What is Hand Contusion

Hand contusion is a deep bruise to the hand. Deep bruises can happen when an injury causes bleeding under the skin. The skin over the bruise may be red and then turn blue, purple, or yellow.

Minor injuries will give you a deep bruise that is painless, but deep bruises that are worse may stay painful and swollen for a few weeks. In general, the best treatment for this condition includes rest, ice, pressure (compression), and elevation. This is often called RICE therapy.

Follow these instructions at home:

RICE Therapy

• Rest the injured area.
• If directed, put ice on the injured area:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• If directed, put light pressure on the injured area using an elastic wrap.
  • Make sure the wrap is not too tight. If your fingers turn numb, cold, or blue, take the wrap off and put it back on more loosely.
  • Remove and put the wrap back on as told by your doctor.
• Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Protect your hand from getting more injured.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms do not get better after many days of treatment.
• You have more redness, swelling, or pain in your hand or fingers.
• You have trouble moving the injured area.
• Medicine does not help your swelling or pain.

Get help right away if:

• You have very bad pain.
• Your hand or fingers are numb.
• Your hand or fingers turn very light (pale), blue, or cold.
• You cannot move your hand or wrist.
• Your hand feels warm when you touch it.