Everyone has had a minor finger, hand, or wrist problem that caused pain or swelling at one time or another. Most of the time our body movements do not cause problems, but occasionally symptoms develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, or an injury.

Finger, hand, or wrist injuries can occur during:
• Sports.
• Work-related activities.
• Work around the home, especially if using machinery
  and hand tools.
• Accidental falls or injuries.
 
The risk of finger, hand, or wrist injury is higher in contact sports, such as football, or soccer and high-speed sports, such as biking, skating, skiing, and snowboarding. Sports that require weight-bearing on the hands and arms, such as gymnastics, can cause injury. Sports that use hand equipment such as hockey or racquets also increase the risk of injury.

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

Older adults are at greater risk for injuries and fractures because they lose muscle mass and bone strength (osteopenia) as they age which makes the slightly more susceptible to injury. They may also have more problems with vision and balance, which increases their risk of accidental injury.

Most minor injuries will heal on their own and all that is usually needed is a little home treatment or care to relieve symptoms and promote healing.
 
Sudden (acute) injury:
Everyone has had a minor finger, hand, or wrist problem that caused pain or swelling at one time or another. Most of the time our body movements do not cause problems, but occasionally symptoms develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, or an injury.

Finger, hand, or wrist injuries can occur during:
• Bruises. After a wrist or hand injury, bruising may occur which can extend to the fingers from the effects of gravity.
• Injuries to ligaments or tendons.
• 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:
Overuse injuries occur when too excessive stress is placed on a joint or other tissue, most often by "overdoing" an activity or repeating the same activity too much.

Overuse injuries include:
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Bursitis.
• Tendonitis.
• Tenosynovitis.
 
Treatment:
Overuse injuries occur when too excessive stress is placed on a joint or other tissue, most often by "overdoing" an activity or repeating the same activity too much.

Overuse injuries include:
• The type, location, and severity of the injury.
• How long ago it has been since the injury occurred.
• The age, health condition, and activities (such as work, sports, or hobbies) of the patient.