get back to your normal routine.

Quality is important

When it comes to finger splints, quality is important. After all, you want a splint that is going to be comfortable to wear and that will do its job properly.

There are a few things to look for when assessing the quality of finger splints.

Firstly, make sure that the splint is made from breathable material. This will help to prevent skin irritation and ensure that your finger can still move somewhat while wearing the splint.

Secondly, check to see if the splint is adjustable. This will allow you to get a custom fit, which is important for both comfort and effectiveness.

Finally, make sure that the splint is easy to put on and take off. The last thing you want is to struggle with putting on your finger splint every time you need to wear it.

If you keep these things in mind, you can be sure to find a finger splint that is of high quality.

Finger splints products

Mallet finger

A mallet finger occurs when the end joint of your finger nearest to your fingernail bends, but it will not straighten on its own. You may push your finger into a straight position, but it won’t stay that way without support. By immobilizing and supporting the finger, your finger can recover faster, heal and reduce pain.

Trigger finger

When you bend your finger and try to straighten it, it suddenly locks or clicks, then springs back as you try to relax it. “Triggering” usually happens at night or when you’re doing things that need repeated gripping or pinching, such as writing with a pen. By immobilizing and supporting the finger, this finger support may help your finger recover, heal, and alleviate discomfort from edema.

Crooked finger

A bent finger is known as a crooked finger. It’s how your finger bends or appears, it bends away from the rest of your fingers and isn’t straight any longer. Instead of straightening the finger joint, the tendons and ligaments bend it away. A splint can help your finger recover, heal faster, and alleviate discomfort caused by swelling by immobilizing and supporting the finger.

Finger hypermobility (EDS)

EDS is a rare genetic disease of connective tissue that causes very flexible joints, extremely elastic skin, and fragile tissues. The hallmark symptoms of Hypermobile EDS are loose, movable joints that move beyond the normal range and cause chronic joint discomfort. This may help your finger recuperate, heal faster, and alleviate swelling by restricting and supporting it.

Finger arthritis

Finger arthritis is an illness characterized by joint discomfort, stiffness, and swelling. The pain might be intense in the morning and may be warm to the touch; you may have difficulty moving your joints. Wearing a splint can help your finger heal faster and reduce pain by immobilizing and supporting the finger.

Finger swan neck

Finger Swan Neck deformity is a condition in which the middle knuckle bends backward beyond the normal range and the fingertip bends down towards the palm. This kind of splint can help your finger recover, heal, and alleviate pain caused by swelling.

Finger Boutonniere

According to the term “finger boutonniere deformity,” the middle joint bends downward and will not straighten, whilst the fingertip bends back at the end joint. The middle finger joint’s tendons and ligaments usually straighten it instead. By immobilizing and supporting the finger, the splint can assist your finger recovery, healing faster, and relieving discomfort caused by swelling.

Conclusion

While finger supports can be very helpful for those with hand injuries or conditions, it is important to consult with a doctor or therapist before selecting finger support, as improper use can cause further hand damage.

Red fire alarm box on wooden wall

Fire alarm installation: advantages & disadvantages

July 14, 2022 /

Fire alarms and smoke alarms are an essential part of fire safety in both homes and offices. They are becoming more popular and important, not only because they provide an early warning system in the event of a fire, but they can also help to prevent fires from starting in the first place.

What are fire alarms?

Smoke detectors are usually installed on the ceilings of kitchens and bedrooms and they are used to detect smoke particles in the air and raise an alarm.

Fire alarms, on the other hand, are usually installed in the living room and hallways, because they have sensors that can detect both smoke and heat, marking them more effective at sensing the presence of flames.

Both types of devices are powered by batteries or connected to the electrical system, and most models will also include a backup system in case of power outages.

As a result, these safety systems are becoming more popular as awareness of the dangers of fire grows.

Different types of fire alarms

When choosing a fire alarm or a smoke detector, it’s important to consider the needs of your home and family or office and workers. For example, if you have a young child at home, you may want to choose a device that is easier for them to hear.

In addition, new technology is making these devices more reliable and affordable than ever before. It is also providing a lot of new and different types of fire alarm systems.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Conventional fire alarm systems

They are the most common ones, and they typically use a network of hard-wired sensors and manual call points connected to a central control panel.

Advantage:

One advantage is that they are very reliable. Because the sensing elements and call points are hard-wired, there is no risk of signal loss or interference. Additionally, these systems can be expandable, making it easy to add new devices as needed.

