- Dressing (a gauze wrapping or tape): Dressings can treat more minor finger tip injuries, such as when just the skin is affected or if there is a small amount of ...
- Splints or metal pins: These can be used if you're suffering from a broken finger tip. The metal pins will hold the bone fragments in the proper position.
- Drainage: If blood is collecting under your nail, your hand specialist may make a small hole in the nail to drain it.
- Surgery or amputation: These treatment options are reserved for more severe nail bed injuries.
Can you break/fracture the tip of your finger?
Fractures to the finger tip (distal phalanx) are common from smashing injuries to the fingernail. The symptoms of this type of injury may be swelling and bruising to the finger pad and purple-colored blood underneath the fingernail (subungual hematoma). If the trauma is severe, broken bones may be exposed (called a compound fracture).
How long does swelling last after broken finger?
When should you call for help? Breaks in the bones of the finger usually heal well in about 3 to 4 weeks. The pain and swelling from a broken finger can last for weeks. But it should steadily improve, starting a few days after you break it.
How to fix a broken finger that healed crooked?
What is the treatment for a broken finger?
- To reduce swelling and bruising, apply ice to the injured finger on the way to an emergency department. ...
- Make a splint to immobilize the finger. ...
- Keep the injured finger elevated.
- Remove all rings or jewelry from the affected hand before swelling occurs.
How to treat a broken finger tip?
Broken finger tip: This is very common. This can be treated with a splint or temporary metal pins to hold the bone fragments in proper position. If the damage is too severe, amputation of the finger tip may be necessary. Nail bed injuries: If blood is collecting under the nail, it may be drained by making a small hole in the nail.
How long does it take for a fingertip fracture to heal?
Recovering from a broken finger or thumb A broken finger or thumb usually heals within 6 to 8 weeks, but it can take longer. It may be 3 to 4 months before full strength returns to your hand. Once it's healed, use your finger or thumb as normal. Moving it will stop it getting stiff.
What can you do for a fractured fingertip?
You can relieve pain from a finger fracture for a short time with ice and medication. But you'll need to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible for an X-ray. Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, your provider may suggest a splint to stabilize your finger or surgery to repair the break.
Can a fractured finger heal itself?
The physicians at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists treat finger injuries on a regular basis, and many will heal on their own. However, it's important to know the difference between pain from a temporary jam and a potential fracture that needs immediate medical attention, or even surgery.
What does a fractured finger tip look like?
If you have a fingertip fracture, which is called a distal phalanx fracture can happen from and smashing injuries involving the fingernail. These symptoms include a bruising or swelling of the finger pad. Usually, there will also be purple-colored blood under the fingernail known as subungual hematoma.
Should you sleep with a finger splint on?
Again, you must still sleep in your splint. If your occupation requires heavy bending and lifting with your fingers, you should continue to wear the tip protector at work.
How do you tell if you've fractured your finger?
What Are Some Common Symptoms of a Broken Finger?Your affected finger is bent into a strange or unnatural position.There's excessive swelling in one localized area.There's significant tenderness and bruising in one localized area.Your pain is exceptionally severe.You're finding it difficult to move the affected finger.
What happens if you leave a fractured finger untreated?
What Happens If You Leave a Broken Finger Untreated? Failing to get medical treatment for a broken finger can result in several complications, including permanent stiffness, damage to capillaries, or hand deformity. Along with long-term complications, having a broken finger is debilitating.
How long does it take a hairline fracture to heal?
Medical treatments. Your doctor may recommend that you use crutches to keep weight off an injured foot or leg. You can also wear protective footwear or a cast. Because it usually takes up to six to eight weeks to completely heal from a hairline fracture, it's important to modify your activities during that time.