Although I didn't do this on the trail my Hiking boot foot box flopped out and tripped me into falling 8 weeks ago. I broke my fall with arms outstretched and injured my left hand something aweful. 12 hours later it swelled up like a balloon. I got an xray of the hand and nothing is broken. I thought it would have healed by now. But have been told by other seniors that 8 weeks is the short version. Much of the swelling was down in six weeks and still the ability to move the fingers is very limited. Apparently a fracture heals faster. If this happens to you be aware sometimes the skin can discolor and be black, blue, & yellow. I did something similar years ago with an ankle, I got to a stream and soaked it in the cold water for an hour and managed to get the boot back on, then hiked out.

Here is what it looked like, (Not my Hand)
[IMG:http://www.onepath.com/wp-content/themes/OnePath/images/hand-swelling.jpg]

Treatment consists of rest and immediate application of cold therapy to help control the bleeding and swelling. Cold can be applied for 10 minutes every hour reducing frequency as symptoms improve. A compression bandage can be applied to help control swelling and the hand should be raised to aid the flow of tissue fluids away from the injury. Symptoms should improve within 2 or 3 days, however if they persist then seek medical attention to ensure there are not further injuries. An X-ray may be required to check there are no fractures.

They suck - 8 weeks and still cannot make a fist or straighten the fingers. Driving is the worst. Lifting a beer became right handed.

Thanks... It still can hold a hikin pole not much else

still doing it... not much help. Much like a dog chasing its tail.