PO Box 837
301 Linville Street
Glen Alpine, NC  28628
Phone (828) 584-2481
Fax (828) 584-8371
 
 
 
 
 

Our Providers
Meet the Staff

Hours of Operation

Insurance

Contact Us
Patient Forms

Patient Education

 

 
 

 
Choose a different Symtom

Compliments of American Academy Of  Family Physicians

Hand/Wrist/Arm Problems

Printer-friendly version
   
A number of common injuries, aches and pain in the hands, wrists and arms occur with sporting activities or work. Follow this flowchart for instructions on self-care and when to see your doctor.


 

SYMPTOMS   DIAGNOSIS   SELF-CARE
Begin here        
1. Did you fall on, hit or twist your arm, hand or wrist? No --> Go to Question 4.*    
Yes, go down        
2. Is there a deformity? Yes --> You probably have a FRACTURE of a bone. --> URGENT
See your doctor as soon as possible. Wrap the affected limb in cool, moist cloths and hold the arm still. A sling may help reduce the pain. Use a simple analgesic.
No, go down        
3. Does the pain come with motion? Yes --> If there is no fracture, the limb may be SPRAINED. --> Apply ice and immobilize the arm/wrist. Check with your doctor if there's bruising or the pain is moderate to severe.
*4. Did the pain come from a repeated motion, or is it made worse by a job or sport? Yes --> You may have TENDINITIS. --> Use an anti-inflammatory medicine, rest and heat. If there's no improvement in a week, see your doctor.
No, go down        
5. Do you have numbness in your fingers, or pain in your hand, wrist or arm, especially when you flex your wrist? Yes --> You may have a compression of the median nerve called CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME. --> Use a wrist splint and an anti-inflammatory medicine. If there's no improvement in one week, see your doctor.
No, go down        
6. Do you have pain when gripping a handle? Yes --> Your symptoms may be from TENNIS ELBOW. --> Rest the arm and use an anti-inflammatory medicine. See your doctor if there's no improvement.
No, go down        
7. Do you have a firm lump or swelling on the back of the wrist? Yes --> This may be a GANGLION CYST, a common tendon cyst. --> See your doctor for confirmation of the diagnosis or when it becomes uncomfortable.
No, go down        
8. Do you have redness, swelling or pain in the skin, or a red streak up the arm? Yes --> These are all signs of INFECTION in the hand, wrist or arm. --> URGENT
See your doctor promptly. Use antibiotic ointment on cuts, and apply heat to areas of early infection before they spread.
No, go down        
9. Are one or more joints swollen and tender? Yes --> RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS can cause rednes and swelling in multiple joints. GOUT usually occurs in just one joint, and INFECTION of the joint or bone can occur in any area. --> See your doctor promptly. You may want to try an anti-inflammatory medicine.
No, go down        
For more information, please consult your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call right away.  

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Family Physicians
 

 
 
 

Designed By:  Watts Computer Specialist