Hand Clinics: Specialized Care for Hand and Wrist Injuries

Our hands and wrists are some of the most used — and most vulnerable — parts of the body. From typing and cooking to sports and heavy lifting, they’re constantly at work. Because of their intricate anatomy and delicate balance of bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, they are especially prone to injury. Without timely care, even a minor injury can lead to long-term pain or loss of function.

Let’s explore common hand and wrist injuries, prevention strategies, and rehabilitation methods, including the role of hand clinics.

Common Hand and Wrist Injuries

Because the hands and wrists are made up of so many small structures working together, even one injured tendon or ligament can impact daily function. Recognizing the most common injuries helps patients know when to seek treatment early.

Some of the most frequent issues include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: compression of the median nerve causing pain, numbness, and tingling mainly in the thumb, index and middle fingers.

• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: tendon inflammation that affects movement on the thumb side of the wrist.

• Wrist fractures: including distal radius, ulna, and scaphoid fractures.

• Dislocated fingers: often from impact or twisting injuries.

• Wrist sprains: stretching or tearing of ligaments from falls or sudden force.

Soft Tissue and Tendon Injuries

While fractures and dislocations are well recognized, soft tissue and tendon injuries can be equally limiting. These conditions often start small but worsen over time if untreated, making early intervention important. Examples include:

• Tendonitis (like De Quervain’s or ECU tendonitis).

• Mallet finger (also known as “baseball finger”): tendon damage causing inability to straighten the fingertip.

• Jersey finger: tendon tear preventing finger flexion.

• Boutonnière deformity: bending of the finger caused by tendon injury at the middle joint.

Injuries in Athletes and Workers

Athletes and manual laborers are especially at risk due to repetitive stress and high-impact activities. Their injuries often overlap with common conditions but tend to occur more suddenly and severely. Thumb and wrist sprains, boxer’s or scaphoid fractures, and PIP joint dislocations are frequently seen in sports and heavy work environments. Prompt evaluation is essential to avoid long-term complications and ensure a safe return to activity.

Prevention of Hand and Wrist Injuries

Prevention is key to maintaining long-term hand health. Proper warm-ups and stretches, combined with the use of wrist guards or gloves during high-risk activities, can significantly reduce the chance of injury.

Simple lifestyle habits — like taking breaks from repetitive tasks and strengthening forearm and grip muscles — also play a role in preventing strain and overuse.

Rehabilitation Exercises

Hand physiotherapy specialists often prescribe targeted exercises to restore stability, mobility and/or strength, as indicated, by using active movements and various equipment like putty, rubber bands, weights and everyday objects. These exercises help recondition the muscles and tendons, improving stability and function. Rehabilitation progresses gradually, with exercises adjusted over time to match healing, so patients can rebuild strength safely without risking reinjury.

Physiotherapy Treatment Approach

At Reach Sports Physiotherapy & Hand Clinic, treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify the root cause of the concern. Personalized care plans may include, splinting, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and modalities to reduce pain, restore movement, and rebuild strength. Imaging tools such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds may be used to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Get Expert Hand Physiotherapy in Edmonton

At our hand clinic, our expert team focuses on more than just relief from pain. Personalized treatments aim to restore function, improve mobility, and get you back to an active, pain-free lifestyle. Contact us at 587-635-5258 or fill out our online contact form to book your appointment today.