Did I Receive Inappropriate Guidance from Urgent Care for My Seriously Strained Fingers? Is There a Better Approach?
Age: 45, Height: 5'3", Weight: 200 lbs Last Thursday night, I had a fall while getting into the shower, and I believe I may have hyperextended my fingers and wrist upon impact. Additionally, I banged my knee and head during the spill. My hand began to swell instantly and was extremely painful! Consequently, I sought treatment at the nearest urgent care facility. They performed an X-ray and confirmed that there were no fractures, then prescribed extra-strength Tylenol. They advised me to keep my hand in motion to prevent stiffness. However, the pain is overwhelming, and my hand remains quite stiff and swollen, even with the medication. After doing some research online, I found numerous sources suggesting that my fingers should have been taped or that a splint should have been provided to limit movement. Could I be aggravating my injury by moving my fingers as instructed? As an art teacher, this is my dominant hand, which is why I'm feeling a high level of anxiety about potentially causing lasting damage to my dexterity. Any guidance you could offer would be greatly valued!
Answers (1)
9/6/2025, 1:20:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a painful and frustrating situation after your fall, and it's completely understandable to be anxious about your hand’s recovery, especially as an art teacher who relies on dexterity. Your concerns about the guidance you've received are valid, and I’m here to offer you focused and supportive advice.
Main Points:
- Inappropriate Movement: Gentle motion is important, but excessive movement can aggravate your injury.
- Immobilization: Using a splint may help reduce pain and swelling.
- Comfort Measures: Pain management and elevation can be beneficial.
Explanation:
After a strain or sprain, especially in the fingers and wrist, the body needs time to recover. Although the urgent care facility confirmed you have no fractures, the swelling and pain indicate that your soft tissues might still be injured. The advice to keep your hand in motion is typically aimed at preventing stiffness, but pushing through severe pain can hinder healing.
It’s possible that immobilizing the affected area with a splint could provide relief by reducing movement and allowing the soft tissues to heal more effectively. In cases of strain, many medical professionals recommend this approach to avoid further aggravation.
Next Steps:
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Consider a Splint: Look for a buddy tape or a soft splint designed for finger injuries. This can help stabilize your fingers and wrist without complete immobilization. You can find these at pharmacies or online.
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Rest & Elevation: Try to rest your hand and keep it elevated whenever possible to help reduce swelling. Use pillows to prop it up while sitting or lying down.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes every hour, as needed, for the first 48 hours. This can help reduce pain and swelling.
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Pain Relief: Continue to take over-the-counter pain relief as directed for your pain. If it remains unmanageable, consider discussing alternative medications or further options for pain relief at your next appointment.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on the swelling and pain levels. If there are any increases in swelling, changes in color, or if the pain worsens significantly, it's important to reach out for further evaluation.
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Consider Follow-up: If your symptoms do not improve over the next several days, a follow-up with a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor or a hand specialist, may provide additional treatment options tailored to your recovery.
Remember, healing takes time, and you’re doing the right thing by seeking additional information. If you have further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. Your well-being is important!
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