If you have broken a bone or injured your hand, an ER doctor may have put on a splint until your regular physician can see you. However, it is essential to know how to care for your hand injury in the meantime, so we have come up with a list of steps and recommendations to consider before your appointment.
- Elevate the injured arm above your heart by propping it up with pillows or other support.
- Apply ice using a plastic bag or ice pack to the outside of your cast, splint, or dressing for the first 24-48 hours. This will reduce the swelling.
- Rest and avoid activities that cause pain or additional swelling. Rest and elevation will reduce pain and speed your healing.
- Keep the splinted area clean and dry.
- Use aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Motrin), as your emergency or regular physician recommends.
If you experience any of the following symptoms before your appointment, call your doctor immediately.
- Numbness or circulation problems
- Excessive swelling
- Excessive pain
Even if you aren’t experiencing pain or discomfort, it is vital to keep your appointment with your physician. We want to make sure that your hand injury is healing as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
We see a lot of patients with hand injuries, so be sure to book an appointment as soon as you can. Call 970-419-7050 or fill out our online appointment request form to schedule your consultation with the Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies today.