Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have signs of infection in your finger, hand, or wrist?
See significance of signs of infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have diabetes?
Yes Do you have peripheral arterial disease?
Yes Do you have a disease that causes problems with your immune system?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the injured area?
Yes Is your finger, hand, or wrist increasingly tender to the touch?
Yes Do you have red streaks extending from the injured area?
Yes Do you have any drainage of pus?
Yes Do you know or think you have a fever?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than 2.5 cm (1 in.) around the area for 24 hours or longer?
Yes Have you had a swollen gland (lymph node) in the neck, armpit, or the bend of the elbow for 24 hours or longer?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | Last Updated: February 14, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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