Is There Swelling in My Left Hand?
(Age: 24, Weight: 200 lbs, Non-smoker) Regarding my hands: I recently moved some very heavy furniture using my left hand about two weeks ago. Surprisingly, I didn't experience any discomfort during or right after the task. However, the next morning, the palm side of my forearm felt excessively fatigued. I wore a brace for the first week, but it caused tingling in my thumb and index finger. When undertaking daily tasks, the pain is rated between 1 to 2 out of 10. I also find it challenging to make a fist; it feels akin to squeezing a soft ball. For reference, I have included a picture of my right hand for comparison. Should I seek immediate medical attention?
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 10:50:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing some discomfort and potential swelling in your left hand after heavy lifting, coupled with some tingling sensations. These could indicate a mild soft tissue injury or even a nerve-related issue.
Explanation
Heavy lifting, especially if it involves awkward movements or gripping, can lead to muscle fatigue and strain. The tingling in your thumb and index finger may be related to pressure on a nerve, potentially exacerbated by wearing a brace that could restrict blood flow or nerve function.
Next Steps
-
Rest and Ice: Ensure you take breaks from using your left hand and apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, to help reduce any swelling.
-
Gentle Stretching: Begin gentle stretching exercises to maintain mobility in your hand, but avoid any movements that cause pain. Simple wrist and finger stretches can be beneficial.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If you notice an increase in pain, swelling, or changes in sensation, it might indicate that further assessment is needed.
-
Adjust Brace Use: If you're using a brace, consider reducing the amount of time you wear it, especially if it causes tingling. Ensure it fits properly and isn’t too tight.
-
Gradual Activity Resumption: Slowly reintroduce activities as the symptoms allow, ensuring not to overexert your hand too quickly.
While your symptoms currently seem manageable, if you experience significant worsening such as severe pain, swelling, or loss of function, that would warrant a deeper evaluation. Please be mindful of how your hand feels and adjust your activities accordingly.
Related Questions
Persistent Mosquito Bite Issues
Age 29, female, no current medications. Approximately 3-4 weeks ago, I was bitten by mosquitoes on four separate occasions, and I’m concerned that the bites have not yet healed. The most troubling one is located on my hand, where there's been little to no improvement. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or advice on how to address this situation. Thus far, I've been applying antiseptic cream in hopes of promoting healing.
Am I able to enjoy rollercoasters?
Hi there! 😊 I have a quick inquiry about riding rollercoasters. I’m a 22-year-old woman dealing with hip dysplasia and retropatellar osteoarthritis, which makes walking rather challenging most days. My boyfriend is eager to visit a rollercoaster amusement park, but I’m uncertain if I should attempt any rides. Are there specific attractions I should steer clear of, or would it be best if I just sat this one out altogether? I appreciate any guidance, thank you!
Is This a Melanoma or a Nail Hematoma?
A 33-year-old man has recently observed a change on his toenail that he cannot clearly remember causing. There was no associated pain, leading him to speculate that it might stem from an incident where he thought he was addressing an issue on the upper part of the nail but may have been mistaken. He has a history of problems related to ingrown toenails and seborrheic dermatitis.
Seeking Insights on a Persistent Red Lump on My Forearm
At 22 years of age, I've been observing a hard red lump on my forearm for the past two weeks. Its size fluctuates; there are days when it appears smaller and others when it seems larger, but overall, it hasn't shown much change. Initially, I speculated it might be a pimple, yet it has not healed or disappeared. Any insights or advice on this condition would be greatly appreciated.
What Could Cause a Beer-Like Odor On My Skin?
Age: 16 | Height: 170 cm | Weight: 55 kg I’ve noticed that every area of my body that sweats emits a scent reminiscent of beer. Whether it’s my armpits, the creases behind my knees, or my groin, the odor is the same. Although my personal hygiene isn’t perfect, I do make an effort to stay clean and fresh. Could this signify some kind of infection? I don’t experience any irritation, pain, or itching at the moment. In the past, especially during the summer months, I’ve occasionally dealt with some itchiness and noticeable red stripes under my arms. However, I found relief using a cream, and I haven't encountered the same issue lately. On a different note, I've been experiencing an unusual discomfort in my anal area. This strange sensation tends to arise intermittently while I’m either seated or moving, which makes it slightly difficult to walk. Could this be indicative of hemorrhoids? I plan to have it evaluated, but I’m uncertain about the severity of the situation.