What should I do if I smashed my thumb?
Examine the smashed thumb for possible deformities and fractures in the bones. If you suspect that a bone is fractured, seek medical attention to determine the best way to treat the injury. If there are no broken bones, treat the smashed thumb by applying ice to reduce the swelling and lessen the pain.
How long does it take for a broken thumb to heal?
Physical therapy usually involves strengthening and stretching exercises to help a person regain movement and strength in the thumb. However, it may not feel as though the thumb has regained its full function until about 3 months later. Failure to treat a broken thumb can often result in arthritis or breaking down of the joint.
How long does it take for a smashed finger to heal?
The recovery time for a smashed finger depends largely on the severity of the injury and location. Most smashed fingers start to feel much better within three to four days. More complicated or severe cases may take a few weeks or more to fully heal. When a bruise develops under the fingernail, pressure can build up and cause pain.
When to seek help for a smashed finger?
Any trauma or injury to your finger can lead to: The fingernail on the smashed finger may also fall off within a week or two of the injury. Read on to learn more about treating a smashed finger, and when you need to seek help. The best way to get immediate relief from a smashed finger is to treat inflammation.
How do you heal a smashed thumb fast?
Common methods for immediate relief include:icing or applying ice to the area.resting.elevation.taking oral anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (Advil)applying pain-relief creams.cleaning and covering the injury.moving the injured area gently.
Can you do anything for a smashed thumb?
Apply an ice pack to decrease swelling. Be sure to wrap the pack in a clean cloth first to prevent cold injury to the skin. Over-the-counter pain medicines may help relieve discomfort. If pain becomes severe, with blood under the fingernail, call your provider.
Should I go to the doctor for a smashed thumb?
The injury causes immediate damage to the nail, such as a visible crack. The skin is open and may need stitches. There is dirt in the wound you can't wash out. There is significant or worsening pain, redness, or swelling.
How do you tell if smashed thumb is broken?
Some symptoms of a broken thumb include:difficulty moving the thumb.sudden and severe pain in the thumb.swelling.tenderness to the touch.thumb appears misshapen.thumb feels cold to the touch.tingling and numbness in the thumb.
What happens if you don't drain blood under nail?
What happens if subungual hematoma goes untreated? A subungual hematoma usually resolves on its own without any treatment. The discoloration disappears as the nail grows. Over several months, a new nail eventually grows to replace the damaged nail.
How do you treat a swollen thumb?
TreatmentRest. Try not use your hand for at least 48 hours.Ice. Apply ice immediately after the injury to keep the swelling down. ... Compression. Wear an elastic compression bandage to reduce swelling.Elevation. As often as possible, rest with your hand raised up higher than your heart.
How do you know if a finger injury is serious?
Always seek medical care if the following occur:If there is severe pain or deformity.If there is uncontrolled bleeding.If there is numbness (loss of sensation)If the finger is pale or bluish in color.If there are exposed bones or tendons.
How do I stop my finger from throbbing?
Rest your finger joints. Continued activity will aggravate the injury. Apply ice to the injury to help with pain and swelling. Use pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Should you drain blood under fingernail?
You may be able to relieve severe, throbbing pain by draining blood from under your nail. This procedure is not necessary and is not recommended if you are not having pain. This procedure is safe if done properly.
Can I still move my thumb if it's broken?
You should: try not to move the finger or thumb – it may help to tape it to the finger next to it. lift your hand up to reduce swelling.
Is my thumb bruised or fractured?
Is my thumb broken or sprained? Both a broken (fractured) thumb and a sprained thumb can cause pain, swelling and bruising, but there are some differences to look for. A broken thumb usually causes more intense pain, and your thumb may look deformed or misshapen. A broken thumb can also cause numbness or tingling.
How long does it take for a smashed finger to heal?
Short-term treatments for a smashed finger are for the first couple of days after an injury. These should include a combination of: In most cases, an injured or smashed finger will feel better within a few days of using at-home treatments. It is not uncommon for a bruise to develop as a smashed finger heals.
What to do if you have a smashed finger?
Clean and cover. A smashed finger may result in an open wound, such as a scrape or cut. People should clean the wound immediately when this occurs. They should also cover the wound with a bandage and antibiotic cream if these are available.
How to stop a smashed finger from hurting?
1. Icing. Icing a smashed finger can limit the inflammation. It is crucial to never place ice directly on the skin. Icing should be done for no more than 15 minutes and can be repeated several times a day. A person can place the finger on top of the ice pack to avoid additional pressure. 2.
