Rehabilitation of common athletic injuries of the hand and wrist.

Rehabilitation of athletic injuries of the hand and wrist should begin at the time of injury. Early recognition and prompt medical attention can serve to minimize the initial effects of injury. A systematic evaluation should include assessment of deformity, joint instability, active and passive motion, edema, and nerve and tendon function. In spite of initial negative findings, painful joints should be protected. Joints of the hand and wrist are particularly vulnerable to the effects of aggressive rehabilitation. Signs of reaction to exercises should be closely observed. Upgrading of activity should only occur as soft-tissue healing will allow.