Table of contents:
- Choice of ways to treat injuries to the fingers
- 1. Let the fingers 'rest'
- 2. Use an ice pack
- 3. Clean if there are wounds on the fingers
- 4. Place the injured finger in a high place
- 5. Take painkillers
- When to see a doctor
Have you ever accidentally caught your fingers in a door, desk drawer, or got the wrong target when you were hammering? Hmm… Of course it hurts not playing, so it might make you grimace and shed tears. So, so that the pain is reduced, how do you treat this injury to the finger?
Choice of ways to treat injuries to the fingers
Pinched, hit, or accidentally hit by a hard object will certainly cause severe pain, such as a choking finger. If not treated promptly, this condition can lead to bruising and loss of the ability of the fingers to feel things.
It could even be, the fingers become difficult to move because of the pain. However, don't panic. Try the following ways to treat an injury to your finger:
1. Let the fingers 'rest'
After experiencing an injury, it is best if your fingers are not used for much activity at first. So, stop for a while whatever you are doing, and give your fingers a minute to rest.
Especially for physical activities that rely on hand strength, such as sports and lifting heavy objects. In addition to reducing the level of pain, this step is also useful for treating injuries so that the fingers do not get worse.
2. Use an ice pack
Source: Health Ambition
If the injury to the finger causes swelling, an ice pack can be used to treat it. Instead of using ice that is placed directly on the skin, wrap the ice first with a towel or cloth.
The reason is, sticking ice directly to the fingers risks causing further inflammation. When compressing your fingers with ice wrapped in a towel or cloth, leave it for 10-20 minutes. Repeat the same thing several times a day to reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Clean if there are wounds on the fingers
Do not rule out, the nails and skin on the fingers experience wounds after being pinched or hit by a hard object. In this condition, first clean the wound with soap and water.
Next, you can apply a pain-relieving ointment or cream to help prevent infection. Only then can the wound be wrapped with gauze or a sterile bandage as a step to treat injuries to the fingers.
4. Place the injured finger in a high place
Placing the injured finger in a slightly elevated place, such as on a pillow, will help slow blood flow to the area. As a result, the chance of inflammation and swelling of the injured finger is reduced.
5. Take painkillers
There are various types of anti-inflammatory drugs you can take to help relieve pain. Starting from ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), to aspirin.
But before using it, it would be nice to ask your doctor or pharmacist which type of medicine is best for your condition. Especially if at the same time you are regularly taking certain medications, or have health problems that are at risk of causing side effects after taking certain types of drugs.
When to see a doctor
No matter how painful your injured finger is, make sure you can still move it. Repeatedly moving these fingers will help relieve inflammation, as well as prevent finger stiffness.
However, if you find that you have difficulty or even cannot move your fingers, consult a doctor immediately. This is especially so if the injury leaves you unable to feel on your fingers or is immune.
Do not underestimate it when bruising occurs, even discoloration of the injured fingernail. All of these conditions indicate that the injury has entered a fairly severe stage.