What Can I Do About Swelling In The Hands And Fingers?
Question: My uncle is unsteady walking, and usually uses an electric wheelchair (scooter). He was in the scooter a couple days ago, and was going around the corner (built at a bad angle), and fell off the scooter 2 days ago. He was taken to the ER that morning. He takes Warfarin and Metformin. We noticed while he was in the hospital that a section of his arm was swelling, and we had the Dr look at it, but he didn't seem too concerned. My uncle came home that day. It is now 2 days later, and the arm has continued to swell... now all the way down the hand and into the fingers. His fingers have swelled so much that he can't get his ring off. What can I do to help this?
Brief Answer:
Urgently get examined by an orthopedist or surgeon
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There is a possibility of fracture or compartment syndrome involving upper limb.
Urgent evaluation by an orthopedist or surgeon is required.
Delay may lead to complications like gangrene of the fingers.
Keep the fingers and distal end above the shoulder to decrease swelling while in supine or seating postures.
Continue the medications till evaluation by orthopedist.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Do get back to me for further information.
Regards,
Dr. N. Kumar
Neurologist
Urgently get examined by an orthopedist or surgeon
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There is a possibility of fracture or compartment syndrome involving upper limb.
Urgent evaluation by an orthopedist or surgeon is required.
Delay may lead to complications like gangrene of the fingers.
Keep the fingers and distal end above the shoulder to decrease swelling while in supine or seating postures.
Continue the medications till evaluation by orthopedist.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Do get back to me for further information.
Regards,
Dr. N. Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
They did x-rays of his whole left side (pretty much) while in the ER. He did have a fracture in the upper arm (about an inch long) but still wrapped the arm and put it in a sling, and sent him home.
Brief Answer:
Get examined by an orthopedist
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Better to consult to an orthopedist for proper treatment.
Cast may be required along with medications.
Regards,
Dr. N. Kumar
Neurologist
Get examined by an orthopedist
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Better to consult to an orthopedist for proper treatment.
Cast may be required along with medications.
Regards,
Dr. N. Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana