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

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have signs of infection in your finger, hand, or wrist?

See significance of signs of infection 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

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have peripheral arterial disease?

Yes

Do you have a disease that causes problems with your immune system?

Yes

Do you have red streaks extending from your hand or wrist?

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

Yes

Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around your hand or wrist?

Yes

Is your finger, hand, or wrist increasingly tender to the touch?

Yes

Do you have any drainage of pus?

Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever?

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

Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than around the affected area for 24 hours or longer?

Yes

Have you had swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck, armpit, or the bend of the elbow for 24 hours or longer?

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