Should I go to the ER for a smashed finger?

People should seek medical attention if a smashed finger causes severe pain. It is a good idea to speak with a doctor to ensure no further damage was done to a joint if more than just the fingertip is involved in the injury.

How do you know if a finger injury is serious?

After an injury, if swelling and pain still limit the use of your fingers, or your fingers become numb, then you will want to seek medical attention. If your injury includes crushed tissue, laceration, exposed bone, you must go to the emergency room or seek medical care immediately.

How do you tell if smashed finger is broken?

What Are Some Common Symptoms of a Broken Finger?

1. Your affected finger is bent into a strange or unnatural position.
2. There's excessive swelling in one localized area.
3. There's significant tenderness and bruising in one localized area.
4. Your pain is exceptionally severe.
5. You're finding it difficult to move the affected finger.

What should I do if I smashed my finger in a door?

Immediate First Aid

1. Ice it. An ice pack can quickly reduce pain and swelling. ...
2. Elevate it. Raising the injured finger above the heart slows the blood flow and reduces the throbbing. ...
3. Use it. If possible, keep using the finger to promote circulation. ...
4. Take a pain reliever.

What to do if you smashed your finger and blood is under it?

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.

How do I stop my finger nail from throbbing?

Pain Management

1. Apply ice for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that.
2. To reduce the throbbing, keep your hand or foot above the level of your heart.

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.

What does a sprained finger feel like?

Sprained Finger Symptoms

Pain in one of your finger joints when you try to move or use it. Stiffness in your finger or having a hard time straightening or bending it. Tenderness in your joint when you touch the area. Swelling in one of your finger joints.

How do you tell if tip of finger is broken or sprained?

However, there are a few particularly telltale signs that point to a fracture:

1. The fracture site is very swollen.
2. The affected finger appears unnatural or deformed.
3. The fracture site is tender and bruised.
4. You have difficulty moving the affected finger completely.

When should you see a doctor for a finger injury?

Pain and swelling are severe or persistent. The injury is a puncture or open wound and you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years. The injury is from a human or animal bite. If the wound doesn't heal or shows signs of infection: redness, swelling, pain, or pus.

What does a hairline fracture finger feel like?

A non-displaced fracture, is more commonly known as a hairline fracture. This consists of a thin crack in the bone that occurs with an injury. Typically, it is not as noticeable as other types of fractures, however, localized pain, tenderness, or soft tissue swelling are a few of the common symptoms.

Should I drill a hole in my fingernail?

You could try to burn or drill through the nail to relieve the pain, but this is a procedure often best left to your physician. If you really want to do it at home, I suggest using a very small-diameter drill bit and rotating it between your thumb and pointer finger.

Does it hurt to drain blood under nail?

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.

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.

When should you go to the hospital for a swollen finger?

Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have finger swelling along with other serious symptoms including: High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit) Inability to move the finger. Severe pain.

How long does the pain last for a smashed finger?

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.