The evaluation of a hand injury begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with a severe hand injury may include:

• Hand bruise
• Hand swelling
• Deformed fingernail
• Deformed finger
• Deformed hand
• Impaired circulation to the fingers
• Inability to move the hand or fingers normally
• Laceration or puncture wound
• Pressure or injection injury
• Hand tenderness
• Over the bones
• Hand weakness (unilateral)
• Hand numbness (unilateral)

Tests that may be used to evaluate a hand injury include

• Hand x-rays