22 Oct When to seek urgent care for a hand injury

I’ve hurt my hand and unsure if I need to see a doctor or go to hospital?

If your hand has any of the following symptoms you should seek urgent care from your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department:

• If you have pain that is getting worse or has not improved after you have treated it at home.
• If your hand or fingers are very swollen and bruised, or if you have blood under your nail.
• If you have numbness or tingling or loss of sensation in your hand.
• If you are having difficulty moving your hand or fingers or if your fingers don’t look normal.
• If you have a wound that is deep and continues to bleed or has dirt in it and is feels hot which may mean it is infected.

Hand and arm injuries often occur from a fall, a sporting injury, a workplace incident or a cut from glass or a knife. Although there are many causes, but they will all share common symptoms of pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty with movement.

A hand injury will often need urgent care and delays in seeking medical attention can often lead to poor outcomes.

For some injuries surgery is needed. If left too long, it can be difficult for medical staff to give you the care that is most beneficial in the early stages. Delays with x-rays and trying to get an appointment with your GP can add to the length of time between you getting the care needed and achieving the best outcome for your hand.

If you feel your injury does not need immediate medical care, seeing a hand therapist early can mean that your concerns are addressed and that you have a clear plan for your recovery.

Early hand therapy after acute injury will:

• Minimise swelling, scar formation and promote wound healing so that  structures can begin to move early, preventing stiffness and complications.
• Your hand therapist will work closely with your medical team to create the most appropriate rehabilitation program specific to your injury.

By Sharon Goldby

If you are experiencing finger, hand, wrist or shoulder pain, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to help you.

For more information, call us directly on 03 9458 5166

You might also be interested in:

• What happens if you don’t get treatment for a broken finger?
• Work related hand and wrist injuries
• Recovering From Surgery
• Post surgery scar management