Thank you for your query. Sorry that you are going through this Dawna. Hands are made up tiny bones, muscles, ligament and tendons all wrapped in a small compartment with its own blood and nerve supply. Moderate to severe injury in this area can lead to fractures or sprains and cause inflammation and swelling that collect in this compartment. When the compartment has reached its capacity it will start putting pressure on the compressible structures, such as the blood vessels and the nerves. (Compartment Syndrome) This can cause severe pain and is a serious complication that warrants a visit to the ER ASAP.( to relieve the pressure in order to save the arm) A fracture needs to be stabilized before it causes more harm and destabilizes. Put your forearm in a sling or keep the forearm and hand elevated above the level of heart to reduce swelling. If your hand is still pink and warm, apply ice packs wrapped in a thin cloth over the area for a maximum of 20 minutes (on and off intermittently within this period). Please visit the ER right away. Hope this helps and you feel better soon. Wish you good health. Please get back to us if you have further questions