Work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities, including the hands and wrists, are quite common and occur in nearly all types of work situations. Each year, direct Workers' Compensation costs due to these types of injuries are over $2 billion, plus an additional $90 million in indirect costs. The highest rate of disorder was found in industry workers whose jobs required them to repeat the same type of forceful motion throughout their work shift, such as food processors, automobile and electronics assemblers, carpenters, office data entry workers, cashiers, and garment workers.  Disorders that affect the hand, wrist and fingers are often seen in people in these types of positions. The disorders may develop gradually, resulting from repeated actions and the twisting and bending of the hand, wrist, and arms, combines with force. The most common work-related injury to the hands and wrist is carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the median nerve becomes entrapped by irritated and swollen tendons in the wrist pressing on the nerve as it passes through the wrist. Workers whose jobs demand repetitive movement -- not necessarily forceful or strenuous movements -- of the wrist, hand and arm are most at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Other types of injuries and conditions commonly found in the wrist, hand, and fingers include: Tendinitis Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome Raynaud's Syndrome DeQuervain's Disease Trigger Finger Tenosynovitis

Return to Overview of Work-Related Injuries