<< Back
4 Common Causes of Hand Injuries
August 18, 2025
From texting to cooking dinner, your hands are constantly in motion. But when something goes wrong, even the most simple tasks can become challenging.
“Hand injuries can have a big impact on your ability to do everyday tasks,” says Hudson Seidel, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at the Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute. “That’s why prevention and early care are so important.”
Here’s what puts your hands at risk – and how to protect them.
1. Repetitive motion can lead to damage.
Typing, scrolling and using tools – it all adds up over time.
“Repetitive movements can put pressure on your tendons and nerves,” says Dr. Seidel. “That’s how conditions like carpal tunnel or tendonitis develop.”
Be sure to take short breaks, stretch your hands regularly and swap in ergonomic tools when you can.
> Related: 5 Ways to Reduce Finger and Hand Pain From Phone Use
2. Sports and hobbies can take a toll.
High-impact sports and hands-on hobbies are a common cause for hand injury, often leading to sprains, dislocations and fractures.
“We see a lot of issues from activities like basketball, skiing or rock climbing,” says Dr. Seidel. “A hard fall or awkward landing can easily damage the hand.”
Consider using wrist guards or gloves when needed – and make sure to utilize proper technique to avoid putting extra strain on your joints.
3. Work-related injuries are common.
Jobs that involve tools, machinery or heat can carry extra risk – especially in fields such as construction, food service or manufacturing.
“These environments often see more hand injuries, specifically cuts, burns or crush injuries,” says Dr. Seidel.
But it’s not just high-risk jobs. Even desk work can lead to hand and wrist issues from repetitive motion or poor ergonomics.
Make sure you have the right protective gear, take regular breaks and follow safety precautions and diligence – whether you’re on a job site or behind a desk.
> Related: Have a Desk Job? Don’t Ignore These Signs of Hand or Wrist Injury
4. Accidents and falls happen fast.
A trip, a slammed door or a slip of the knife – hand injuries often happen in an instant.
“These injuries can involve nerves, tendons or bones,” says Dr. Seidel. “And without immediate care, they can lead to lasting damage.”
If your pain is sharp, your hand is hard to move or something feels off – get it checked out.
When to see a doctor.
If your hand is swollen, bruised, painful or tough to move – don’t wait it out.
Severe pain, tingling or trouble using your hand could mean something more serious is going on.
“Your hands are essential for almost everything you do,” says Dr. Seidel. “If you’re injured, come see us as soon as possible. Timing can be critical since early treatment and hand exercises can make a big difference in helping you heal the right way. Our team is driven to get you back to the activities you enjoy.”