Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Are you unable to move your fingers, hand, or wrist normally?
See significance of inability to move normally 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 Are you unable to move an injured finger, hand, or wrist?
Yes After having a brace, cast, or splint applied, are you unable to move your fingers or hand normally (not because the splint is in the way)?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Are you unable to make a complete fist?
Yes Are you unable to straighten all your fingers?
Yes Are you unable to bend or straighten your wrist?
Yes Are you unable to grasp an object?
Yes Is a young child unwilling or unable to use a finger, hand, or wrist, or protecting a hand carefully?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Are you unable to move your hand or wrist normally or do you have decreased strength after 48 hours of home treatment?
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: January 12, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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