What Happens

Most functional ovarian cysts cause no symptoms and go away without treatment in 1 to 2 months or after 1 to 2 menstrual periods. Some cysts grow as large as 4 in. (10.2 cm) in diameter before they shrink or rupture. A rupturing functional cyst can cause some temporary discomfort or pain.

What to think about

Functional ovarian cysts do not cause ovarian cancer. But your doctor must rule out other possible types of ovarian cysts or growths before diagnosing a functional cyst. This may involve another exam in 6 or 8 weeks, a pelvic ultrasound, or possibly a laparoscopy procedure to closely examine the cyst and its ovary.

Cysts after menopause. After menopause, ovarian cancer risk increases. This is why all postmenopausal ovarian growths are carefully checked for signs of cancer. Some doctors will recommend removing the ovaries (oophorectomy) when any kind of cyst develops on an ovary after menopause. But the trend in medicine seems to be moving away from surgery for small and simple cysts in postmenopausal women. In the five years after menopause, some women will still have functional ovarian cysts now and then. Some postmenopausal ovarian cysts, called unilocular cysts, which have thin walls and one compartment, are rarely linked to cancer.¹

Overview

What is menopause? What is perimenopause?

Menopause is the point in a woman’s life when she has not had a menstrual period for 1 year. Menopause marks the end of the childbearing years. It is sometimes called “the change of life.”

For most women, menopause happens around age 50, but every woman’s body has its own timeline. Some women stop having periods in their mid-40s. Others continue well into their 50s.

Perimenopause is the process of change that leads up to menopause. It can start as early as your late 30s or as late as your early 50s. How long perimenopause lasts varies, but it usually lasts from 2 to 8 years. You may have irregular periods or other symptoms during this time.

Menopause is a natural part of growing older. You don’t need treatment for it unless your symptoms bother you. But it’s a good idea to learn all you can about menopause. Knowing what to expect can help you stay as healthy as possible during this new phase of your life.

What causes menopause?

Normal changes in your reproductive and hormone systems cause menopause. As your egg supply ages, your body begins to ovulate less often. During this time, your hormone levels go up and down unevenly (fluctuate), causing changes in your periods and other symptoms. In time, estrogen and progesterone levels drop enough that the menstrual cycle stops.

Some medical treatments can cause your periods to stop before age 40. Having your ovaries removed, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy can trigger early menopause.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms include:

• Irregular periods. Some women have light periods. Others have heavy bleeding. Your menstrual cycle may be longer or shorter, or you may skip periods.
• Hot flashes.
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia).
• Emotional changes. Some women have mood swings or feel grouchy, depressed, or worried.
• Headaches.
• Feeling that your heart is beating too fast or unevenly (palpitations).
• Problems with remembering or thinking clearly.
• Vaginal dryness.

Some women have only a few mild symptoms. Others have severe symptoms that disrupt their sleep and daily lives.

Symptoms tend to last or get worse the first year or more after menopause. Over time, hormones even out at low levels, and many symptoms improve or go away. Then you can enjoy being free from periods and birth control concerns.

Do you need tests to diagnose menopause?

You don’t need to be tested to see if you have started perimenopause or reached menopause. You and your doctor will most likely be able to tell based on irregular periods and other symptoms.

If you have heavy, irregular periods, your doctor may want to do tests to rule out a serious cause of the bleeding. Heavy bleeding may be a normal sign of perimenopause. But it can also be caused by infection, disease, or a pregnancy problem.

You may not need to see your doctor about menopause symptoms. But it is important to keep up your annual physical exams. Your risks for heart disease, cancer, and bone thinning (osteoporosis) increase after menopause. At your yearly visits, your doctor can check your overall health and recommend testing as needed.

Do you need treatment?

Menopause is a natural part of growing older. You don’t need treatment for it unless your symptoms bother you. But if your symptoms are upsetting or uncomfortable, you don’t have to suffer through them. There are treatments that can help.

The first step is to have a healthy lifestyle. This can help reduce symptoms and also lower your risk of heart disease and other long-term problems related to aging.

• Make a special effort to eat well. Choose a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and includes plenty of fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and high-fiber grains and breads.
• Include plenty of calcium in your diet to help your bones stay strong. Get 1,200 mg a day after age 50 (plus at least 400 IU of vitamin D to help your body use the calcium). Low-fat or nonfat dairy products are a great source of calcium.
• Get regular exercise. Exercise can help you manage your weight, keep your heart and bones strong, and lift your mood.
• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and stress. These things can make symptoms worse. Limiting them may help you sleep better.
• If you smoke, stop. Quitting smoking can reduce hot flashes and long-term health risks.

If lifestyle changes are not enough to relieve your symptoms, you can try other measures, such as:

• Meditative breathing exercise (called paced respiration). Breathing exercises may help reduce hot flashes and emotional symptoms.
• Black cohosh. This herb may prevent or relieve symptoms. But experts don’t know about its long-term safety. You should not take it if there is a chance you could be pregnant. If you plan to try black cohosh, talk to your doctor about how to take it safely.
• Soy (isoflavones). Some women feel that eating lots of soy helps even out their menopause symptoms. It may also help keep your bones strong after menopause.¹
• Yoga or biofeedback to help reduce stress. High stress is likely to make your symptoms worse.

If you have severe symptoms, you may want to ask your doctor about prescription medicines. Choices include:

• Low-dose birth control pills before menopause.
• Low-dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause.
• Antidepressants.
• A medicine called clonidine (Catapres) that is usually used to treat high blood pressure.

All medicines for menopause symptoms have possible risks or side effects. A very small number of women develop serious health problems when taking hormone therapy. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your possible health risks before you start a treatment for menopause symptoms.

Remember, it is still possible to become pregnant until you reach menopause. To prevent an unwanted pregnancy, keep using birth control until you have not had a period for 1 full year.

Overview

More of your health care takes place in your home than anywhere else. Having the right tools, medicines, supplies, and information on hand will improve the quality of your self-care.

Self-care tools are the basic equipment of your home health center. Store all your self-care tools and supplies in a central location, such as a large drawer in the bedroom or family room. Use the lists of tools and supplies in this topic as checklists for keeping your home health center stocked. It’s a good idea to keep all your family’s medical records in one place, such as in your home health center. For information on organizing these records, see the topic Home Medical Records.

Be familiar with the disaster preparation and response plan for your area. Keep the appropriate supplies on hand. For more information on preparedness and recommended supplies, see the topic Terrorism and Other Public Health Threats.

Cold Pack

A cold pack is a plastic envelope filled with gel that remains flexible at very cold temperatures. Buy two cold packs and keep them in the freezer. Use them for bumps, bruises, back sprains, turned ankles, sore joints, or any other health problem that calls for ice. A cold pack is more convenient than ice and may become the self-care tool you use the most.

You can make your own cold pack:

• Put 1 pint (0.5 L) of rubbing alcohol and 3 pints (1.4 L) of water in a 1 gal (4 L), heavy-duty, plastic freezer bag.
• Seal the bag, and then seal it in a second bag. Mark it “Cold pack: Do not eat,” and place it in the freezer.

A bag of frozen vegetables will also work as a cold pack.

Humidifier and Vaporizer

Humidifiers and vaporizers add moisture to the air, making it less drying to your mouth, throat, and nose. A humidifier blows cool to lukewarm mist into the air, and a vaporizer puts out hot steam.

The mist from a humidifier may be more comfortable to breathe than hot steam. But humidifiers are noisy, produce particles that may be irritating to some people, and need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. This is especially important for people who have mold allergies.

A vaporizer’s hot steam is germ-free and may feel good when you have a cold. But the hot water can burn anyone who overturns or gets too close to the device.

Medicine Spoon

Medicine spoons are transparent tubes with marks that show typical dosage amounts. A medicine spoon makes it easy to give the right dose of liquid medicine. While the spoons are convenient for anyone, they are particularly helpful for people who have young children. The tube shape and large lip get most of the medicine into a child’s mouth without spilling. Buy one at your local pharmacy.