Why do you need to see a doctor for a smashed finger?
Other reasons to seek medical attention for a smashed finger include: severe swelling for more than 2 days. deep wound. the finger will not bend.
What to do if your finger is broken?
Additional signs of a broken finger include: dislocation around the joint. deformity.
What does it mean when your finger is smashed?
A smashed finger is a common injury that occurs when a heavy object or an object with enough force behind it impacts the finger. Common causes include dropping an object on the finger, hitting it with a hammer, or closing a finger in a door. A smashed finger may cause:
How to heal a finger that is inflamed?
A person may need to to avoid physical activity, such as contact sports and lifting heavy objects until the finger fully heals. 3. Elevation . Elevation can help reduce inflammation and is often a key to recovery. Elevation helps to reduce inflammation because it slows the flow of blood to the finger.
What happens if you smash your finger?
Smashing your finger is just the beginning. After a day or two, blood will likely start to build up under your nail. You might see the nail turning color—usually dark blue or black—and feel a lot of pressure. This is what happens when a bruise is contained in the tiny space at the tip of a finger.
How to get a finger out of a sprained finger?
Assuming you've extricated the finger (this would be step one), there are a few things you can do to alleviate your excruciating pain. Ice it. Use an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling. Keep the ice on it for 15 minutes a couple of times an hour for the first few hours after smashing it.
How to get blood out of fingernail?
Steps to Relieve a Blood Under the Nail 1 Wash the finger thoroughly. You do not want to develop an infection in the tip of your finger. 2 Open the paper clip so that you have a straight edge. 3 Holding the paperclip with the pliers, heat the tip in the flame until it is red-hot. 4 Carefully touch the red-hot tip of the paperclip to the area of the nail where most of the blood is collected (usually the darkest spot on the nail) and put just a little pressure on it. Keep it there until the paperclip burns through the nail. Don't push hard; just let the heat do the work.
What happens if your fingernail falls off?
Signs of infection. If your fingernail falls off, don't panic. It's not ideal, but chances are very good it will grow back without a problem. While it doesn't necessarily mean you should see a doctor, a missing fingernail is at least worth a call to the office.
How long does it take for a fingernail to hurt?
Depending on the extent of the injury, your finger may hurt for a few days or a few weeks. It may also be sensitive for up to a few months. 6 Draining the blood from the fingernail may help to relieve some of the pain and pressure, but only do this under a doctor's instruction. If the pain is severe or getting worse, check with your doctor.
How to stop a finger from spraining?
Don't keep ice on too long or you can develop frostbite. 1 . Elevate it. 2 Letting your hand dangle at your side after smashing your finger will simply increase swelling and that uncomfortable throbbing. Hold it up to reduce the pressure in ...
How to get rid of a swollen finger?
Wash the finger thoroughly. You do not want to develop an infection in the tip of your finger. Open the paper clip so that you have a straight edge. Holding the paperclip with the pliers, heat the tip in the flame until it is red-hot.
How long does it take for a smashed finger to heal?
After this method is completed, soak the injured finger in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes, 3 times a day for 2-3 days. This will ensure that the injury remains clean and infection is prevented. Most smashed fingernails tend to feel better within 3 to 4 days. More severe injuries may take weeks to heal.
How to stop a finger from spraining?
Ice your finger. Wrap an ice pack or cold compress in a paper towel and place it on the injured finger. Keep the ice on it for 10-minute intervals with 20-minute breaks for the first few hours after you smash your finger. Ice helps to minimize swelling, bleeding, and pain. Be careful not to apply to much weight or pressure with the ice.
How to pierce a fingernail with a paperclip?
Carefully press the red hot end of the paperclip on the part of the fingernail where most of the blood has collected. Keep it there until the paperclip has burned through the nail. Be careful not to press the paperclip too hard. You want to pierce the nail with the paperclip without burning the skin underneath.
How to get rid of a cut on the face?
If there is any dirt or debris in the wound, remove it with tweezers cleaned with alcohol. Apply an antibiotic ointment on the wound. Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin to the open cut. This will keep the surface of the cut moist and help prevent scarring.
How to get blood out of a finger?
1. Wash your injured finger thoroughly. A few days after the injury, you may notice some blood under the nail that looks like a dark-colored discoloration (red, maroon, or purple-black). You’ll want to release that blood that forms under the nail to further relieve pain and pressure.
How to stop a swollen finger from hurting?
