If you’ve injured your hand, it’s important to know the signs that indicate a more serious injury. Many people make the mistake of thinking that all hand injuries are minor and can be treated with a little bit of ice and rest. However, this isn’t always the case. In some instances, hand injuries can lead to long-term damage if they’re not treated properly. In this blog post, we will discuss three signs that your hand injury is serious and requires medical attention.
Before we get into the three signs, it’s important to first understand what a serious hand injury is. A serious hand injury is any type of damage to the bones, muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the hand that limits its function or causes pain. This can include fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations. While most hand injuries are not life-threatening, they can still be very painful and debilitating.
One of the most obvious signs that your hand injury is serious is if you’re experiencing severe pain. If over-the-counter pain medication isn’t helping to relieve the pain, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. Additionally, if the pain is so severe that it’s preventing you from using your hand, this is also a sign that the injury is serious.
Another sign that your hand injury is serious is if you’re experiencing numbness or tingling in the affected area. This can be a sign of nerve damage and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Swelling and bruising are also common signs of a serious hand injury. If the swelling doesn’t go down after 24-48 hours, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. Additionally, if the bruise is large and deep, this could be a sign of internal bleeding and requires immediate medical attention.
If you’ve injured your hand and are experiencing any of the above signs, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Hand injuries can often be treated successfully if they’re caught early on. However, if they’re left untreated, they can lead to long-term damage or pain.
In addition to the three signs we discussed above, there are other serious hand injuries that should be evaluated by a medical professional. These include:
If you’ve injured your hand and are unsure if it’s serious, the best course of action is to seek medical attention. A trained medical professional will be able to properly evaluate your injury and provide you with the appropriate treatment.
While most hand injuries are not life-threatening, they can still be very painful and debilitating. If you’re experiencing severe pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or bruising in your hand, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Additionally, if you have any other type of serious hand injury, such as a fracture or laceration, it’s also important to seek medical attention.
With proper treatment, most hand injuries can be successfully treated. However, if they’re left untreated, they can lead to long-term damage or pain. If you have any questions or concerns about your hand injury, please don’t hesitate to contact a medical professional.
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com