Otoscope

An otoscope is a flashlight with a special attachment for looking into the ear. With training, you can use an otoscope to help you decide if an ear infection is present. Inexpensive consumer-model otoscopes are available, but they do not put as much light into the ear canal and eardrum as the one your doctor uses. They can also be used as high-intensity penlights.

Penlight

A penlight has a small, intense light that can be easily directed. It is useful for looking into the mouth or throat or examining the skin, and it is easier to handle than a flashlight.

Blood Pressure Cuff

If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to have a blood pressure cuff to monitor your blood pressure regularly.

Blood pressure cuffs come in many models. If you have difficulty reading the gauge on a regular cuff, consider an electronic digital model. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a blood pressure kit and show you how to use it. For more information on how to take a blood pressure, see the topic Home Blood Pressure Monitoring.

Thermometer

Glass thermometers that contain mercury are no longer recommended because of safety concerns. If you have one in your home, consider replacing it with a digital electronic thermometer. You can contact your local recycling center to see if they dispose of thermometers that contain mercury.

Digital electronic thermometers are accurate, easy to read, and durable. Temperature strips are very convenient and safe but are not as accurate as digital thermometers and should only be used to measure armpit (axillary) temperature. They are inaccurate when used on the forehead. Thermometers that measure the temperature in the ear are fast, easy to use, and quite accurate, but they are expensive.

Rectal thermometers with enlarged bulbs are helpful for children younger than 6 or anyone who cannot hold an oral thermometer in his or her mouth. For more information on how to take a temperature, see the topic Body Temperature.

Emergencies

Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Signs of shock:
  • In children
  • In adults and older children
• A significant decrease in level of consciousness:
  • In children
  • In adults and older children

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the “Yes” in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Bruises on the head or face after a head injury: Go to the topic Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger or Head Injury, Age 4 and Older.
• Bruises on the abdomen after an injury to the abdomen: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger or Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older.
• Bruises on the chest after an injury to the chest: Go to the topic Chest Pain.
• A bruise or blood spot under a fingernail: Go to the topic Nail Problems and Injuries.
• Bleeding: Go to the topic Cuts or Puncture Wounds.
• Blood in your eye after an injury to the eye: Go to the topic Eye Injuries.
• Bruises and moderate to severe pain and swelling after an injury: Go to the most closely related topic listed below:
  • Arm Injuries
  • Facial Injuries
  • Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries
  • Hip Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger
  • Hip Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older
  • Knee Problems and Injuries
  • Leg Injuries
  • Nose Injuries
  • Shoulder Problems and Injuries
  • Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries
  • Male Genital Problems and Injuries
• A scrape, puncture, cut, burn, or bite: Go to the topic Scrapes, Puncture Wounds, Cuts, Burns, or Animal and Human Bites.

Yes

Do you have bruises or blood spots under the skin and other signs of abnormal bleeding?

See significance of bruises or blood spots under the skin and abnormal bleeding if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had a nosebleed in the past 12 hours?

Yes

Have you had abnormal vaginal bleeding in the past 12 hours?

Yes

Have you had rectal bleeding in the past 12 hours?

Yes

Have you had blood in your urine in the past 12 hours?

Yes

Have your gums bled easily in the past 12 hours?

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had a nosebleed in the past few days?

Yes

Have you had abnormal vaginal bleeding in the past few days?

Yes

Have you had rectal bleeding in the past few days?

Yes

Have you had blood in your urine in the past few days?

Yes

Have your gums bled easily in the past few days?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have an unexplained increase in the number or size of bruises or red blood spots under the skin?

See significance of bruises or red blood spots under the skin if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does a child age 3 or younger have a bulging soft spot on his or her head when he or she is not crying?

Yes

Is a child age 3 or younger crying or having other signs of pain after 30 minutes of home treatment?

Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever?

Yes

Do you have a severe stiff neck?

Yes

Are you extremely sleepy or having a hard time waking up?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Have you had a gradual increase in the number or size of bruises or blood spots over the past 72 hours, but you do not have any other symptoms?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Have you had a gradual increase in the number or size of bruises or blood spots in the past few weeks, but you do not have any other symptoms?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you think your bruises are caused by a medicine?

