Finger, Hand & Wrist Injuries 

Most of the time, our physical movements do not cause problems, but it’s not surprising that symptoms can eventually develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse or from an injury (see Finger, Hand & Wrist Problems). At one time or another, everyone has likely had a minor injury to a finger, hand or wrist that caused pain or swelling. 

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, snowblowers or hand tools
• Accidental falls
• Fistfights

The risk of finger, hand or wrist injury is greater in contact sports, such as wrestling, football or soccer, and 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, 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 of the loss of muscle mass and bone strength that happens with age. They also may 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.

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 and may extend to the fingers from the effects of gravity. Acute injuries include:

• Injuries to ligaments, such as skier’s thumb 
• Injuries to tendons, such as mallet finger
• Injuries to joints (sprains)
• Pulled muscles (strains)
• Broken bones (fractures), such as a wrist fracture
• Dislocations
• Crushing injury, which can lead to compartment syndrome

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:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome 
• Tendon pain 
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

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)

Check symptoms to decide if and when to see a doctor.