Finger, Hand, And Wrist Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Is your finger, hand, or wrist twisted, bent out of shape, or out of its normal position?

See significance of a finger, hand, or wrist that looks twisted, bent, or out of its normal position if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your finger, hand, or wrist look twisted, bent out of shape, or out of its normal position?

Yes

Do you have a blood-filled blister, scrape, or cut skin at the site of a suspected broken bone or dislocation?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Did your finger, hand, or wrist pop, move, or get pulled out of its normal position, then return to its normal position?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Does your finger continue to look misshapen from an injury that occurred more than 2 weeks ago?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	November 13, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer