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How can you care for hand bruises?
- Put ice or a cold pack on the hand for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- Prop up your hand on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep your hand above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Be sure to follow your doctor's advice about moving and exercising your injured hand.
Hand bruises: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your pain gets worse.
- You have new or worse swelling.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in the area near the bruise.
- The area near the bruise is cold or pale.
- You have symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.