Is My Hand Just in Need of Some Rest?
I’m a 26-year-old woman and two days ago, I had an unfortunate fall when a friend playfully pushed me, causing me to land on my arm. Since then, I’ve noticed that my hand has become progressively more swollen. Would using a compression bandage provide some relief, or do I need to seek medical attention? Although the pain seems to have lessened somewhat, I’m now struggling to clench my fingers into a fist or lift any objects.
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 10:20:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing swelling and reduced function in your hand after your fall, which can be concerning. While rest and compression can help in managing minor injuries, there are some indications that further assessment may be necessary.
Explanation:
Swelling and difficulty with movement after an injury can indicate a few possibilities, including a sprain, strain, or even a fracture in the bones of your hand or wrist. The fact that you’re having trouble clenching your fingers and lifting objects suggests that your hand may need more than just rest. It's great that the pain is lessening, but the swelling and functional limitations are signs that you should proceed with caution.
Next Steps:
-
Apply R.I.C.E Method:
- Rest: Avoid using your hand as much as possible.
- Ice: Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours to help reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Using a compression bandage can provide support and help limit swelling, but ensure it’s not too tight as that can cut off circulation.
- Elevation: Keep your hand elevated above heart level when resting to further help control swelling.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep track of any additional pain, increasing swelling, or changes in movement over the next few days. Note any changes in color or temperature, which can indicate complications.
-
Seek Medical Attention if:
- The swelling worsens significantly.
- Your pain increases or remains severe.
- You lose function in your fingers or have persistent numbness.
- You notice bruising or deformities in your hand.
Remember, while self-care is important, it's crucial to listen to your body. If symptoms worsen or do not improve in a few days, consider professional evaluation to rule out any serious injuries. Please take care and keep track of how you’re feeling!
Related Questions
Worries About Laboratory Results
Hello all. I'm a 32-year-old male weighing approximately 210 pounds and standing at 5 feet 11 inches with a muscular physique. Lately, I've been experiencing severe constipation. On the same day I performed a colon cleanse, I also underwent some blood tests. The results were mostly normal, but my AST level was reported at 38, and my Ferritin level was at 391. In addition to the constipation issues, I’ve been dealing with migraines, nausea, and a lightheaded sensation. Does anyone have insights on what might be causing this or what I should do next?
Inquiry About Childhood Chiropractic Experience
Hello Reddit! I’m reaching out to share something that occurred during my early teenage years, specifically when I was approximately 12 to 14 years old. I’m currently 25. (Female) To give you a brief overview, there was an incident when I was leaning down at my locker, and all of a sudden, my neck locked to one side. I was completely unable to move it back into its normal position, which caused me significant discomfort. My father decided it would be best to take me to a chiropractor, and while that did help somewhat, the pain was still quite severe. Additionally, I noticed a peculiar smell lingering for about a week post-visit. This episode repeated itself a few months later, with the same painful experience and that odd smell following the chiropractic adjustment. Since those occurrences, I've only encountered similar issues twice. On those occasions, instead of seeing a chiropractor, I opted for hospital treatment, where I received muscle relaxants that didn’t leave me with the strange odor or intense pain. However, I’ve been dealing with ongoing soreness in my right shoulder, and it seems to easily get strained. My head also tends to lean to one side quite noticeably. I’m curious to know what might have caused the neck stiffening, the severe pain, and that unusual smell following my chiropractic visits as a child. Could choosing chiropractic care over medical attention have led to any long-term repercussions?
Are Comprehensive Physical Examinations on the Decline?
Recently, I visited my primary care physician for my annual check-up. Upon arrival, the doctor briefly inquired about my health and conducted a quick assessment by listening to my heart and breathing. To my surprise, he concluded with a simple, "Everything looks good, see you next year!" What happened to the thorough physical examinations that once included a complete assessment, like the traditional checks of reflexes and other vital signs? This experience left me questioning the purpose of my primary care doctor. At 37 years of age, standing at 6 feet tall and residing in the United States, I find myself wondering if such brief consultations are becoming the norm. Why do we even maintain relationships with primary care physicians if such abbreviated visits are standard?
Should I Get a Second Opinion About This Lump?
**Breast Ultrasound Report:** **Findings for the Right Breast:** The breast consists of typical fibro-fatty glandular tissue. A distinct hypoechoic mass has been identified at the 7 o’clock position, measuring 1.6 cm by 0.5 cm. This lesion does not show any signs of disrupting nearby structures or causing ductal dilation. Additionally, a color Doppler assessment reveals no notable blood flow within this area. There are no indications of calcifications or distortions within the architecture of the breast. The skin appears normal without signs of thickening or nipple inversion, and there is no duct dilation present. Several lymph nodes within the axillary region appear normal, with the largest measuring 1.7 cm by 0.6 cm. **Findings for the Left Breast:** The glandular tissue in the left breast is also normal. There are no abnormal masses, calcifications, or architectural irregularities detected. Similar to the right breast, there is no skin thickening or inversion of the nipple, nor any duct dilation. A few axillary lymph nodes are evident, with one measuring 1.6 cm by 0.5 cm, all appearing benign. **Conclusion:** The findings in the right breast point towards benign characteristics, likely indicating a fibroadenoma (BIRADS-II classification). The left breast shows a normal scan, while benign-appearing lymph nodes are noted bilaterally in the axillary regions. It is recommended to correlate clinically and consider follow-up sonography for more comprehensive evaluation.
An Extended Nosebleed Incident
I experienced a nosebleed that lasted approximately half an hour and was considering a trip to the emergency room. Fortunately, it ceased just prior to my decision, and I have not encountered any further bleeding in the last twenty minutes. I am a 36-year-old female with a medical history that includes asthma, Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and Hashimoto's disease. Currently, I am on a regimen that includes an estradiol patch, progesterone, Armour thyroid, and ProAir. Given that the bleeding has stopped completely, I wonder what actions medical professionals might have taken if I had sought their help. Additionally, I’m unsure how to upload any images related to this incident.