See significance of medicines causing bruises if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

If you answer “Yes” to one of the questions below: Call the health professional who prescribed the medicine today. He or she can determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may or may not be needed. If you are taking nonprescription medicine, stop taking the medicine. Call your health professional if you feel you need to keep taking the medicine or if you need help to control your symptoms after you stop taking the medicine.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Do you take a blood-thinning medicine or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, and you have new bruising or bleeding?

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Do you think a medicine may be causing your symptoms?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you think bruises may have been caused by abuse?

See significance of bruises caused by abuse if you need information to help you answer the question below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Do you have a bruise because someone hurt you?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you think you have a skin infection?

See significance of a skin infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have peripheral arterial disease?

Yes

Do you have a disease or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

Yes

Do red streaks extend away from the bruise?

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have increased swelling, redness, or warmth around a bruise?

Yes

Do you have discharge of pus from a bruise?

Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) around the bruise for 24 hours or longer?

Yes

Have you had swollen lymph nodes near a bruise for 24 hours or longer?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Did a large bruise develop within 30 minutes of an injury?

See significance of a large bruise that develops within 30 minutes of an injury if you need information to help you answer the question below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Did a large, painful, swollen bruise develop within 30 minutes of an injury? Note: A large bruise is the size of the injured person’s palm.

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you bruise easily, or do your bruises seem to last a long time?

See significance of bruising easily or bruising that lasts a long time if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Are you worried about how easily you bruise?

Yes

Have bruises from an injury lasted longer than 2 weeks?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Home Treatment

If your bruise does not require an evaluation by a health professional, you may be able to use home treatment to help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.

• Rest and protect a bruised area.
• Ice will reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice or cold packs immediately to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day.
  • For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
  • After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between hot and cold treatments.
• Compression, or wrapping the bruised area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling. Don’t wrap it too tightly, as this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage. Talk to your health professional if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours; a more serious problem may be present.
• Elevate the bruised area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.
• Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the bruised area if it causes pain.
• If desired, apply a natural product directly to the bruise.
  • Witch hazel may help heal damaged veins.
  • Arnica may stimulate healing.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• A bruise lasts longer than 4 weeks.
• Signs of skin infection develop.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.
• New symptoms develop.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent bruises, but most of the time bruises are not a cause for concern.

• If you take aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants), keep regular appointments with your health professional so that he or she can monitor your medicine dosages and make any necessary changes or adjustments.
• Eat a variety of foods to avoid dietary deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins C, K, or B12, or folic acid can affect blood clotting. Include a daily selection of:
  • Whole-grain and enriched breads, cereals, and grain products.
  • Vegetables.
  • Fruits.
  • Milk, cheese, and yogurt.
  • Meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dried beans and peas, and tofu.
• Do not take dietary supplements that may increase bruising, particularly if you take a blood-thinning medicine. Dietary supplements that may increase bruising include fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginger, and ginkgo biloba.

Bruises are often the first sign of abuse. You may be able to prevent further abuse by reporting it and seeking help.

• Call your local child or adult protective agency, police, or clergy or a health professional (such as a doctor, nurse, or counselor) if you suspect abuse.
• Seek help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence.
• Seek help if you have trouble controlling your anger with a child in your care. Resources are available.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• Do you have a personal or family history of bleeding disorders or bruising easily?
• Are you taking any prescription or nonprescription medicines? Bring a complete list of your medicines with you to your appointment.
• Do you take any vitamins or dietary supplements? Describe your diet.
• Have you had any recent injuries or blood transfusions?
• Have you had any nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, unusual or unexpected heavy menstrual flow, or fever?
• Have you had any recent illness or changes in your health?
• Have you recently traveled outside the country or to a rural area?
• Do you have any health risks?

