Swollen hand after a fall: what to do

Impact can bruise soft tissue or sprain a ligament, but swelling and pain can also accompany a fracture. Pain near the wrist after landing on an outstretched hand may occur with a distal radius fracture. A crooked finger, a knuckle that looks different, or pain in one sharply tender spot deserves assessment. Swelling that appears with warmth and redness but no obvious injury can have another cause. Compare colour, sensation, and movement with the other hand without repeatedly testing painful motion.

Remove rings and watches, then rest the hand. Raise it above heart level when sitting or lying down. A cold pack wrapped in cloth can be used for short periods during the early phase; protect the skin and do not sleep with it in place. Avoid massage, heat, heavy use, and forceful stretching until a fracture or significant sprain has been excluded. If pain is mild and movement is comfortable, small finger movements may reduce stiffness. A clinician can decide whether an X-ray, support, or follow-up is needed.

Seek urgent assessment for deformity, an open wound over a painful area, uncontrolled bleeding, severe or worsening pain, or inability to move the fingers. Numbness, pins and needles, pale or blue skin, or a cold hand can indicate a circulation or nerve problem. Get prompt care when swelling continues to increase or when wrist pain makes ordinary use difficult. Call emergency services for collapse, breathing difficulty, or swelling of the mouth or throat after a sting.

Could this be a fracture or tendon injury? Should I have imaging? How should I support the hand? Which activities and movements should I avoid while it heals?