Hand injuries make up 20% of workplace injuries, highlighting the importance of recognizing warning signs before they worsen. From minor strains to serious fractures, spotting symptoms early can help prevent long-term issues.
At Pittsburgh Hand and Nerve, we specialize in treating work-related hand injuries. Our skilled team is here to diagnose and treat your injury, ensuring you get the care you need. If you're dealing with hand or wrist pain, swelling, or discomfort, don’t wait—schedule an appointment today to start your recovery.
Identifying early symptoms is key. Keep reading to discover the five warning signs of work-related hand injuries you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Pain and Swelling in the Hand or Wrist
Persistent pain or swelling in the hand or wrist are common work place ailments, and can result from wrist fractures, hand fractures, sprains, crush injuries, or even from repetitive movements. Work place injuries may involve damage to skin nerves and hand or wrist tendons, especially if caused by accidents such as falling objects, or direct contact with sharp objects or objects with jagged edges. Ignoring symptoms can lead to long-term damage to the body.
In some instances, injuries can be treated with wrist arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery which helps examine affected areas and can result in a faster recovery. In every case, early diagnosis and proper treatment is critical to ensure optimal outcomes and fewer complications.
2. Numbness or Tingling Sensations
Numbness and tingling sensations are the result of injuries or conditions that disrupt normal nerve function in the upper extremities. Common causes include:
- Repetitive Motion Injuries: Tasks that involve repetitive and forceful gripping, like handling hand tools or other equipment, can irritate or compress nerves over time, resulting in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients experience numbness and tingling into the fingers.
- Poor Ergonomics: Incorrect positioning of the wrist or hand during tasks, such as using hand tools or power tools with the wrist bent, can strain tendons or compress nerves in the wrist and hand, resulting symptoms such as numbness and tingling or pain.
Early recognition and workplace adjustments, such as varying tasks, taking regular breaks during the work day, wearing gloves, or improving safety procedures, are essential for prevention. Seek advice if symptoms persist or disrupt your ability to perform routine tasks.
3. Reduced Grip Strength
A weakened grip can signal underlying issues in the hand or wrist, such as damage to ligaments, tendons, bones, or nerves. These injuries can occur due to repetitive motions, overuse, or accidents.
When to seek care for reduced grip strength:
- Weakness that worsens over time or includes other symptoms such as pain or swelling.
- Struggling with everyday tasks, such as holding hand tools or writing and typing.
Early awareness and treatment helps to restore function and prevent long-term complications.
4. Bruising or Discoloration
Bruising or discoloration in the hand or wrist often results from injuries like hand fractures, wrist fractures, or sprains and strains. These injuries can occur when workers handle unsafe equipment, from falling objects, or come in contact with moving parts or other hazards. While minor bruising typically heals on its own, significant swelling, persistent pain, or discoloration in the wrist or hand may indicate serious injuries.
Addressing injuries promptly with professional advice is critical to avoid delays in recovery or permanent damage. Proper safety procedures, such as wearing gloves and ensuring that equipment is safe, can also help prevent bruises and breaks.
5. Difficulty Moving Fingers or Thumb
Difficulty moving the fingers or thumb can result from tendon strains, ligament tears, or joint injuries, seen with repetitive tasks or trauma. Such injuries can also involve nerves. Without timely care, these conditions can worsen, leading to stiffness, limited flexibility, weakness, or permanent nerve damage.
Seek professional evaluation if you notice stiffness, pain, or loss of function of the hand, thumb, or fingers. Staying aware of hazards, maintaining proper ergonomics, and following safety advice can help protect your hands and wrists during daily tasks.
When to Seek Help for a Workplace Hand Injury
Recap of Five Warning Signs to Watch For
- Persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort in the hand, wrist, or fingers.
- Bruising, discoloration, or swelling that doesn’t improve.
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in affected areas of the hand or wrist.
- Loss of motion, stiffness, or difficulty moving fingers, thumb, or wrist.
- Reduced grip strength or inability to perform routine tasks like handling objects or tools.
Hand and wrist injuries are common in the workplace due to hazards such as repetitive tasks and rough or sharp materials. If you’re experiencing hand and wrist pain or numbness and tinglings, don’t wait—our team specializes in treating hand and wrist injuries, including wrist fractures, hand fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendonitis, aiming to restore function while minimizing recovery time.
Remember, early detection and following safety procedures—like wearing gloves, staying alert, and ensuring tetanus immunization—can make all the difference in your recovery and ability to continue performing tasks safely.
Advance Toward Optimal Hand Health
Early recognition and addressing the symptoms of hand injuries is crucial to maintaining functionality and preventing long-term issues. Pittsburgh Hand and Nerve is here to provide expert care and personalized treatment tailored to your needs.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Schedule an appointment with Pittsburgh Hand and Nerve today and take the first step toward restoring strength, mobility, and comfort to your hands. Dr. Alexander Spiess is ready to support you on your path to recovery.