Emergencies

Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Signs of shock occur:
  • In children.
  • In adults and older children.
• Severe bleeding does not slow during the first 15 minutes of steady, direct pressure.
• Any part of your hand is partially or completely amputated. Begin first aid measures.
• Pieces of bone are visible in a wound, or a bone is sticking through the skin. Note: Do not try to push the bone back into the skin. Cover the area with a clean bandage.
• Injection of a substance under high pressure into the hand, such as paint from a high-pressure paint sprayer or a nail from a powered nail gun
• Severe pain with pale, white, blue, or cold fingers or hand

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the “Yes” in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Bleeding: Go to the topic Cuts or Scrapes.
• Puncture wound or injection of a foreign body under high pressure: Go to the topic Puncture Wounds.
• A finger, hand, or wrist problem not related to an injury: Go to the topic Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Noninjury.
• Injury from cold exposure: Go to the topic Cold Temperature Exposure.
• A burn to a finger, hand, or wrist: Go to the topic Burns.
• A bite to a finger, hand, or wrist: Go to the topic Animal and Human Bites.
• A fingernail problem or blood under a nail: Go to the topic Nail Problems and Injuries.

Yes

Is your finger, hand, or wrist twisted, bent out of shape, or out of its normal position?

See significance of a finger, hand, or wrist that looks twisted, bent, or out of its normal position if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

Take the following first aid steps while transporting the injured person for medical evaluation of a broken bone or dislocation: Use a splint to limit movement. Keep the wrist or hand elevated, if possible.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your finger, hand, or wrist look twisted, bent out of shape, or out of its normal position?

Yes

Do you have a blood-filled blister, scrape, or cut skin at the site of a suspected broken bone or dislocation?

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Did your finger, hand, or wrist pop, move, or get pulled out of its normal position, then return to its normal position?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Does your finger continue to look misshapen from an injury that occurred more than 2 weeks ago?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have pain or tenderness in your finger, hand, or wrist?

See significance of pain or tenderness if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Do you have severe pain?

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have pain with swelling or bruising that began within 30 minutes of an injury?

Yes

Is a young child protecting an injured hand or wrist carefully or unwilling or unable to use it?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have moderate pain that is getting worse or has not gotten better after 24 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Does normal use of your finger, hand, or wrist cause pain after 24 hours of home treatment?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Do you have mild pain that has not gotten better after 1 week of home treatment?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Are your fingers or hands pale, white, blue, or cold?

See significance of pale, white, blue, or cold fingers or hands if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has a finger or hand turned pale, white, blue, or cold after an injury?

Yes

After having a brace, cast, or splint applied, have your fingers or hand turned pale, white, blue, or cold? Note: See first aid for a cast or splint that may be too tight.

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have numbness or tingling in an injured finger, hand, or wrist?

See significance of numbness or tingling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have new numbness or tingling and the skin on the injured hand is more pale, white, blue, or cold than the uninjured hand?

Yes

Do you have new numbness or tingling and you are unable to move your finger or hand normally (not because a splint is in the way or because of pain)?

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had steady numbness or tingling for 1 hour or longer?

Yes

Has numbness or tingling become worse?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Have you had numbness or tingling that comes and goes for 24 hours or longer?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Are you unable to move your fingers, hand, or wrist normally?

See significance of inability to move normally if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Are you unable to move an injured finger, hand, or wrist?

Yes

After having a brace, cast, or splint applied, are you unable to move your fingers or hand normally (not because the splint is in the way)?

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Are you unable to make a complete fist?

Yes

Are you unable to straighten all your fingers?

Yes

Are you unable to bend or straighten your wrist?

Yes

Are you unable to grasp an object?

Yes

Is a young child unwilling or unable to use a finger, hand, or wrist, or protecting a hand carefully?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Are you unable to move your hand or wrist normally, or do you have decreased strength after 48 hours of home treatment?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Is your finger, hand, or wrist swollen after an injury?

See significance of swelling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Do you have swelling and the skin below the swollen area is cold or pale?

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Did a lot of swelling develop within 30 minutes of an injury?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Do you have moderate swelling after 48 hours of home treatment?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Did you feel or hear a snap, pop, or grating in your finger, hand, or wrist?