2. Elevate your hand above your heart. Hold your injured finger up in an elevated position above the level of your heart. Do this continuously to limit pressure. If you keep your hand down at your side, blood will rush to the injury, increasing the swelling and uncomfortable throbbing pain. ...
How to clean a wound after a sprain?
You can clean the wound by rinsing with running tap water and washing around the wound with soap. If there is any dirt or debris in the wound, remove it with tweezers cleaned with alcohol.
What to do if you have a broken thumb?
Immediate first aid. If you suspect you’ve fractured your thumb, you can apply ice or cold water to the area to reduce swelling . Immobilization of your hand with a splint can help if you know someone with the proper knowledge to do so. Learn how to make a splint.
How does a surgeon fix a broken thumb?
The surgeon inserts screws or wires through your skin to hold the broken pieces in proper position while the bone heals. In a break called a Rolando fracture, there are multiple cracks to the large bone at the base of your thumb.
What is the bone that connects to the thumb?
Overview. Your thumb has two bones called the phalanges. The most common fracture associated with a broken thumb is actually to the larger bone of your hand known as the first metacarpal. This bone connects to your thumb bones. The first metacarpal starts at the webbing between your thumb and index finger and extends back to the carpal bones ...
Why does my thumb break?
A broken thumb is usually caused by direct stress. Common causes may include a fall on an outstretched hand or an attempt to catch a ball. Bone disease and calcium deficiency both increase your risk of a broken thumb. A broken thumb can result from extreme activity or an accident.
How long does a spica cast last?
It can be painful, so sedation or anesthesia may be used. You’ll be set in a special cast, known as a spica cast, for six weeks. This cast holds your thumb in place while your bone heals. The spica cast immobilizes your thumb by wrapping around your forearm and thumb.
How long do you have to wear a spica cast?
If you’re set in a spica cast, you’ll need to wear it for six weeks. Sometimes children don’t need to wear it that long, so be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
How do you know if you broke your thumb?
Symptoms. Symptoms of a broken thumb include: swelling around the base of your thumb. severe pain. limited or no ability to move your thumb. extreme tenderness. misshapen appearance. cold or numb feeling. Many of these symptoms can also occur with a severe sprain or ligament tear.
How to treat a smashed thumb?
If there are no broken bones, treat the smashed thumb by applying ice to reduce the swelling and lessen the pain. Use over-the-counter medications to help with the pain.
What happens when your thumb is smashed?
The impact that occurs when a thumb is smashed often results in an accumulation of blood under the thumbnail. Once the fingernail becomes loose or falls off, there is an increased risk of infection to the sensitive, unprotected skin underneath.
Why is my thumb smashed?
A thumb or finger can be smashed while engaging in nearly any activity. **The most common causes of this type of injury are being closed in a car door, hit with a hammer, shut in a drawer or jammed while playing sports.
How long does it take for a thumb nail to fall off?
When this happens, the nail will most likely fall off within a few days or weeks.
Can you splint a smashed thumb?
If the injury affects more than just the tip of the thumb, seek immediate medical assistance. Do not apply a splint to a smashed finger unless directed to do so by a physician. **Splinting a smashed thumb may affect long-term mobility of the digit.
Can you lose your fingernail from a smashed thumb?
In more severe cases, the finger bone might be fractured, as well. There is also the possibility of losing the fingernail. In addition to the bruised and swollen appearance of the smashed thumb, a significant amount of pain and tenderness is present around ...
How long does it take for a thumb to be removed?
A doctor will remove it about 6 weeks after placing it. More severe breaks that require surgery may also involve the placement of pins, plates, or screws to stabilize the thumb. A doctor places these with the goal of preserving movement, maintaining alignment, and reducing stiffness.
How long does it take to recover from a broken thumb?
For example, if a person has a cast for their injured thumb, they will usually have to wear it for 4–6 weeks. A person may have to return to the doctor’s office for the doctor to remove any stabilizing pins.
What to do after a thumb fracture?
A doctor will usually recommend physical therapy following a thumb fracture and after a person has their cast removed. Physical therapy usually involves strengthening and stretching exercises to help a person regain movement and strength in the thumb.
What is the distal phalange of the thumb?
The distal phalange is the tip of the thumb, and the proximal phalange is the portion closest to the thumb’s base. Thumb fractures, or breaks, can occur for a number of reasons. These include: falling and landing on the thumb. pulling the thumb back too far. excessively twisting the thumb joint.
Why do doctors use splints on thumbs?
This is because a doctor may have difficulty applying a splint or cast to the thumb. A splint or cast ensures that the thumb is in the right place to heal correctly. A doctor may be able to correct breaks closer to the end of the thumb through external manipulation.
