Overview
About Wrist and Hand Injury Care
Wrist and hand injuries range from common fractures of the distal radius and scaphoid bone to ligament sprains, tendon ruptures, and nerve compression. Because these structures govern fine motor skills — gripping, writing, typing, and daily self-care — accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid long-term stiffness or weakness. Management ranges from splinting and casting for stable fractures to surgical fixation with plates, screws, or wires for displaced fractures and tendon repairs. Early, condition-specific hand therapy is started as soon as it is safe, to prevent stiffness and optimise the final functional outcome.
Key Benefits
Precise diagnosis distinguishes fracture, ligament, and tendon injuries accurately
Splinting and casting for stable injuries avoids unnecessary surgery
Surgical fixation available for displaced fractures and tendon repairs
Early hand therapy preserves fine motor function and prevents stiffness
Specialised care protects the delicate balance needed for grip and dexterity
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have broken a bone in my hand or wrist?
Signs include immediate pain and swelling, visible deformity, inability to grip or move the fingers normally, and bruising. An X-ray confirms the diagnosis and identifies the exact fracture pattern.
What is a scaphoid fracture and why is it tricky?
The scaphoid is a small wrist bone with a limited blood supply, making it prone to healing problems if missed. It can be hard to see on initial X-rays, so a suspected scaphoid fracture is often splinted and re-checked or scanned even if the first X-ray looks normal.
Do all hand and wrist fractures need surgery?
No — many stable, well-aligned fractures heal well with casting or splinting alone. Surgery is reserved for fractures that are displaced, unstable, involve a joint surface, or affect the scaphoid with poor blood supply.
How soon can I start moving my fingers after a hand injury?
Uninjured fingers and joints are kept moving from day one to prevent stiffness, while the injured area is protected. Guided hand therapy begins as soon as the treating surgeon confirms it is safe.
Can a tendon injury in the hand be repaired completely?
Yes, most tendon lacerations and ruptures can be surgically repaired with good functional results, especially when treated promptly. A structured, supervised hand therapy programme afterward is critical to the final outcome.