Finger, Hand, And Wrist Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have pain or tenderness in your finger, hand, or wrist?

See significance of pain or tenderness 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 the following question.

Yes

Do you have severe pain?

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

Yes

Do you have pain with swelling or bruising that began within 30 minutes of an injury?

Yes

Is a young child protecting an injured hand or wrist carefully or unwilling or unable to use it?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have moderate pain that is getting worse or has not gotten better after 24 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Does normal use of your finger, hand, or wrist cause pain after 24 hours of home treatment?

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

Yes

Do you have mild pain that has not gotten better after 1 week of home treatment?

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