Sophia Delgado
Smashed fingers can be extremely painful and may cause serious damage to the nail bed, leading to issues with bending or straightening the fingers. To treat a smashed fingernail, the first step is to manage the pain and reduce swelling by applying an ice pack for 15 minutes at a time, a few times an hour. Elevating the injured finger above the heart is also important, as it slows the blood flow and reduces throbbing. Over-the-counter pain medication can be used to manage pain, but if there is blood accumulating under the nail, it is best to seek medical advice.
How to Care for a Smashed Fingernail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Initial Treatment | Apply ice to reduce swelling |
| Elevation | Keep the finger above the elbow and the elbow above the heart |
| After 24 Hours | Apply heat to help the body absorb the swollen fluid |
| Blood Build-up Under the Nail | Drain the blood by making a small hole in the nail or heating a sharp metal object and placing it on the nail |
| Pain Relief | Over-the-counter pain medication |
| Nail Re-growth | Three to six months from the injury |
| Prevention | Avoid closing cabinets or drawers on your fingers |
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What You'll Learn
Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain
Applying ice is one of the best ways to treat a smashed finger and reduce swelling and pain. It is recommended to apply ice to the injured finger for up to 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day. For the first few hours after the injury, this can be done a couple of times an hour. It is important to wrap the ice in a clean cloth or paper towel to avoid direct contact with the skin and prevent cold injury. This can also help stop bleeding and prevent a blood blister from forming under the nail.
To further reduce swelling, it is advised to elevate the injured finger above the heart. This slows down the blood flow and reduces throbbing. It is also important to keep the injured finger clean and use over-the-counter pain medication to manage discomfort.
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Elevate the finger above the heart to slow blood flow
After a smashed finger nail, it is important to elevate the finger above the level of the heart to slow down blood flow to the injured area. This is a crucial step in reducing inflammation and pain, and it is often key to the recovery process.
The first step in treating a smashed finger is to manage the pain and swelling. Elevation is an effective way to do this, as it slows the blood flow and reduces throbbing. Letting your hand dangle will only increase the pain and swelling.
To elevate your finger, you should raise your hand above your heart. This can be done by resting your hand on your chest or head, or by propping it up with pillows. Keep your hand elevated as much as possible for the first few days after the injury. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain, and promote healing.
In addition to elevation, there are other ways to treat a smashed finger and relieve pain. Applying ice wrapped in a towel or cloth to the injured finger for 10 to 20-minute intervals several times a day can help to minimise swelling, bleeding, and pain. Over-the-counter pain medication can also help manage discomfort. If there is blood under the nail, it is important to seek medical attention, as a doctor may need to drain the blood to relieve pressure and pain.
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Take over-the-counter pain medication
A smashed finger can be extremely painful and may cause swelling, stiffness, and bruising. To treat a smashed finger, you can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication to help manage the pain and reduce inflammation. It is important to follow the dosage guidelines and your healthcare provider's advice when taking these medications.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat pain and swelling associated with a smashed finger. Examples of NSAIDs that can be purchased over the counter include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). These medications can help to reduce pain and swelling, providing relief from the discomfort of a smashed finger.
It is important to note that while OTC pain medication can help manage the pain, it is not a substitute for seeking medical attention if the injury is severe or if there are signs of a fracture. If you experience severe pain, persistent bleeding, or difficulty moving your finger, it is recommended to seek medical care.
In addition to taking OTC pain medication, there are other steps you can take to care for a smashed finger. Applying ice wrapped in a cloth or using a cold compress can help to reduce swelling and pain. Elevating the injured finger above the heart can also aid in reducing inflammation and pain by slowing down blood flow to the finger.
If there is blood collected under the nail, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor may perform a procedure called decompression or trephination to drain the blood and relieve pressure and pain. Alternatively, a heated paperclip or a needle can be used to drain the blood at home, but it is important to sterilize the tools and be careful not to burn the skin.
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Seek medical attention for severe injuries
If your smashed fingernail is severe, it is important to seek medical attention. While minor injuries may heal on their own, you should go to a hospital or doctor if you are experiencing persistent bleeding, severe pain, or if you think your finger is broken.
If there is blood beneath the fingernail, do not attempt to drain it yourself. A healthcare professional may recommend a simple procedure called trephination, which is the drainage of the hematoma to relieve pressure. They may also need to remove your nail plate to surgically repair the tissues underneath, allowing for proper healing.
If you are unsure whether your finger injury is serious, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical care. Even if there is no fracture, a severely jammed finger can lead to permanent joint deformity and stiffness if not given appropriate treatment.
If you have a deep wound, you may require stitches, so it is important to seek medical attention. Additionally, if your symptoms do not start to improve with basic treatment, such as icing and elevating the injured area, you should see a doctor.
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Drain blood buildup under the nail
If you have a smashed finger, it is important to first assess the damage and decide whether you need medical attention. While minor injuries may heal on their own, you should seek medical attention if you experience persistent bleeding, suspect a broken finger, or if the pain and swelling do not subside.
If you have a smashed fingernail, you can drain the blood buildup under the nail to relieve pain and pressure. However, it is important to note that you should not drain the blood yourself unless your healthcare provider recommends it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Clean the wound: Start by gently cleaning the injured area with mild soap and water or an antibacterial rinse. Remove any dirt or debris with tweezers cleaned with alcohol.
- Prepare the tool: You can use a straightened, sterilized paper clip, a safety pin, or a needle for this procedure. Hold the paper clip with a pair of pliers and heat one end of it with a flame until it is red-hot. You can also dip this end in rubbing alcohol to disinfect it.
- Pierce the nail: Carefully press the heated end of the paper clip onto the nail, focusing on the area where most of the blood has collected. Be careful not to push or apply pressure, as you do not want to accidentally touch the skin under the nail. Go slowly and reheat the paper clip as needed.
- Drainage: Once the hole is complete, you will see clear or slightly bloody fluid draining from the nail for 2 to 3 days. This is normal. Soak the finger in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes, 3 times a day during this period to keep the injury clean and prevent infection.
- Repeat if needed: You may repeat the procedure using the same hole if the pain and pressure build up again. However, if your pain does not go away, you may have a more serious injury, and it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Remember to watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth, red streaks, or pus draining from the nail. Always seek medical advice if you are unsure about your injury or the procedure.
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