- Definition
What is trauma to the finger?
This guide covers wounds on the fingers and toes. Usually the impact causes bruising and swelling of the soft tissue that covers the bone (such as when a heavy object hits the toes or when the hand hits the wall). However, if it is the tip of the finger that is hit or hit, the energy will be absorbed by the joint surface and the injury will appear on the part of the affected finger.
For a finger that has been hit, always check carefully if the finger can still be straightened. In a hitting injury (from being hit by a car or door), usually the tip of the finger will be slightly injured. Sometimes the nail will break and, in rare cases, there may be small fractures.
What are the signs and symptoms?
In addition to scratches and bruises, trauma to the fingers can cause the following signs:
- Fingertip injury (usually from being caught in a door): fingertip scratched or bleeding. Sometimes the nails get damaged too.
- Injury to the nail: if the base of the nail is injured, you will need stitches to prevent nail clipping. However, this is not necessary if it occurs on toenails.
- There is a blood clot under the nail: this is usually caused by hitting a heavy object on the finger while the finger is on a flat surface.
- Sometimes it hurts a lot.
- There may be a bone fracture or dislocation.
- How to fix it
What should I do?
Bruised Fingers or Toes:
Soak in cold water for 20 minutes. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed to manage pain. Then call your doctor if the pain doesn't go away after 3 days or if your fingers can't be used normally after one week.
Pinched Finger :
Soak your hands in cold water for 20 minutes. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed to manage pain. Your finger will be very sensitive for the next week, so protect your finger by wrapping it tightly with the finger next to it.
Call your doctor if the pain doesn't go away after 3 days or if you can't use your finger normally after two weeks. If the problem recurs, wrap the injured finger (so that the sore joint will not break excessively) before exercising for 3 to 4 weeks.
Fingertips Hit or Crushed:
Before undergoing self-care, check the guidelines for when to consult a doctor. Soak your hands in cold water for 20 minutes. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed to treat pain. Clean your fingers with soap when they are soaked. Cut a small piece of torn skin with sterile scissors. If there is a chance that the wound might become dirty, cover it with a bandage. Change the bandage every 24 hours.
The injured area will be very sensitive for the next few weeks, protect it from possible re-injury. Call the doctor if the pain does not go away after 3 days, if you feel any signs of infection, if you cannot use the finger normally after 1 week.
Torn Nails:
The following recommendations apply to nails that are torn due to pinching or otherwise. If the nail is torn due to a impact injury, your child will need to be taken to the doctor. If the nail breaks but doesn't leave a rough end, leave it alone. If the nail is torn badly or is about to come off, use sterile scissors or nail clippers to trim the tear or loose part. If your nails are left loose, they can get caught in other objects.
Soak the finger for 20 minutes in cold water, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a bandage. Every day, remove the bandage and soak for 20 minutes once a day. On the seventh day, the nail bed should be covered with new skin, so that the soaking and applying can be stopped. New nails will grow in the next one to 2 months. Call your doctor if there are signs of infection.
External Wounds:
Clean the wound carefully with soap and water. Then press gently for 10 minutes with a sterile bandage to stop the bleeding.
Chipped Knuckles :
Clean the wound carefully with soap and water. Rubbing with a sterile bandage may be needed to remove dirt. Exfoliated skin (especially if it is dirty) should be trimmed with sterile scissors or nail clippers. After cleaning, apply pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile bandage to stop bleeding. Use an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. Remove the bandage and clean the wound every day. Contact a doctor if there are signs of infection.
Ring Caught on Swollen Fingers:
Tell your doctor right away if your finger is blue or bruised. In most cases, prioritize removing rings. The key to removing the ring is to reduce finger swelling. This approach requires patience.
Within 5 minute intervals, soak your hands in cold water, then grip and clench your fingers in the air. After 30 minutes (after raising the hand for the third time), grease the fingers with mineral oil or cooking oil. When the hand is raised, upward pressure can be applied until the ring releases. If the ring doesn't come off, call your doctor before the swelling gets worse.
Swelling of the fingers or toes in babies:
Unusual swelling of fingers or toes requires medical attention. Thin hair or thin threads can be accidentally wrapped around the toes (sometimes on the fingers or on the penis). As your baby grows and the hair doesn't scratch the skin, the blood supply from the toes will slowly decrease. The sharp indentation bordering the swollen finger will be the main finding. You will need medical attention to remove this hair.
When should I see a doctor?
Call your pediatrician immediately if:
- The skin is wide open and may need stitches
- Bleeding cannot be stopped after 10 minutes of pressing
- Severe pain
- Blood collects under the nail and becomes very painful
- Damaged fingernails are followed by crush injuries
- Finger joints cannot be opened (stiff) and completely closed (bent)
- You think it is a serious injury
- Swollen fingers or toes
- Prevention
Reduce speed and energy from activities that require repetitive movements such as hammering, typing, knitting, chopping, sweeping, scratching, racket-playing, or rowing.
Consider wearing gloves that protect the wrist and absorb vibration with a cushion when working with vibrating devices.
Use safe equipment, such as gloves, and follow instructions regarding proper use of hand and power tools.
Avoid problems by wearing good shoes. Use shoes that are comfortable and can protect your feet.
Do not walk barefoot in areas such as paths and parks, which can increase your risk of stepping on foreign objects.
