Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Non-injury

Home Treatment

Home treatment may be all that is needed for a finger, hand, or wrist problem.

• Remove all rings, bracelets, watches, or any other jewellery from your finger, wrist, or arm as soon as you notice swelling. It will be more difficult to remove the jewellery once swelling increases.
• Use rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) for pain and swelling.
• Treat hands sensitive to cold by avoiding and protecting your hands from the cold.
• Avoid sleeping on your hands, which may decrease blood flow to your fingers.
• Cut down on the salt (sodium) in your diet. Sodium can hide in foods such as cheese, canned soups, and salad dressing.
• Treat blisters on fingers or hands.
• Stop, change, or take a break from your activities.

Medicine you can buy without a prescription

Try a non-prescription medicine to help treat your pain:
Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or Panadol Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil or Motrin ASA (also a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as Aspirin or Bufferin

Safety tips

Be sure to follow these safety tips when you use a non-prescription medicine:

Carefully read and follow all directions on the medicine bottle and box. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Do not take a medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past. If you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before you take it. If you are or could be pregnant, do not take any medicine other than acetaminophen unless your doctor has told you to. Do not give ASA to anyone younger than age 20 unless your doctor tells you to.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.

• Signs of infection develop.
• Numbness, tingling, or cool, pale skin develops.
• Symptoms continue despite home treatment.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.

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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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