Table 2 Common hand injuries and causes

Amputation of finger(s)/hand(s)

Complete removal of the finger(s) or hand(s) due to traumatic injury, frostbite, infection or surgery

Broken bone or fracture

Break or crack of a bone(s) caused by a direct blow or crushing injury

Carpal/cubital/radial tunnel syndrome

Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and fingers, caused by compressed nerves

Chaffing/blistering/calluses

Damage and/or hardening of the skin caused by chemicals, freezing, friction or pressure overtime to the hand/fingers

Cuts or lacerations

Open wound through the skin caused by cutting or blunt impact

First/second/third degree or chemical/electrical burns

Burning of the epidermis and dermis caused by heat, chemicals or electricity

Frostbite or frost nip

Damage to the skin surface and in worse cases muscles, nerves and blood vessels due to extreme or prolonged exposure to the cold

Impact injury or bruising

Bruising or swelling of the hand due to the collision of the hand with a stationary or moving object

Neuropathy

Weakness, numbness and pain to the hands, caused by damage to nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord

Skin infection

Invasion and multiplication of viruses, bacteria and parasites that are not normally present in the body. Typically caused by cuts and lacerations, where viruses, bacteria and parasites can enter because the skin is not intact

Strain or sprains

Stretching or tearing of muscles/tendons (strains) or ligaments (sprains) caused by high velocity forces

Tendinitis

Inflammation, injury or damaged tendons in the hands, fingers or wrist. Caused by repetitive motion or high intensity activities

Trigger finger

When fingers get stuck in a bent position. Caused by repetitive gripping actions