Disadvantage:

However, they can be costly to install and maintain, because they need more maintenance and testing. The wiring required can be complex, and the control panel may need to be replaced if it becomes damaged.

 

Two-wire conventional systems

They are popular for small applications because of their relatively low cost.

Advantage:

They are easier to install than four-wire systems because only two wires need to be run to each detector, instead of four. Furthermore, two-wire systems are more tolerant of wire breaks than four-wire systems, meaning that a single break in a wire will not disable the entire system.

Disadvantage:

On the other hand, they do not provide power to the detectors, so batteries must be used. Additionally, they are more susceptible to false alarms than four-wire systems. This is because the system relies on a single voltage drop to indicate a fire, rather than two voltage drops.

 

Addressable systems

They are those that provide information about the source of the fire.

Advantage:

One of the biggest advantages is that they are much easier to maintain and troubleshoot. With an addressable system, each device has its own unique address, making it easy to identify exactly which device is causing a problem. Moreover, addressable systems can be easily expanded as needed, making them ideal for growing businesses. They also tend to be more reliable than traditional systems, since there are typically fewer wiring connections that can fail.

Disadvantage:

Of course, they also have some disadvantages. They can be quite expensive to install since each device must be individually wired. Also, they require more training for users than traditional systems, since they can be more complex to operate.

 

Aspirating smoke detection systems

They are becoming increasingly popular in commercial and industrial settings. These smoke alarm systems work by drawing air through a network of pipes and into a central detector unit, where it is scanned for particulates that may indicate the presence of fire.

Advantage:

With their high sensitivity, they can detect even very small amounts of smoke, long before visible flames have developed. This gives you plenty of time to evacuate the premises and take other fire safety measures. They also have a low false alarm rate, meaning that they are unlikely to cause unnecessary disruption.

Disadvantage:

However, their initial cost can be higher than for traditional smoke detectors. They, also, require more maintenance than other types of detectors, as the filter system needs to be regularly cleaned or replaced. In addition, these systems can be susceptible to dust and other airborne particles, which can reduce their effectiveness over time.

 

Radio-controlled fire systems

Advantage:

They use radio waves to communicate with a control panel. They are more expensive than other types of systems but offer the advantage of being able to operate by using radio waves to transmit commands from remote control to a receiver, which then controls the fire system. In this case, the firefighters would not enter the fire area directly. Moreover, they allow firefighters to target their efforts more precisely, which can help to minimize damage to property and reduce the risk of injuries.

Disadvantage:

Despite this, they can be expensive to purchase and maintain, and they may not be available in all areas. Additionally, they require a high degree of training and expertise to operate effectively, which means that they may not always be the best option in an emergency situation.

Advantages and disadvantages of a fire alarm installation:

As we said before, fire alarms and smoke detectors are devices that are proven to save lives. They have become one of the major investments that your business may make.

However, they are not only important security elements for your company, but also for your home. For this reason, the fire alarm installation is an important investment that has to be made in order to guarantee the safety of your family members.

Advantages

A fire alarm system can offer a number of advantages, especially in terms of safety.

Some of the most important benefits include early detection of fires, prevention of injuries and deaths, and protection of property.

Early detection of fires is crucial in preventing the spread of fire and minimizing damage.

A well-designed fire alarm system after detecting smoke and heat can emit a signal, whether it is a horn, siren, or buzzer, as an alert or warning that a fire has started on the premises. This is giving the possibility for the occupants to evacuate the premises immediately, preventing injuries and even saving lives.

Moreover, fire alarm systems can protect property by sounding an alarm that alerts others to the presence of fire, allowing them to take action to extinguish the fire or at least minimize damage.

It can also be linked to the fire brigade, ensuring that the earlier a fire is detected by the fire alarm, the quicker it will be for the firefighters to respond.

Finally, it can help to contain fires by triggering sprinkler systems or activating fire doors.

Disadvantages

Firstly, the cost. This kind of system can be expensive if you want a good and reliable one. To this cost, you have to add the costs of placement and maintenance over time. Systems need to be tested annually and parts replaced as they break or age.

Secondly, there can be false alarms caused by cooking or steam, which can be a nuisance for both residents and the fire brigade. Many municipalities charge a fee for responding to a false alarm when it was preventable.

