Hand injuries and conditions can significantly interfere with work performance, daily tasks, and overall independence. Pain, stiffness, weakness, or altered sensation in the hand often develop following injury, surgery, repetitive use, or prolonged strain. Because the hand is involved in nearly every functional activity, even mild symptoms can quickly become limiting if left unaddressed.

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Common conditions affecting the hand include tendon injuries, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, hand and finger fractures, arthritis, ligament injuries, and repetitive strain injuries. These conditions frequently develop due to forceful gripping, repetitive pinching, prolonged computer or tool use, vibration exposure, falls, or direct trauma. In work settings, hand injuries are often associated with construction, manufacturing, healthcare, landscaping, and office-based occupations that involve sustained or repetitive hand use.

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Post-surgical hand conditions may involve stiffness, swelling, reduced coordination, or difficulty returning to job-specific tasks. Degenerative conditions such as arthritis may cause progressive pain, joint changes, and decreased tolerance for daily activities. Nerve-related conditions can result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of fine motor control, affecting precision tasks such as typing, writing, or tool handling.

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Hand-related conditions often worsen when symptoms are ignored or compensated for by overusing the opposite hand or altering movement patterns. Over time, this can lead to additional strain, reduced endurance, and difficulty performing work or self-care activities.

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Occupational therapy for hand conditions focuses on restoring functional use of the hand in a way that supports long-term recovery and injury prevention. Care is individualized based on the specific condition, work demands, and daily activity requirements, with an emphasis on helping patients safely return to meaningful activities with confidence.