After a car crash, a small hand injury can cause big problems
Insight from a hand surgeon and a hand therapist
When your hand hurts, simple jobs get hard. Opening a bottle, doing up a button or gripping the steering wheel may be a struggle. Losing that ability counts, even if the swelling doesn’t look like much. A hand surgeon checks the bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves and blood flow. Once the injury is stable, a hand therapist helps you get back movement and the everyday tasks you rely on. [1, 2, 3]
A sore wrist may hide more than a sprain
Ask which parts of the hand and wrist were examined and whether you needed imaging. A sprained wrist can happen along with a broken wrist bone. Maybe the pain stays in one spot, or the hand isn’t working any better. If so, ask when the wrist should be checked again. Follow your splint instructions until your doctor approves a change. One visit may not answer every question. [1]
Tell the doctor what your hand can’t do. Can you bend a finger and then straighten it? Can you grip a cup, feel a fingertip or stand a gentle touch? Say whether symptoms began right away or after the swelling grew. A finger that looks out of shape, won’t straighten or has new numbness needs a prompt exam. Do not force a joint back into place. [2]
Watch blood flow and feeling in your fingers
Get urgent advice if pain or swelling builds quickly, numbness is new or your fingers turn cold or change color. Do the same if a splint feels too tight. A severe open wound or bleeding that won’t stop needs emergency care. If swelling is starting, take off rings early while they still slide off easily. If a ring is stuck on an injured finger, ask for help instead of cutting it off yourself. [1, 2]
Guard the healing hand while keeping it working
Ask which fingers and joints you can move and which need to stay protected. Too little motion can leave the hand stiff. Too much can damage tissue that is still healing. The right balance depends on your diagnosis. If your doctor suggests therapy, bring along one everyday task you want to do again. Your therapist can shape the exercises around that task. [1, 3]
Line up help for jobs that take two hands, like opening medicine containers or making meals. Ask how to bathe and dress safely while you wear a splint. Don’t count on the injured hand for driving until a doctor has checked your grip and reaction time. [1, 3]
At your next visit, ask:
- Which part of my hand is injured, and what is still unclear?
- Which movements are OK for me right now?
- When should a hand specialist or therapist check me again?
Show your doctor where it hurts
Sources and further reading
- 1MedlinePlus wrist sprain aftercare
- 2MedlinePlus finger pain and injury
- 3American Society for Surgery of the Hand hand therapy
This overview reflects hand surgery and hand therapy and is meant for general learning. After an injury, a clinician needs to examine serious hand pain, a misshapen hand or finger, lost movement or numbness.
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