Moreover, if a fire alarm goes off frequently with no actual fire, it can become ignored or cause annoyance to the neighbours, which defeats the purpose of having a fire alarm in the first place.

Furthermore, the most effective systems are connected to a point where alarms are received at a remote location. In the central station, they typically monitor systems for thousands of customers, from homeowners to businesses, this means that they receive a lot of alarms. So, in order to notify local responders within seconds, you will need to pay an additional cost.

Finally, if the power goes out, most systems will not work, meaning that occupants may not be aware of a fire until it is too late.

 

Conclusion

As the dangers of fires become more widely known, these safety systems are becoming increasingly popular.

Aforementioned, these devices can provide an early warning of a fire, giving people the time they need to escape to safety. They are usually very simple to install, and many models now come with features like battery backup and tamper-proofing.

Fire alarms and smoke alarms could one day mean the difference between life and death.

 

How to Bleed a Radiator

January 17, 2022 /

Bleeding a radiator describes the process of removing trapped air from within the central heating system. It ensures that the system is up to full operating capacity, which can also increase efficiency. It is generally recommended that for most modern central heating systems, your boilers should be bled around twice a year. This ensures your system will be running at its maximum potential and not inefficiently heating your home.

Within this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bleeding your radiators. This will include how you can tell when your boiler needs bleeding, a step-by-step guide to perform the process yourself, as well as some advice for troubleshooting inefficient heating systems

 

How do I know when my boiler needs bleeding?

Whilst it is recommended that you bleed your boiler twice yearly, there are some symptoms that could indicate that you might need to do it sooner. Understanding these problems will ensure you can keep your home warmer and reduce your bills.

  • Your radiator is cold at the top

This is a quick and easy sign of air in your central heating system. Just by feeling sections of the radiator, you will be able to identify if there is a temperature difference between the top and bottom of your radiator. This contrast in temperature indicates that the air in the system is preventing hot water from flowing throughout the entire radiator. This is a telltale sign that your radiator requires bleeding.

  • The whole radiator is cold

Again, just by touch, you can infer that your radiator needs bleeding. It is recommended that you allow the central heating system to fully warm up before concluding that your radiator is cold. If surrounding radiators in adjacent rooms have become warm and the highlighted radiator has not, there is likely air in the radiator that needs to be bled.

  • Rattling radiators

Perhaps one of the most apparent indicators of air within your radiator is an audible gurgling or rattling noise coming from within your pipes or radiators. The noise often sounds like a boiling kettle and occurs as the heating has been turned on. Once again, the sound is an indication of air within the heating system, bleeding the radiator in close proximity to where the sound originates is the most effective solution to release this air.

 

How to Bleed a Radiator

Bleeding your radiator is a simple household task that doesn’t typically require the services of a plumber or gas safe engineer. Following our step-by-step guide provides enough detail to be able to bleed your radiators with ease.

What You’ll Need

  • A radiator key OR flat head screwdriver
  • Jug
  • Cloth
  • Safety-gloves

The equipment required to bleed your radiator can be found around the home. Radiator keys can be substituted for a flat-head screwdriver or can be purchased for just a few pounds at most local DIY stores.

Step-By-Step Guide for Bleeding your Radiators

  • Turn your central heating on

Before determining whether or not your radiators need bleeding, it is important to assess which radiators hold built-up air. Ensure that before deciding which radiators to bleed, you wait for the heating to fully circulate your home.

  • Identify cool spots

Once your radiators are fully heated you can assess the temperature of your radiator from top to bottom.  However, it is vital that you take caution during this action. If your radiators are too hot, you can wear thin gloves to prevent injury or discomfort. Identify whether any of your radiators are cooler at the top or aren’t as warm as others.

  • Turn off heating and wait for it to cool

It is highly important that you allow a considerable amount of time for your central heating to cool down. If you attempted to bleed your radiators before allowing the central heating to cool, you could scold yourself with steam and boiling water escaping from the radiator.

  • Protect the area surrounding your radiator

With a cloth or towels, create a protective area surrounding the radiator to prevent water from reaching the carpet or walls. You can also use a jug or bowl to catch excess water that escapes from the radiator.

  • Open the radiator valve

Using your radiator key or flathead screwdriver, release the valve on your radiator. The valve typically requires turning once or twice anti-clockwise. You will know when the valve is open once you hear a hissing. This sound indicates the air escaping your central heating system.

