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How Long Does Swelling After Hand Injury Last?
Question: Hi i hit my hand on a door 2 days ago, i had a slight bruise which is gone, but there is swelling, I do have full movement, just concerned about swelling, if bruised, how long should swelling last?? Should i go and get it checked??
Brief Answer:
the picture is not very helpful...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
a fracture or a tendon injury should be a good reason to visit a doctor to check your hand. Since you've mentioned full movement it's unlikely that you have either, although it can't be 100% excluded. Just make sure that all moves are possible and there's no sensory disorder (like feeling numb or tingling).
The picture you've uploaded doesn't help a lot to determine the extent of swelling. If your hand is very swollen then I would suggest visiting a doctor to search for a fracture. Otherwise you should just let some days pass. It should be much better a week later, if it's just a bruise. Big bruises may last for longer, but it should be improving.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
the picture is not very helpful...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
a fracture or a tendon injury should be a good reason to visit a doctor to check your hand. Since you've mentioned full movement it's unlikely that you have either, although it can't be 100% excluded. Just make sure that all moves are possible and there's no sensory disorder (like feeling numb or tingling).
The picture you've uploaded doesn't help a lot to determine the extent of swelling. If your hand is very swollen then I would suggest visiting a doctor to search for a fracture. Otherwise you should just let some days pass. It should be much better a week later, if it's just a bruise. Big bruises may last for longer, but it should be improving.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
for minor symptoms only, there is no need to see a doctor
Detailed Answer:
At first I got the feeling that you had significant pain and I as I've said I can't evaluate the swelling by looking at the picture. If the symptoms are only minor and it's getting better, and your hand functions are perfectly intact then there is no need to see a doctor. It will get better with time. Just keep in mind for any future injury that ice and elevation help a lot during the first 48 hours. They can reduce the amount of swelling and thus the recovery time.
The need for a doctor arises when more serious problems occur like a fracture (which normally causes loss or decreased motion, serious pain and swelling, sometimes deformity also), tendon injuries (with loss of motion, pain and swelling, perhaps also bruising), injury to the nerves (loss of motor function, loss or impairment of sensory function). Your description does not sound at all like these problems, so I don't foresee any need for doctor visit.
Kind Regards!
for minor symptoms only, there is no need to see a doctor
Detailed Answer:
At first I got the feeling that you had significant pain and I as I've said I can't evaluate the swelling by looking at the picture. If the symptoms are only minor and it's getting better, and your hand functions are perfectly intact then there is no need to see a doctor. It will get better with time. Just keep in mind for any future injury that ice and elevation help a lot during the first 48 hours. They can reduce the amount of swelling and thus the recovery time.
The need for a doctor arises when more serious problems occur like a fracture (which normally causes loss or decreased motion, serious pain and swelling, sometimes deformity also), tendon injuries (with loss of motion, pain and swelling, perhaps also bruising), injury to the nerves (loss of motor function, loss or impairment of sensory function). Your description does not sound at all like these problems, so I don't foresee any need for doctor visit.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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