Pain in Wrists, hands & fingers

The hands, wrists and fingers are most susceptible to injury as they are in constant use. Completing repetitive tasks for long periods of time and increased age can further enhance your risk.

Facts & Figures:

• 1 in 50 people have reported a repetitive strain injury
• Pain caused by long periods of carrying out the same movements is called repetitive strain injury.

When to get advice:

• If your fingers or wrists are misshaped – go straight to GP or A & E department
• If you cannot move any part of your wrist hand or fingers and they are hot or swollen.
• Your pain is getting worse and worse
• The problem is not better within 6 weeks.

Move or rest?

First 24 hours

• Gently move your wrist, hand or fingers every hour your awake for 10/20 seconds
• Rest your wrist, hand or fingers but try not to keep it still for too long.

After 48 hours

• Try and use your wrist, hand, fingers in your normal activities and work don’t overdo it!
• Don’t lift anything or engage in extreme sports until you have less pain and good movement.
• Gentle exercise can relieve pain

Check out the exercise in the tools sections