  • Close the valve

Your radiator should only require bleeding for 20-30 seconds, depending on how much air has built up in your system. Once the hissing sound starts to gurgle, or water begins to escape from the valve, you know it is time to close it. This can be closed by turning once or twice clockwise, in an opposite fashion to how it was opened.

  • Turn the heating back on

After bleeding the radiators in your home, it is a good idea to turn the heating back on to check a couple of things. The first is to ensure that your boiler pressure isn’t too low. Occasionally, allowing too much water to leave the central heating system can create lower pressure. This will require you to repressurise the system. Secondly, if your boiler pressure is correct, check whether your radiators are fully heated.

After allowing the heating system to fully circulate your home, you should check that the radiators are fully heated. If cool spots persist, this could be an indication of more complex problems. Whilst bleeding your radiators can be done without the help of an expert, you could require the services of a gas registered engineer to diagnose and resolve the problem. The team at Boiler Hut are certified and determined to help you heat your home, visit their website to receive professional assistance with your boiler.

 

Final Thoughts

Cold or noisy radiators could be a sign that air has accumulated within your central heating system. The air gathers within the top sections of your radiators, preventing them from efficiently heating your home. Bleeding your radiator is a quick and simple fix for this problem, allowing you to complete the task without the help of a boiler expert. In addition to some simple preparation, bleeding your radiator should only take around 30 seconds. After this, your home should heat far more efficiently.

If any problems persist after bleeding your radiator, this could be an indication of more complex problems. Under these circumstances, you’ll likely require the services of a gas safe engineer. Boiler Hut can supply you with certified engineers across the UK in order to provide peace of mind and a fully functioning boiler.

Former HSF Paralegal Banned For Falsifying Overtime

December 22, 2021 /

The former disputes paralegal submitted claim forms using the initials of a former manager.

Catherine Margaret Hunt submitted nine overtime claims which amounted to 260 hours of overtime claims.

HSF became concerned over the unusually high overtime claims. The claim forms were signed ‘AL’ which are the initials of her former manager,

who confirmed they had not approved the overtime claimed.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have made Catherine Hunt subject to a section 43 order, which will prevent her from working

in a law firm without the SRA’s prior permission.

 

Moving home

How does conveyancing work in practise

December 22, 2021 /

Conveyancing Process

Conveyancing fees vary depending on which method you choose. Online conveyancing typically costs less than using a solicitor, but it’s important to read the small print carefully as some online services may charge extra for things like valuation reports. If online conveyancing is not available in your area, using a solicitor will usually cost more but you’ll have the added security of having a professional on hand if anything goes wrong.

Once both parties have signed the contract and paid their deposits, the conveyancing process can get underway. There are four main steps: exchange of contracts, research on property rights, completion of transaction, and registration of transfer deeds.

At this stage, both buyer and seller must agree to sell and buy respectively under what conditions do they need to complete sale/purchase between themselves / through an agent online via online portals such as ZILLOW or Property Guru or offline with help from a solicitor.

Online conveyancing

Online conveyancing has increased in popularity as it is normally cheaper and has a greater degree of transparency.  The good online conveyancers will provide full online case tracking so you can see the stage you are at.

Due to the global pandemic, many conveyancing firms have moved more processes online, which has increased competition in this area. Online conveyancers such as My conveyancing Specialist have been set up to provide high-quality conveyancing services which can provide you with a quote in seconds of entering the property details.

The online system will then provide online documentation to both parties and can be printed online via online portals such as ZILLOW or Property Guru or offline with help from a solicitor.

At this stage, the legal process of transferring ownership is not complete until all relevant information about property rights has been checked thoroughly. This includes checking things like planning permission and sewerage access for the next 20 years, to ensure that there are no unexpected surprises down the line.

Once your contract has been accepted by the seller and you’ve made your offer and paid your deposit, it’s time to get ready for completion day – when you officially take ownership of the property. This is a key stage in the conveyancing process, and it’s important to make sure that everything goes smoothly so that you can move into your new home as soon as possible.

Completion

Completion usually takes place at the offices of a solicitor, and you’ll need to provide ids such as a passport or driving license. You’ll also need to hand over the balance of your purchase price (less any deposits already paid) and sign the transfer deeds. Your solicitor will then register the transfer with HM Land Registry, officially transferring ownership of the property to you.

 

Once all these steps have been completed, you’re ready to move.

 

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