According to the NIH, it’s estimated that there are roughly 2.6 million hand injuries reported to hospitals each year. Unfortunately, all too often people don’t go to the hospital for their hand injury.
This is common if they think it’s due to a sprain or something minor. However, there are many scenarios where a hand injury can be more serious than you think. So what are some signs you should look out for?
And how do you see help? In this hand injury recovery guide, we’ll answer these questions so you can get the help you need.
Pain, Swelling, and Bruising
Mild pain and swelling are normal after an injury, but if hand symptoms persist or worsen, it may be a sign of something more serious. Severe pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication could indicate a:
- Fracture
- Ligament damage
- Nerve involvement
Similarly, excessive swelling or deep bruising that spreads beyond the injury site may suggest internal bleeding or tissue damage. In some cases, it might be related to a condition unrelated to the injury, like osteoarthritis.
Limited Movement and Weakness
If you’re struggling to move your fingers, wrist, or entire hand, it’s time to take your injury seriously. Stiffness or an inability to grip objects can signal tendon damage, a dislocated joint, or a more severe sprain. Hand weakness that doesn’t improve may also indicate nerve damage, which requires prompt treatment to prevent long-term loss of function.
Numbness, Tingling, or Visible Deformities
A tingling sensation, numbness, or a complete loss of feeling in your hand could mean nerve compression or severe swelling. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, as untreated nerve damage can lead to permanent loss of sensation or function.
Additionally, if your fingers or joints look misaligned, bent abnormally, or if you have an open wound exposing bone or tendon, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Signs of Infection
If your injury site becomes warm, red, or starts oozing pus, it may be infected. Infections can spread quickly, causing more significant health issues if untreated. A fever combined with these symptoms is a sign that the infection is worsening and requires urgent medical care.
When and Where to Seek Help
If any of these symptoms persist, don’t wait for them to go away on their own. Seeking prompt medical attention can prevent further damage and speed up your recovery while learning more about hand injury prevention.
Certain types of hand injuries may require a visit to an urgent care center, orthopedic hand specialist, or hand therapist for treatment.
Get Expert Hand Injury Care at OrthoCare360
A hand injury can impact your ability to work, play, and handle daily tasks. At OrthoCare360, we specialize in advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to get you back to full strength as quickly as possible.
Our team of experts uses cutting-edge techniques to ensure you receive the best possible care. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain or limited hand function, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with OrthoCare360 today and take the first step toward recovery.
