[24F] Experiencing hand pain and neurological symptoms following injury

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you likely have a hand contusion, which is a bruise that occurs when small blood vessels are damaged. This is consistent with your symptoms of pain, swelling, bruising, and limited motion in your hand, particularly around your index finger knuckle.

The numbness and tingling you're experiencing in your index finger and thumb could be due to the swelling putting pressure on the nerves in your hand.

What you can do

Here are some steps you can take to help manage your symptoms:

1. Rest your hand and avoid activities that cause pain.
2. Apply ice to your hand for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first 24-48 hours. This can help reduce swelling and pain.
3. Elevate your hand above the level of your heart as much as possible to help reduce swelling.
4. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help with pain. However, avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) for the first 24 hours after the injury, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
5. Once the swelling has gone down, gentle exercises can help restore movement and strength in your hand.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Increased pain, swelling, or bruising
• Numbness or tingling that gets worse
• Difficulty moving your hand or fingers
• Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.