What Should I Do If I Fall and Swell My Hand Joint?

In daily life, if we are not careful, we may fall and injure our hand joints, leading to symptoms of swelling and pain. When this happens, it is important to take emergency measures and seek medical attention promptly. Imaging exams should be performed to check for fractures or other bone injuries. During treatment and recovery, it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet and get sufficient rest. Let's briefly discuss what to do if you sustain a fall and injure your hand joints, resulting in swelling.

1. What to do if your hand joints are swollen after a fall:

First, immobilize the affected area to prevent further damage by avoiding movement of surrounding tissues. This can be achieved by using a small splint to maintain stability and reduce swelling and pain.

Second, undergo imaging exams to rule out fractures or other bone injuries. If a fracture is detected, conservative or surgical treatment should be chosen based on the severity and type of the fracture to prevent functional impairment.

Third, apply local therapy. In the early stages, ice packs can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling. In the recovery phase, heat therapy, physiotherapy, and infrared lamp irradiation can be used to improve blood circulation.

Fourth, medication can be prescribed. Topical analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used for fumigation and washing. Oral medications such as Yunnan Baiyao and Shujin Huoxue Pian can be prescribed for significant swelling and pain. Gradually, the swelling will subside.

2. Joint Sprains: Cold Compress or Hot Compress?

Cold compresses work by placing a wet cold towel or ice pack on the injured area to lower the local temperature, constrict surrounding blood vessels, reduce blood flow, and decrease vascular permeability. This helps minimize further bleeding and fluid leakage, relieving hemorrhage and swelling.

Additionally, cold compresses can somewhat relieve muscle spasms, prevent secondary tissue damage, temporarily slow down local nerve transmission, and provide analgesia. Therefore, within 24 hours of a joint sprain, cold compresses are recommended to effectively alleviate local redness, swelling, heat, and pain.