HAND AND WRIST INJURY

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR HAND AND WRIST INJURY

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

• Major bleeding (actively bleeding or spurting) that can't be stopped
• Limb has been partially or completely amputated
• First Aid: Apply direct pressure to the entire wound with a clean cloth.

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• You think you have a serious injury

• Injury looks like a dislocated joint (crooked or deformed)
• Severe pain
• High pressure injection injury (e.g. from paint gun, usually work-related)
• You are over age 54, have osteoporosis, or use steroid medications routinely

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

• You think you need to be seen
• Can't use injured hand normally (e.g. make a fist, open fully, hold a glass of water)
• Very large bruise follows a minor injury (wider than 2 inches)
• Several bruises occur without any known injury

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns
• Injury interferes with work or school
• Injury and pain have not improved after 3 days
• Injury is still painful and swollen after 2 weeks

Self Care at Home If

• Minor bruise
• Minor strained (pulled) muscle or sprained (stretched) ligament

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

See Other Topics:

• Animal Bite
• Burns
• Finger Injury
• Puncture Wound
• Skin Injury (Cuts, Scrapes, Bruises)

View Anatomic Index of Topics