Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries

Home Treatment

First aid for a suspected broken bone

• If a bone is sticking out of the skin, do not try to push it back into the skin. Cover the area with a clean bandage.
• Control bleeding.
• Remove all bracelets or rings. It may be difficult to remove the jewelry once swelling occurs, which in turn can cause other serious problems, such as nerve compression or restricted blood flow. See an illustration of removing a ring that is stuck.
• Free a trapped finger or hand from an object, such as a pipe, toy, or jar.
• Splint the injured area without trying to straighten the injured limb. Loosen the wrap around the splint if signs develop that indicate the wrap is too tight, such as numbness, tingling, increased pain, swelling, or cool skin below the wrap. A problem called compartment syndrome can develop.

Home treatment for a sore or sprained finger

• Use rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) for pain and swelling.
• A sore or sprained finger can be "buddy-taped" to the uninjured finger next to it. Protect the skin by putting some soft padding, such as felt or foam, between the fingers before you tape them together. The injured finger may need to be buddy-taped for 2 to 4 weeks to heal. Caution: Never splint a finger in a completely straight position, such as on a Popsicle stick. For proper healing, the finger should be slightly bent and in a relaxed position. Do not buddy-tape if:
  • You think your finger is broken.
  • Your finger does not move normally (is unstable).
  • You have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease.
• Stop, change, or take a break from activities that cause your symptoms.

Home treatment for a minor hand or wrist injury

Home treatment may help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.

• Remove all rings, bracelets, or any other jewelry that goes around a finger or wrist. It will be more difficult to remove the jewelry later if swelling increases.
• Use rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) for pain and swelling.
• Do not use your injured hand or wrist for the first 24 hours after an injury, if possible. An elastic bandage, such as an Ace wrap, can help decrease swelling. The wrap will also remind you to rest the injured hand or wrist. A wrist splint can help support an injured wrist. Talk to your health professional if you think you need to use a splint or bandage for more than 2 or 3 days.
• Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the injured area if it causes pain.
• For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
• After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between heat and cold treatments.
• Treat blisters.

Cast and splint care

If a cast or splint is applied, it is important to keep it dry and to try to move your extremity as normally as possible to help maintain muscle strength and tone. Your health professional will give you instructions on how to care for your cast or splint.

Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.

Medicine you can buy without a prescription

Try a nonprescription medicine to help treat your pain:
Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or Panadol Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin Naproxen, such as Aleve or Naprosyn Aspirin (also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as Bayer or Bufferin

Safety tips

Be sure to follow these safety tips when you use a nonprescription 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 aspirin 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 do not improve with home treatment.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.

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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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