Finger, Hand, And Wrist Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Did you have or do you now have weakness or decreased movement or strength in a finger, hand, or wrist?

See significance of weakness or decreased movement or strength 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

Have you had sudden weakness of a finger, hand, or wrist with any loss of function, but your symptoms are gone now?

Yes

Are you unable to move your finger, hand, or wrist at all, but you do not have any other symptoms?

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

Yes

Is it hard for you to make a fist?

Yes

Is it hard for you to straighten all your fingers?

Yes

Is it hard for you to bend or straighten your wrist?

Yes

Is it hard for you to grasp an object?

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

Are you unable to move your hand or wrist normally or do you have decreased strength after 48 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Have your ongoing problems moving your fingers, hand, or wrist gotten worse in the past 48 hours?

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

Yes

Have you had ongoing (but not worsening) trouble moving a finger, hand, or wrist?

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