See significance of a snap, pop or grating if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Did you feel or hear a snap, pop, or grating, and a lot of swelling developed within 30 minutes after the injury?

Yes

Did you feel or hear a snap, pop, or grating, and your finger, hand, or wrist looks twisted, bent, or out of its normal position?

Yes

Did you feel or hear a snap, pop, or grating, and you are unable to move your hand or wrist normally?

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Did you feel or hear a snap, pop, or grating, but you do not have other changes?

Yes

Does your finger, hand, or wrist feel unstable when you try to use it?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Are you unable to free a trapped finger or hand from an object such as a toy, bottle, or jar?

See significance of inability to free a trapped finger or hand if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have severe pain?

Yes

Is your trapped finger or hand pale, white, blue, or cold when compared to the other hand?

Yes

Do you have numbness or tingling in your finger or hand?

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Are you unable to free a trapped finger or hand from an object using home treatment measures?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have signs of infection in your finger, hand, or wrist?

See significance of signs of infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have peripheral arterial disease?

Yes

Do you have a disease or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

Yes

Do you have red streaks extending from the injured area?

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the injured area?

Yes

Is your finger, hand, or wrist increasingly tender to the touch?

Yes

Do you have any drainage of pus?

Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) around the area for 24 hours or longer?

Yes

Have you had swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck, armpit, or the bend of the elbow for 24 hours or longer?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Is an object, such as a nail, embedded in your finger or hand?

See significance of an object in your finger or hand if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Are you unable to remove an object, such as a sliver, needle, or nail, that is in or near a joint?

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Are you unable to remove an object, such as a sliver, needle, or nail, that is not in or near a joint?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you think the injury may have been caused by abuse?

See significance of abuse if you need information to help you answer the question below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Do you think the injury may have been caused by abuse?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have bruising of your finger, hand, or wrist?

See significance of bruising if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to the following question.

Yes

Did a large, painful, swollen bruise develop within 30 minutes of an injury?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Are you concerned about how easily you bruise?

Yes

Have bruises from an injury lasted longer than 2 weeks?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you know or think you need a tetanus shot?

See significance of getting a tetanus shot if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

If you need a tetanus shot, call your doctor to arrange for a shot. Your need for a tetanus shot depends on the seriousness of your wound and your tetanus shot history. Your doctor may be able to tell you over the telephone if you need a tetanus shot.

Call your health professional today if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.

Yes

Were you cut by something clean and your last tetanus shot was longer than 10 years ago?

Note:

Something is clean if it does not have dirt, soil, spit, or feces on it. Examples include a broken water glass, a kitchen knife, or sewing scissors.

Yes

Were you cut by something dirty and your last tetanus shot was longer than 5 years ago?

Note:

Something is dirty if it has dirt, soil, spit, or feces on it. Examples include a garden tool, a dirty nail, or a piece of glass that has been buried in the dirt.

Yes

Are you not sure if you were cut by something clean or dirty and your last tetanus shot was longer than 5 years ago?

Yes

Are you not sure when you had your last tetanus shot?

Yes

Did you not get the first series of tetanus shots?

If you have answered “No” to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Home Treatment

First aid for a suspected broken bone

• If a bone is sticking out of the skin, do not try to push it back into the skin. Cover the area with a clean bandage.
• Control bleeding.
• Remove all bracelets or rings. It may be difficult to remove the jewelry once swelling occurs, which in turn can cause other serious problems, such as nerve compression or restricted blood flow. See a picture of removing a ring that is stuck.
• Free a trapped finger or hand from an object, such as a pipe, toy, or jar.
• Splint the injured area without trying to straighten the injured limb. Loosen the wrap around the splint if signs develop that indicate the wrap is too tight, such as numbness, tingling, increased pain, swelling, or cool skin below the wrap. A problem called compartment syndrome can develop.

