Medical Treatment

Because of the complexity of the hand, treatment of hand injuries can become involved. The procedure is usually as follows:

• The doctor will usually obtain an x-ray.
  
  
• Your hand may be partially numbed by injecting the nerves at the wrist or at the base of a finger. Wounds will be carefully irrigated and explored.
  
  
• Any cuts usually will be closed carefully (whether with stitches or other means).
  
  
• You may be given antibiotics to keep the wound from becoming infected.
  
  
• The injured part will be immobilized in a splint to hold it in a particular position.
  
  
• You may be referred to a hand specialist (orthopedic or plastic surgeon).
  
  
• You will receive pain medicine to use for several days after the injury.