Hand and Wrist Injury at Work

How hand and wrist injuries happen on the job

Some come from a single event: a fall onto the hand, a crush between loads, a sudden twist with a tool. Many build up from repeated motion such as gripping, scanning, keying, cutting or assembling for hours at a time. Both are evaluated, and the provider documents what you report about your job duties.

Symptoms worth getting examined

• Pain, numbness or tingling in the fingers, especially at night
• Weak grip or dropping objects
• Pain on the thumb side of the wrist with lifting or twisting
• Swelling or stiffness in the wrist or fingers
• Pain that returns every shift

What the first visit covers

• A history of the incident or the repeated motion involved, and your job duties
• A physical examination of the hand, wrist, elbow and neck, including nerve and grip testing
• A treatment plan written for your injury and the work you do
• A work status note describing what you can and cannot do while you recover
• Referrals for imaging or pain management when the provider finds they are needed

Treatment for a work-related hand or wrist injury

Treatment reduces pain and swelling, restores motion, and then rebuilds grip strength and tolerance for the repeated tasks the job requires. Chiropractic care and physical therapy are the core of the plan. Because symptoms in the hand can start in the neck or elbow, the exam covers the whole arm.

Your work status note

Restrictions often cover gripping, repetitive motion, vibration tools or one-handed duty. The note is updated as you improve.