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Hand and Wrist Injury

Soft Tissue Injuries to the Hand or Wrist

A soft tissue injury is an injury to the muscle, ligament or tendon. It is usually caused by overstretching of the soft tissue which can be followed by pain, swelling, reduced movement and difficulty walking. Full recovery from soft tissue injuries can take up to six weeks.

Do’s

  • If a bandage or splint was provided please use this as directed by the A&E department.
  • For the first 24 – 48 hours rest your hand and wrist as much as possible.
  • Exercise the parts of the hand and wrist not bandaged every two hours.
  • If you have any swelling, elevate your hand and wrist in a sling or on a pillow when sitting. Keep your hand about the level of your heart.
  • If you have swelling, apply ice packs (ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) on to the swelling for 10 minutes every two hours.
  • Take simple painkillers such as Paracetamol, which you can buy at the chemist. The A&E department can advise you on painkillers as well as your local pharmacy.
  • Do the exercises below after the first 24 hours to prevent stiffening. Repeat exercises 10 times, there to four times daily.

Don’ts

  • Don’t apply ice directly on to skin – this can burn.
  • Avoid heavy lifting, sports and driving until your injury is completely recovered.
  • Do not wear any jewellery on your injured limb.

If your injury is not starting to improve after 7-10 days please self-refer to your local physiotherapy team if you are registered with a Gateshead, Newcastle or Durham GP or request your GP to refer you if you have a Sunderland GP, information can be found below:

If you are a registered patient of a Gateshead or Newcastle GP, the Tyneside Integrated Musculoskeletal Service (TIMS) will be your physiotherapy provider: https://www.tims.nhs.uk/

If you are a registered patient of Durham GP, the county Durham integrated MSK service will be your physiotherapy provider: https://patient.inhealthcare.co.uk/selfenrol/v2/form

If you are a registered patient of South Tyneside and Sunderland, the Sunderland integrated MSK service will be your physiotherapy provider: https://sunderlandims.co.uk/

Hand and Wrist Exercises

The following exercises should be repeated 10 times, three to four times daily:

  • Bend your wrist as far downwards as you can. Gently assist the movement with your other hand. Hold for 30 seconds.
  • Take your wrist as far backwards as you can. Gently assist the movement with your other hand. Hold for 30 seconds.
  • Sitting, place the palms of your hands and forearms together. Raise your elbow up horizontally, keeping your palms together. Hold for 30 seconds.

Contact details

For advice or review appointments, call the Emergency Department secretaries on 0191 445 2946 (Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00).

For urgent advice out of hours call 111.