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What Causes Sharp Pain In Hand After An Accident?
Question: I had a nasty fall in which I fell on asphalt hit my left forehead, eye, facial bones and left hand on November25 th 2015. I was taken by ambulance to the ER. CT's and hand X-Rays were all negative. I couldn't understand then why I had so much pain in my hand, specifically among the inferior side (little finger and wrist area). I couldn't use my hand at all or touch anything foe a couple of days. When in the ER, they put a wrist brace on that covered the area of pain and by immobilizing the area, the pain was decreased significantly. I have tried to wean myself from the brace the last couple days, and most of the time it feels fine, but if I start using my hand without favoring it, twisting, squeezing, I get sharp pain. I know this sounds like maybe a muscle or tendon injury, my question is if that is probably the case, am I at risk of reinjuring my hand and should I continue to wear the brace full time again? How long would an injury of this type take to heal? I have not seen a doctor since being in the ER.
Brief Answer:
It takes up to six weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
You are right about the probable nature of the damage, it is most likely tendons or muscles strained.
Best thing to do in such case is putting the extremity on rest ( in your case the hand ), usual time needed to improve symptoms is approximately 6 weeks.
In case of symptoms persisting more than six weeks, further examination by an Orthopedic surgeon and probably MRI of the hand is needed to assess the damage degree and to evaluate further treatment options.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
It takes up to six weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
You are right about the probable nature of the damage, it is most likely tendons or muscles strained.
Best thing to do in such case is putting the extremity on rest ( in your case the hand ), usual time needed to improve symptoms is approximately 6 weeks.
In case of symptoms persisting more than six weeks, further examination by an Orthopedic surgeon and probably MRI of the hand is needed to assess the damage degree and to evaluate further treatment options.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
So do you recommend continuing to wear the wrist brace full time for a little longer?
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
That's the idea, there is need for full immobilization for a couple of weeks.
You can use low doses of OTC painkillers such Ibuprofen 3x400 mg daily for one week, if any pain after immobilization.
If the pain persists after a couple of weeks, medical evaluation is needed.
Hope I helped you.
Wishing you good health.
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
That's the idea, there is need for full immobilization for a couple of weeks.
You can use low doses of OTC painkillers such Ibuprofen 3x400 mg daily for one week, if any pain after immobilization.
If the pain persists after a couple of weeks, medical evaluation is needed.
Hope I helped you.
Wishing you good health.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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