My left hand is swelled up and has extreme when my hand is in the downward position just hanging by my side. I don't know if it is just badly bruised or if I have a fracture or break? Any information will be helpful.

We can't possibly know what's wrong with your hand. Can you go to an urgent care facility and get an exam? At that point, your medical provider can order an X-Ray if necessary.

Did you injure it??? If so, please say so first!
A FEW medical causes of this might include angioedema (http://www.freemd.com/angioedema/overview.htm), cellulitis (http://www.freemd.com/cellulitis/overview.htm), deep venous thrombosis (http://www.freemd.com/deep-venous-thrombosis/overview.htm), tenosynovitis (http://www.freemd.com/tenosynovitis/overview.htm), tendinitis (http://www.freemd.com/tendinitis/overview.htm), and arthritis (http://www.freemd.com/arthritis/overview.htm).

Since a doctor may have you keep your hand elevated above your heart, you should do that as much as possible before being seen.

We don't know your age, gender, or health, including history. These are just for starters what a doctor asks you. It's OK to ask online, but don't try to get an actual diagnosis online.

With your pain in your LEFT hand, the side your heart is on, it's a good idea to take this seriously, even if it isn't. For some people it's just from sitting at a computer all day and keeping a wrist bent at an awkward angle. But you just don't know.

Depending on the cause, hand swelling can last for a short time, such as when it occurs during or after exercise. Chronic hand swelling, or swelling that builds up over time, often indicates an inflammatory process, such as arthritis. Hand swelling can also be caused by orthopedic conditions, such as a bone fracture or a cast that is too tight.

Depending on the cause, hand swelling can last for a short time, such as when it occurs during or after exercise. Chronic hand swelling, or swelling that builds up over time, often indicates an inflammatory process, such as arthritis. Hand swelling can also be caused by orthopedic conditions, such as a bone fracture or a cast that is too tight.

Please don't just copy and paste information from Google. [As referenced here and MANY OTHER PLACES] (http://www.healthgrades.com/symptoms/hand-swelling)

If you don't know the answer don't Google it and post.