Home treatment for a sore or sprained finger

• Use rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) for pain and swelling.
• If you do not have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, your sore or sprained finger can be ” buddy-taped” to your uninjured finger next to it. Protect the skin by putting some soft padding, such as felt or foam, between your fingers before you tape them together. Your injured finger may need to be buddy-taped for 2 to 4 weeks to heal. If your injured finger hurts more after you have buddy taped it, remove the tape and use the Check Your Symptoms section to check your symptoms again. Caution: Never splint a finger in a completely straight position, such as on a Popsicle stick. For proper healing, the finger should be slightly bent and in a relaxed position.
• Stop, change, or take a break from activities that cause your symptoms.

Home treatment for a minor hand or wrist injury

Home treatment may help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.

• Remove all rings, bracelets, or any other jewelry that goes around a finger or wrist. It will be more difficult to remove the jewelry later if swelling increases.
• Use rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) for pain and swelling.
• Do not use your injured hand or wrist for the first 24 hours after an injury, if possible. An elastic bandage can help decrease swelling. The wrap will also remind you to rest the injured hand or wrist. A wrist splint can help support an injured wrist. Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a splint or bandage for more than 48 to 72 hours.
• Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the injured area if it causes pain.
• For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
• After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between heat and cold treatments.
• Treat blisters.

Cast and splint care

If a cast or splint is applied, it is important to keep it dry and to try to move your extremity as normally as possible to help maintain muscle strength and tone. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for your cast or splint.

Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking slows healing, because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.

• Pain or swelling develops.
• Signs of infection develop.
• Numbness; tingling; or cool, pale skin develops.
• Symptoms do not improve with home treatment.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.

Prevention

The following tips may prevent finger, hand, and wrist injuries.

• Do exercises that strengthen your hand and arm muscles.
• Stop, change, or take a break from activities that cause your symptoms.
• Reduce the speed and force of repetitive movements in activities such as hammering, typing, knitting, quilting, sweeping, raking, playing racquet sports, or rowing.
• Change positions when holding objects, such as a book or playing cards, for any length of time.
• Use your whole hand to grasp an object. Gripping with only your thumb and index finger can stress your wrist.
• Consider wearing gloves that support the wrist and have vibration-absorbing padding when working with tools that vibrate.
• Use safety measures, such as gloves, and follow instructions for the proper use of hand and power tools.
• Use caution when using knives in preparing food or craft activities. Supervise a child using knives or sharp scissors in craft activities.
• Wear protective gear, such as wrist guards, in sports activities.
• Review your work posture and body mechanics.
  • Organize your work so that you can change your position occasionally while maintaining a comfortable posture.
  • Position your work so you do not have to turn excessively to either side.
  • Keep your shoulders relaxed when your arms are hanging by your sides.
  • When using a keyboard, keep your forearms parallel to the floor or slightly lowered and keep your fingers lower than your wrists. Allow your arms and hands to move freely. Take frequent breaks to stretch your fingers, hands, wrist, shoulders, and neck. If you use a wrist pad during breaks from typing, it’s best to rest your palm or the heel of your hand on the support, rather than your wrist.

Reduce falls

• Take steps to prevent falls and injuries in adults, such as removing any obstacles from your walking path.
• Take steps to prevent falls and injuries in babies and toddlers, such as not leaving your baby unattended in any infant seat or “sitting” toy.

General prevention tips

• Wear your seat belt in a motor vehicle.
• Don’t carry objects that are too heavy.
• Use a step stool. Do not stand on chairs or other unsteady objects.
• Wear protective gear during sports or recreational activities, such as roller-skating or soccer. Supportive splints, such as wrist guards, may reduce your risk for injury.
• Warm up well and stretch before any activity. Stretch after exercise to keep hot muscles from shortening and cramping.
• Use the correct techniques (movements) or positions during activities so that you do not strain your muscles.
• Avoid overusing your hand and wrist doing repeated movements that can injure your bursa or tendon. In daily routines or hobbies, examine activities in which you make repeated arm movements.
• Consider taking lessons to learn the proper techniques for sports. Have a trainer or person who is familiar with sports equipment check your equipment to see if it is well-suited for your level of ability, body size, and body strength.
• If you feel that certain activities at your workplace are causing pain or soreness from overuse, talk to your human resources department for information on alternative ways of doing your job or to discuss equipment modifications or other job assignments.

