Hand & Wrist Injury Care

As delicate anatomical structures, the hand and wrist can be more vulnerable to injury than other areas of the body. Traumatic events and repetitive motion activities can damage bones, ligaments and nerves within the hands. The goal of treating hand and wrist injuries is to restore functionality and ease pain.

Hand and wrist injuries range from minor damage from chronic overuse to more severe accidents like fractures and partial or complete amputation of one or more fingers. 

Types of hand and wrist injuries

Common types of hand and wrist injuries include:

• Bone fractures and dislocations
• Muscle sprains
• Bites, either from an animal or another person
• Repetitive use injuries due to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Traumatic events, including lawnmower accidents or crushing incidents (such as in a slamming car door)

Treatments of hand and wrist injuries

Doctors use a variety of treatments for hand and wrist injuries, including short-term pain relief, therapy and devices for healing, and surgical procedures to repair damage.
The most common types of hand and wrist injury care include:

• Braces, casts and splints: Minor injuries to the hand or wrist — including jammed fingers, simple fractures, and sprains — may only need to immobilized temporarily to allow them to heal properly. 
• Physical therapy: Repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome may improve with physical therapy. Performing prescribed exercises sometimes improves hand strength and functionality.
• Lifestyle changes: Avoiding repetitive motion activities may be necessary to treat certain hand and wrist conditions or to prevent them from happening again in the future. 
• Oral medications: Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. If over-the-counter medications don’t work, the doctor may order stronger prescription drugs. 
• Injections: Steroid drugs injected at the site of the injury can provide fast and effective relief of inflammation.
• Surgery: In some cases, doctors may need to perform surgery to repair damage or allow for proper healing, such as with a severe fracture. For traumatic events like a partial or complete finger amputation, surgeons may try to reattach, or replant, the separated piece.

Considering your treatment options

The treatment that is best for you may depend on a variety of factors including your general health and the severity of the injury. An injury due to chronic overuse may respond well to conservative treatments, while a fracture with a laceration will require immediate medical attention. You should discuss all of your treatment options with your doctor in order to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets your goals and allows for a smooth and healthy recovery.