Frequently Asked Questions

- Hand Center of Western Massachusetts -  

Q: What is the best treatment immediately after any injury? 

A: Rest the injured part.  Ice for 20 minutes every hour for the first 24 to 48 hours.  Apply compression over the injury - an elastic bandage wrapped with mild tension works well. Elevate the injured part higher than your heart. 

Q: What are some of the things I should look for after an injury to determine if I should seek immediate help by a physician? 

A: Immediate treatment should be sought for an open wound, severe pain, lack of motion, deformity, severe swelling, or numbness at the injured site.
 

Q: After my cast is removed, should I experience swelling or stiffness? 

A: Swelling is common and often decreases with elevation. Stiffness is also common and should slowly improve with the movement and use prescribed by your physician. If either is associated with increased pain, call your physician.
 

Q: After surgery, what should I look for if I think my incision may be infected? 

A: An increase in drainage, redness including red streaks, odor, increased warmth over the incision, swelling, and fever may indicate infection.

Q. Are Hand and Upper Limb Fractures Common?

A. Fractures of the upper limb represent a majority of fractures that are care for in Emergency Rooms and Departments.

Q. What should I do If I've been seen in a local emergency room for a hand, wrist, forearm or upper extremity fracture or injury?

A. It is important to follow the ER or ED instructions for post injury care. In addition you should arrange for appropriate follow up care with a qualified physician.

Here are 6 important TIPS for delayed and urgent care of HAND AND WRIST FRACTURES that have been seen in a local ER ...in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut

1.Contact your PCP. They can provide interim care or redirect you.

2. Call us. We like to accommodate potential patients. Unfortunately we cant always accommodate everyone who calls.

3. Call the ER back. Often they can advise you over the phone if you've been seen recently

4. Return to the ER where you were seen. Most ER's will be glad to see you again

5. Call on your own. There is nothing wrong with seeking care on your own

6. Don't panic. Many hand and wrist injuries once stabilized in a local ER can be seen safely and effectively at a later date.

Most Hospital Emergency Departments or ER’s will have given you a follow-up for a physician that they regularly work with, THERE ARE SOME TIMES THAT THEY DON'T HAVE A HAND SURGEON ON CALL OR ON STAFF. IN THOSE CASES YOU SHOULD SEEK OUT A HAND SURGERY GROUP IN THE AREA. WHILE THERE MAY NOT BE AN IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENT AVAILABLE RECORDS FROM YOUR ER VISIT CAN BE OBTAINED AND IN MANY CASES AN APPOINTMENT CAN BE GIVEN WITHIN THE PROPER TIME FRAME. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT WHILE THE ER MAY STRESS BEING SEEN IMMEDIATELY THAT MANY HAND AND WRIST CONDITIONS CAN BE TAKEN CARE OF URGENTLY BUT NOT EMERGENTLY ONCE PROPER ER EMERGENT CARE HAS BEEN GIVEN. However there are conditions that may warrant being seen right away and at times you may be advised to go back to the original ER if you cant be seen in an adequate time frame. Every situation is different. and this information is not to be construed as ultimate medical advice. for the purpose of treatment.