Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Noninjury

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 jewelry from your finger, wrist, or arm as soon as you notice swelling. It will be more difficult to remove the jewelry 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.
• Treat blisters on fingers or hands.
• Stop, change, or take a break from your activities.

Medicine you can buy without a prescription

Try a nonprescription medicine to help treat your pain:

Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol 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 Talk to your child’s doctor before switching back and forth between doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. When you switch between two medicines, there is a chance your child will get too much medicine.

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.

• Pain or swelling develops.
• 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:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 13, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
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