Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries

At one time or another, everyone has had a minor injury to a finger, hand, or wrist that caused pain or swelling. Most of the time our body movements do not cause problems, but it's not surprising that symptoms develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, or an injury.

Finger, hand, or wrist injuries most commonly occur during:

• Sports or recreational activities.
• Work-related tasks.
• Work or projects around the home, especially if using machinery such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, or hand tools.
• Accidental falls.
• Fistfights.

The risk of finger, hand, or wrist injury is higher in contact sports, such as wrestling, football, or soccer, and in high-speed sports, such as biking, in-line skating, skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. Sports that require weight-bearing on the hands and arms, such as gymnastics, can increase the risk for injury. Sports that use hand equipment such as ski poles, hockey or lacrosse sticks, or racquets also increase the risk of injury.

In children, most finger, hand, or wrist injuries occur during sports or play or from accidental falls. Any injury occurring at the end of a long bone near a joint may injure the growth plate (physis) and needs to be evaluated.

Older adults are at higher risk for injuries and fractures because they lose muscle mass and bone strength (Reference osteopenia Opens New Window) as they age. They also have more problems with vision and balance, which increases their risk of accidental injury.

Most minor injuries will heal on their own, and home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve symptoms and promote healing.

Sudden (acute) injury

An acute injury may occur from a direct blow, a penetrating injury, or a fall, or from twisting, jerking, jamming, or bending a limb abnormally. Pain may be sudden and severe. Bruising and swelling may develop soon after the injury. Acute injuries include:

• Reference Bruises Opens New Window. After a wrist or hand injury, Reference bruising Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window may extend to the fingers from the effects of gravity.
• Injuries to Reference ligaments Opens New Window, such as a Reference skier's thumb Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window injury.
• Injuries to Reference tendons Opens New Window, such as Reference mallet finger Opens New Window.
• Injuries to joints (Reference sprains Opens New Window).
• Pulled muscles (Reference strains Opens New Window).
• Broken bones (Reference fractures Opens New Window), such as a Reference wrist fracture Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
• Reference Dislocations Opens New Window.
• Crushing injury, which can lead to Reference compartment syndrome Opens New Window.

Overuse injuries

Overuse injuries occur when too much stress is placed on a joint or other tissue, often by "overdoing" an activity or repeating the same activity. Overuse injuries include the following:

• Reference Carpal tunnel syndrome Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window is caused by pressure on a nerve (Reference median nerve Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window) in the wrist. The symptoms include tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain of the fingers and hand.
• Reference Tendon pain Opens New Window is actually a symptom of tendinosis, a series of very small tears (microtears) in the tissue in or around the Reference tendon Opens New Window. In addition to pain and tenderness, common symptoms of tendon injury include decreased strength and movement in the affected area.
• Reference De Quervain's disease Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window can occur in the hand and wrist when tendons and the tendon covering (sheath) on the thumb side of the wrist swell and become inflamed.

Treatment

Treatment for a finger, hand, or wrist injury may include first aid measures; medicine; "buddy-taping" for support; application of a brace, splint, or cast; physical therapy; and in some cases, surgery. Treatment depends on:

• The location, type, and severity of the injury.
• How long ago the injury occurred.
• Your age, health condition, and activities (such as work, sports, or hobbies).

Reference Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.