What are the symptoms of a sprained thumb?
Some of the symptoms of a sprained thumb include: bruising. a thumb joint that feels unstable. a lump or bump present on the thumb joint.
How to stop swelling in thumb?
keeping the thumb elevated to help reduce swelling. applying a cloth-covered ice pack to the thumb, which can help reduce pain and swelling. wrapping the affected thumb with a cloth bandage or wrap, usually in a straight position, as this can help keep the thumb from moving and further injuring the bones.
How to prevent a smashed finger?
These include: Pay attention when getting out of a car or closing a door in your home. Teach children some basic safety techniques. Take special care when working with or moving heavy objects and materials.
What are some activities that can be done to smash a finger?
Some of these activities most common for smashing a finger include: Closing the drawer on a desk or other furniture. Closing a door. Playing sports, particularly baseball. Working with heavy wood pieces or concrete blocks. Using a hammer. Moving heavy furniture.
How to treat a fingernail infection?
Keep a bandage over the injured fingernail to protect against infection. For the next 7 days after removing the bandage, soak the affected fingernail in a salt water solution (1/4 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water) at least once a day. 2. Medical Treatment.
How to get frostbite out of finger?
Keeping ice on the affected area for too long can lead to frostbite. Elevate the injured finger. Holding your injured finger up reduces blood flow thus reducing swelling and pressure. Don’t dangle your hand after you have smashed your finger. Move the injured finger. Be sure to move your finger gently.
What to do if you can't move your finger?
If you cannot move your finger, then you should seek medical attention. Use over-the-counter medications. Taking a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will help with minor pain and swelling. Note: If you have a torn fingernail as a result of the injury, carefully clip away along the torn edge.
How to get blood out of fingernail?
Touch the hot tip of the paper clip to the injured fingernail where blood has pooled and the heat will burn a small hole into the nail. When the paper clip is removed and the hole is open, blood should release from the fingernail (If not, repeat the procedure).
How to treat a bruising finger?
Ice the injury. Icing the injury reduces swelling and can reduce bruising by slowing the bleeding into the affected area. Keep the ice on your finger for about 15 minutes at a time over the course of the first few hours. Keeping ice on the affected area for too long can lead to frostbite.
How to treat a slammed finger?
Some slammed fingers can be treated at home with rest and ice, while others require medical treatment and potentially even an antibiotic. It’s impossible to get through life without slamming your finger in the door at least once.
What to do if you smash your finger in the door?
Immediately after smashing your finger in the door you should: -Place an ice pack on your finger (s) to help alleviate some of the pain and keep down swelling. -Elevate the injured finger. If you let your finger dangle down by your side you actually increase swelling and worsen painful throbbing.
What does it mean when your finger is jammed?
If your finger is jammed or smashed and as a result no longer straightens out at the tip, this is known as mallet finger or mallet fracture. This indicates that the tendon responsible for extending the finger is stretched out or torn.
What happens if you see a bone sticking out of your skin?
Exposed bone—if you can actually see the bone sticking out of your skin, it’s a pretty clear sign that it is broken. You need to get medical attention immediately. Anytime bones are exposed there’s the risk for serious infection. If the bone breaks through the skin you will need antibiotics.
What to do if your finger is broken?
If you suspect your finger is broken, visit a doctor as fast as possible in order to correctly start the healing process. Help!
How do you know if you have a broken finger?
This is not always indicative of a broken finger, but it’s best to have it checked out at urgent care. Exposed bone—if you can actually see the bone sticking out of your skin, it’s a pretty clear sign that it is broken.
How long does it take for a broken finger to swell?
The rule of thumb is if symptoms persist or become more serious around 5 to 10 minutes after the injury occurs you are possibly looking at a broken bone.
What happens when you smash your fingertip?
Most smashed/crushed fingertip injuries involve the fingers being pinched or a heavy object falling on the hand. Examples of this include getting a hand caught in a closing door, a large load falling onto a table where you are resting your hand, and getting part of your hand caught in a machine or two objects.
How to stop a finger from swollen?
Ice Your Injured Finger. An ice pack or a cold compress can help reduce swelling and help with pain management. Have the ice pack on the finger for 15 minutes at a time before taking it off. Repeat the process after a few minutes have passed. Intervals like this help prevent frostbite.
What to do if blood is under your fingernail?
To do so, you’ll want to speak with a doctor about your issue. Your doctor may provide you with at-home instructions to release the blood trapped under the fingernail.
