Work Restrictions for Wrist Injury

Immediate Restrictions and Progressive Return to Work

• Individuals with wrist injuries should avoid repetitive wrist extension, forceful gripping, weight-bearing on the wrist, and high-impact activities until cleared by their treating physician, with specific restrictions tailored to the injury type and healing stage, as recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1
• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends avoiding sustained wrist flexion, which can exacerbate carpal tunnel compression, and using wrist splints during work if compression symptoms are present 1
• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests beginning active finger motion exercises immediately to prevent stiffness, a critical and disabling complication, and maintaining strict wrist immobilization with splinting as prescribed 2
• Work restrictions should include sedentary duties only with no use of the affected hand for any work tasks, as recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 3
• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends initiating gentle wrist range of motion after stable fixation, typically around 3 weeks post-injury, and continuing to avoid forceful gripping, twisting, or impact activities 2
• Gradually increasing weight-bearing activities as tolerated and cleared by physician is recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 3
• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises preventing finger stiffness through early active motion, as this complication is extremely difficult to treat after it develops and may require surgical intervention 2
• For suspected carpal tunnel involvement, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends using wrist splints during sleep to avoid excessive wrist flexion and exacerbation of compression 1
• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests avoiding over-immobilization of uninvolved fingers, which leads to unnecessary stiffness, and maintaining active motion of all unaffected digits 2, 4