Wrist and Hand

The wrist and hand is very complex anatomically. Injuries and pain to the area can originate from a whole host of structures including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and nerves.

Most acute injuries, such as falling onto your hand, can be treated at home by following the PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) approach and typically settle withing 2 weeks:

• Protection – protect the affected area from further injury – for example, by using a support.
• Rest – avoid exercise and reduce your daily physical activity. Using crutches or a walking stick may help if you can't put weight on your ankle or knee. A sling may help if you've injured your shoulder.
• Ice – apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours. A bag of frozen peas, or similar, will work well. Wrap the ice pack in a towel so that it doesn't directly touch your skin and cause an ice burn.
• Compression – use elastic compression bandages during the day to limit swelling.
• Elevation – keep the injured body part raised above the level of your heart whenever possible. This may also help reduce swelling.

This can be complimented with basic Over the Counter pain medications such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, but check with a pharmacist or GP to see if these are suitable for yourself before you take any.

If your symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks then we would recommend a self referral into our physiotherapy department for an assessment, however if any of the symptoms include the following then we would suggest a visit to the local A&E department.

• A sudden traumatic or high impact injury
• Severe Pain that doesn’t respond to pain medication, or the wrist, hand or finger is hot, red or very swollen
• If you have pins and needles or numbness into the hand
• Visual deformity/change in the appearance/shape of the wrist or hand.

Removal of cast after hand or wrist fracture leaflet

There are a few other more specific conditions that can affect the Wrist and Hand area, and if you have been previously diagnosed with any of these then the following information leaflets should be helpful to you to try prior to self referring into our service:

Carpal Tunnel Leaflet

Dupuytrens Leaflet - In Progress

Osteoarthritis of the Wrist and Hand Leaflet

Finger (Metacarpal) Fracture Leaflet

Post operative information following hand surgery leaflet

Joint replacement surgery in the hand leaflet

Trapeziectomy Leaflet