Preventing Hand and Wrist Fractures: Tips for At-Risk Occupations and Activities

Of the 400,000 hand injuries that occur each year in the U.S., about 30% of those injuries happen in the workplace. Serious hand or wrist injuries can keep you out of work far longer than expected. Anyone who relies on their hands should understand the importance of proactive protection to prevent long-term setbacks. Especially if you work in:

• Construction
• Fitness training
• Food service
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing
• Professional sports
  
  

“If hand or wrist pain doesn’t improve, it may be a sign of lasting damage that can worsen without treatment. Whether your injury happened yesterday or years ago, it’s important to consult with an experienced hand surgeon to protect your function and prevent further complications and discomfort,” says Dr. Iyer, MD, FAAOS.

Understanding the Risks of Hand and Wrist Fractures

Even minor injuries can impact your ability to work, perform daily tasks, or stay active, which is why early evaluation and care are so important. You may not think much about the materials you interact with every day on the job, but it still helps to know the risks of:

• Chemicals: Solvents, acids, and extreme temperatures may irritate the skin or soft tissue.
• Glass: Sharp edges can cause cuts or deeper injury.
• Machinery: Gears, rollers, knives, and other tools can strain or pinch the joints and tendons.
• Metal: Pipes, wires, sheet metal, and rebar may lead to cuts, lacerations, or bruising.

Recognizing these challenges helps patients know when to seek evaluation from a hand specialist to preserve long-term function.

Protective Measures for At-Risk Occupations

Many hand injuries are preventable, which makes it critical to follow all safety standards when you’re in a high-risk job. Organizations like OSHA and 360training offer resources for construction workers, manufacturers, and similar workers who must maintain safety as a priority. At minimum, you should:

• Get routine check-ups with a hand surgeon 
• Keep hands clean and dry
• Use approved ergonomic tools
• Wear proper work gloves
• Work with the correct tools

Put prevention into practice by talking to an experienced hand surgeon who can help you catch small issues early and identify signs of hidden damage. 

Preventing Hand and Wrist Fractures During Sports and Recreational Activities

Working out does so much good for the body. However, using the wrong technique or tools can lead to some serious hand and wrist fractures. Whether you’re a personal trainer, professional athlete, or not, it only takes a few minutes to focus on these three preventive strategies for your hands and wrists: 

• Secure: Ensure each workout is safe and effective by using the proper form and pressure every time.

• Strengthen: Stretch and strengthen your hands and wrists with mobility movements and forearm exercises before and after workouts.
• Support: Wear wrist wraps or gloves for added stability and use ergonomic equipment (padded bars or ergonomic grips) when possible.

“Your hands and wrists do more than lift or grip. They’re central to almost every movement you make. Protect them now with preventive strategies to preserve function, prevent long-term damage, and keep you performing at your best for years to come,” says Dr. Iyer.

Even a moment of poor form during heavy lifting can overstretch tendons, causing severe injury that may require microsurgical tendon repair. Hand specialists can not only treat injuries but also provide guidance on proactive care to minimize future risk.

Osteoporosis and Hand Fractures: Protecting Aging Bones

Osteoporosis can weaken the bones of the hand and increase your risk of hand and wrist fractures.

Especially as we age, proactive arthritis management can go a long way in protecting your hands and wrists from further injury. Proactive practices may even prevent you from needing or more advanced wrist arthritis treatments. Try to include the following into either your morning or evening routine to further support your hands and wrists: 

• Maintain joint mobility with gentle stretching
• Strengthen supporting hand and wrist muscles
• Use ergonomic tools during daily activities 
• Wear supportive braces or splints during repetitive tasks

When arthritis is advanced, specialized wrist arthritis treatment can improve function, decrease pain, and lower fracture risk.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Hand Surgeons

Working in a high-risk environment isn’t the only way hand and wrist injuries occur. Even in an office setting, conditions such as “texting thumb” and “smartphone pinky” can become serious if swelling, inflammation, or discomfort affects daily tasks.

Taking regular breaks and limiting repetitive movements are important first steps. But for anyone experiencing persistent pain or signs of injury, consulting with a hand specialist is essential. The Center for Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery (HUES) expands a patient’s options for care and recovery with surgeons and orthopedic specialists who provide advanced evaluation, microsurgical and reconstructive procedures, and personalized treatment plans. A lasting injury doesn’t have to define your future. Request a consultation to restore function, reduce pain, and protect your long-term hand and wrist health.