Hand Pain

The most likely diagnosis is a sprain or strain, though there are other possibilities. You can read more about common causes of hand pain at the end of this guide.

For now, it would be reasonable to follow the RICE routine -- this stands for:

• Rest - avoid using the hand as much as possible for at least a day or two

• Ice - an ice pack, or a bag of frozen vegetable wrapped in a towel can reduce swelling when applied to the injured area for the first 24 hours

• Compression - an elastic bandage is helpful to contain the swelling, but be careful not to wrap the area too tightly

• Elevation - for the first 24 hours, keep the sore hand elevated; this can also reduce swelling

Contact your doctor if your symptoms persist.

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