Hand pain, swelling, pins and needles, or finger stiffness can derail work and sleep. Knowing when to visit a hospital in Singapore rather than waiting for a routine review helps you avoid delays and protect function. Use this overview to recognise symptoms that need timely assessment and to prepare focused questions that keep consultations practical. Bring previous letters, allergy lists, and a record of medicines. Remove rings if swelling begins. Avoid food if surgery might be necessary, so fasting rules remain safe and straightforward during triage.
1. Severe Pain After An Injury
Intense pain with deformity, a popping sound, or rapid swelling suggests structural damage. Immobilise the hand, elevate it, and seek urgent assessment. Early X-rays or ultrasound can clarify fractures or ligament tears. Same-day splinting prevents further harm and sets up a smoother rehabilitation plan with clear milestones.
2. Numbness Or Night Tingling
Waking with numb fingers or dropping objects points to nerve compression. Wrist splinting may help in the short term, but persistent symptoms deserve specialist care. An orthopaedic hand surgeon can confirm diagnosis, arrange nerve tests, and explain options that range from activity changes to procedures where indicated.
3. A Deep Cut With Weakness
Loss of finger bending or straightening after a laceration can indicate tendon injury. Cover the wound, keep the hand elevated, and avoid food if surgery is possible. Early repair supports function and lowers complication risk. Bring details of the incident and your tetanus status when you arrive at triage.
4. Finger Locks Or Clicks
A finger that catches, clicks, or stays bent may reflect tendon sheath inflammation. Simple measures include activity changes and splints. If motion remains limited or pain rises, seek review. Timely treatment reduces stiffness and supports a return to precise tasks like typing, assembly work, or instrument use.
5. Persistent Wrist Ache Under Load
Pain during lifting or with repetitive tasks can follow a fall or a new activity. Rest and a short period of splinting may settle symptoms, but ongoing pain needs imaging. Your clinician may suggest focused therapy, injections, or surgical review depending on structural findings and response to early care.
6. A Lump That Changes Size
A smooth, mobile lump at the wrist or finger base is frequently a ganglion cyst. Many settle without intervention, yet rapid growth, persistent pain, or numbness warrants assessment. Imaging clarifies the source and nearby structures. Discuss observation, aspiration, or surgical options based on impact on daily tasks.
7. Swelling With Heat Or Fever
Warmth, redness, and severe tenderness raise concern for infection. Do not delay care if the finger sits in a flexed posture and movement is painful. Hospital teams can deliver antibiotics, arrange drainage when needed, and monitor for spread. Early action protects joint surfaces, tendons, and long-term motion.
8. Loss Of Power Or Coordination
Weak grip, clumsiness, or difficulty with fine tasks can follow nerve or tendon issues. Document tasks you cannot perform and when symptoms worsen. Targeted examination and tests guide therapy or surgical planning. Early adaptation at work prevents setbacks while treatment proceeds and strength returns.
9. Symptoms After Prior Surgery
New numbness, swelling, or limited motion after an operation deserves review. Keep a log of onset, triggers, and relief measures. Your surgeon will check wound healing, scarring, and nerve recovery, then adjust rehabilitation. Clear notes shorten visits and support faster, evidence-based decisions.
10. Unclear Diagnosis After Repeated Flare-Ups
If symptoms keep returning without a clear cause, ask for a structured plan. Request defined goals, safety nets, and a timeline for escalation. Coordinated reviews reduce duplicate tests and help you judge whether therapy, injections, or a procedure offers the best chance of a durable result.
Conclusion
Several patterns call for timely assessment rather than watchful waiting. Severe injury pain, persistent numbness, tendon cuts, stiff locking fingers, or infection signs merit hospital pathways that provide imaging, urgent care, and coordinated rehabilitation. When routine tasks fail or recovery plateaus, book a review with an orthopaedic hand surgeon and bring organised notes, medication lists, and prior reports. Clear records and specific questions help each visit stay focused and productive. Confirm after-hours contacts before leaving, and keep escalation steps where family or colleagues can find them quickly.
For hospital assessment or a review with an orthopaedic hand surgeon, contact the National University Hospital (NUH) today.
