Hand pain: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your hand turns cool or pale or changes color.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You cannot move your hand.
- Your hand pops, moves out of its normal position, and then returns to its normal position.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the sore area.
- Pus draining from a place on your hand.
- A fever.
- Your hand feels numb or tingly.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your hand feels unstable when you try to use it.
- You do not get better as expected.
- You have any new symptoms, such as swelling.
- Bruises from an injury to your hand last longer than 2 weeks.