Keep your bones strong

• Eat a nutritious diet with enough calcium and vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium is found in dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; dark green, leafy vegetables, such as broccoli; and other foods.
• Exercise and stay active. It is best to do weight-bearing exercise (walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights) for 45 to 60 minutes at least 4 days a week. Weight-bearing exercises stimulate new bone growth by working the muscles and bones against gravity. Exercises that are not weight-bearing, such as swimming, are good for your general health but do not stimulate new bone growth. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program that is right for you. Begin slowly, especially if you have been inactive. For more information, see the topic Fitness.
• Don’t drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day if you are a man, or 1 alcoholic drink a day if you are a woman. People who drink more than this may be at higher risk for weakening bones (osteoporosis). Alcohol use also increases your risk of falling and breaking a bone.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking puts you at a much higher risk of developing osteoporosis. It also interferes with blood supply and healing. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.

Possible abuse

Injuries such as bruises, burns, fractures, cuts, or punctures may be a sign of abuse. Suspect possible abuse when an injury cannot be explained or does not match the explanation, repeated injuries occur, or the explanations for the cause of the injury change. You may be able to prevent further abuse by reporting it and seeking help.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What are your main symptoms?
• How long have you had your symptoms?
• How and when did an injury occur? How was it treated?
• Have you had any injuries in the past to the same area?
  • Was your injury evaluated by a doctor? What was the diagnosis?
  • How was your injury treated?
  • Do you have any continuing problems because of the previous injury?
• What activities, related to sports, work, or your lifestyle, make your symptoms better or worse?
• Do you think that activities related to your job or hobbies caused your symptoms?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
• What nonprescription medicines have you tried? Did they help?
• Do you have any health risks?

Surgery Overview

A face-lift is the most extensive way to remove or reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of the face caused by age. The skin is literally lifted off the face so that the skin and the tissues beneath can be tightened and the skin can be repositioned smoothly over the face.

For the procedure, you are either given general anesthesia or a sedative through an intravenous line and local anesthesia to numb your skin. Next, the surgeon makes an incision that starts in the temple area and circles the ear. The skin is raised, and the muscle and tissue underneath is tightened. The surgeon may remove some fat and skin. The skin is then redraped over the face and the incision is sutured. The incision usually falls along the hairline or in a place where the skin would naturally crease so that it does not show after the surgery.

The surgery usually takes several hours. You may be able to go home that day, but people sometimes spend one night in the hospital.

What To Expect After Surgery

Your face will be bandaged after the surgery. The dressings are usually removed 1 to 2 days later. If a drainage tube has been placed (usually behind the ear), it will also be removed 1 to 2 days after the surgery. Your doctor will remove your stitches within 5 to 10 days.

Most people have very little pain after the surgery, but your doctor may prescribe pain medicine for you in case you do have pain. Expect to have swelling and bruising of the face. Cold compresses can help relieve these side effects. Your doctor may instruct you to keep your head elevated and still as much as possible.

It is important to avoid smoking and even second-hand smoke for 2 to 4 weeks before and after surgery. Tobacco smoke increases the risk for skin and tissue death and will delay your face’s healing process and make scarring worse.

Most people can return to their normal activities 2 to 3 weeks after a face-lift.

At first your face will feel stiff and will probably look and feel strange to you. This is normal, but it is important to be prepared for it.

Numbness of the skin may last for weeks or months after the surgery. Your skin may feel rough and dry for a few months. Men sometimes have to shave in new places because the skin has been rearranged, but the surgeon can sometimes avoid this.

Why It Is Done

Face-lifts are done to make an older face look younger by eliminating wrinkles and tightening the skin.

How Well It Works

Having a face-lift can make your face appear younger and healthier. Your face will continue to age, but a face-lift does indeed “take years off” your face. For some people, this may increase self-confidence and reduce anxiety over growing older.

A face-lift can reduce signs of aging to a great extent. But it cannot remove all facial wrinkles around the eyes, below the nose, and around the lips.

The effectiveness and safety of your face-lift surgery depends heavily upon the skill of your surgeon.¹