Sophia Delgado
A jammed finger is a common injury that can occur when a finger is slammed in a door, squashed by a heavy object, or hit with a hammer. The injury can cause severe pain, bruising, stiffness, or loss of sensation. While minor injuries may heal on their own with rest and ice, more severe cases may require medical attention. This article will provide an overview of how to identify and treat a jammed finger, including when to seek medical help, and what to expect in terms of recovery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First steps | Calmly assess the damage and whether you need medical attention |
| Cleaning the wound | Wash the finger with soap and water for 5 minutes |
| Use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin) for any cuts | |
| Cover the wound with a bandage and change it daily | |
| Reducing pain and swelling | Apply ice for 15 minutes at a time, a couple of times an hour for the first few hours |
| Wrap the finger in a clean cloth or gauze and apply firm pressure | |
| Raise the finger above the level of the heart to help ease throbbing pain and slow down the bleeding | |
| Use over-the-counter pain relievers | |
| Draining blood under the nail | Do not drain the blood yourself unless your healthcare provider recommends it |
| Your healthcare provider may put a small hole through the nail to drain the blood and relieve the pain | |
| Nail falling off | Nails may fall off within a few weeks of the injury but will grow back in 6-8 weeks |
| The new nail may have a bend, crease, or split in it |
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What You'll Learn
- Clean the wound with mild soap and water
- Apply ice to reduce swelling, bleeding and pain
- Drain blood from under the nail to relieve pain and pressure
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and pain
- Seek medical attention if you think the finger is broken or if there is persistent bleeding
Clean the wound with mild soap and water
To clean a jammed fingernail wound with mild soap and water, follow these steps:
First, remove any jewellery, like rings, from the injured finger before it swells. Then, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser. If possible, put on some disposable gloves. This step is important to prevent infections. Now, gently clean the wound with mild soap and water. Use a soft washcloth or a Q-tip to clean around the wound. Avoid placing soap directly into the wound, as it can cause irritation and pain. Use tweezers to remove any remaining dirt or debris, ensuring that you clean the tweezers with isopropyl alcohol first.
If there is bleeding, use a clean cloth, gauze, or sterile gauze to apply gentle pressure to the wound. For minor cuts and scrapes, you may not need to apply pressure. If the bleeding continues, place another clean piece of cloth or gauze on top and keep applying pressure.
After cleaning the wound, dry it with a clean Q-tip and apply a thin layer of ointment, such as an antibiotic cream or bacitracin. Finally, cover the wound with a bandage. Change the bandage and ointment daily, and continue cleaning the wound with soap and water twice a day until it is fully healed.
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Apply ice to reduce swelling, bleeding and pain
Applying ice to a jammed fingernail is a highly effective way to reduce swelling, bleeding, and pain. It is a good idea to do this as soon as possible after the injury. The cold from the ice helps to stop bleeding and prevents a blood blister from forming under the nail.
To apply ice, wrap an ice pack or some ice in a clean cloth or hand towel to avoid direct exposure of your skin to ice. Then, gently place it on the injured finger for up to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. To avoid putting weight on the injury, rest your finger on top of the covered ice pack.
You can also soak your finger in cold water for 20 minutes at a time, repeating as needed. This will provide similar benefits to applying ice.
In addition to reducing bleeding and preventing blisters, applying ice will also help to reduce inflammation, which is the primary cause of pain, swelling, and redness or discoloration.
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Drain blood from under the nail to relieve pain and pressure
If there is bleeding under the nail, it is important to act quickly to prevent a blood blister (hematoma) from forming. This may cause further pain and pressure. Firstly, remove any rings from the injured finger, as the finger may begin to swell. Then, wash the injured finger with soap and water for at least five minutes. Next, wrap and press a clean cloth, paper towel, or gauze over the wound, applying firm pressure.
If the bleeding persists, a doctor may need to drain the blood from under the nail. They will put a small hole in the nail to relieve the pressure and prevent the loss of the fingernail. This procedure may be carried out in an urgent care or emergency department, especially if the injury is severe.
To help with the pain, you can give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol) or an ibuprofen product (such as Advil). Soaking the injured finger in cold water for 20 minutes can also provide pain relief and help to stop bleeding.
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Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and pain
If you've jammed your fingernail, you may experience severe pain, bruising, stiffness, or loss of sensation. While minor injuries may heal on their own, you should seek medical attention if you experience persistent bleeding or suspect that your finger is broken.
To reduce inflammation and pain, you can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Ibuprofen, for instance, is an anti-inflammatory drug that can help with pain relief. Acetaminophen products, such as Tylenol, can also be used to manage pain.
It is important to note that this medication should be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as applying ice to reduce swelling and cleaning the wound with soap and water or an antibacterial rinse. If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure using a gauze pad or clean cloth for at least 10 minutes. If there is blood beneath the fingernail, do not drain it yourself unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional.
Over-the-counter medication can provide effective relief for jammed fingernails, but it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
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Seek medical attention if you think the finger is broken or if there is persistent bleeding
If you suspect that your finger is broken or you are experiencing persistent bleeding, it is important to seek medical attention. While minor injuries may heal on their own, more severe cases may require professional treatment. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do in such situations:
Seeking Medical Attention:
- Assess the Damage: Before seeking medical help, try to calmly assess the extent of the injury. Check for any visible signs of a break or fracture, such as severe pain, bruising, stiffness, or loss of sensation in the finger.
- Contact Your Doctor: If you suspect a broken finger or persistent bleeding, don't hesitate to call your doctor or healthcare provider. Describe the situation and follow their advice on the next steps to take.
- Urgent Care or Emergency Department: Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to visit an urgent care center or the emergency department of a hospital. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle more serious cases.
- Transporting the Injured Finger: If you have the tip of your finger, wrap it in a clean cloth or gauze, place it on ice, and bring it with you to the medical facility. This can aid in the treatment process.
- Medical Treatment: Once you arrive at the medical facility, the medical staff will assess your injury and provide appropriate treatment. This may include cleaning the wound, applying stitches or glue to the nail bed injury, and providing pain medication.
Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with potential finger fractures or persistent bleeding. Seeking timely medical attention can help ensure proper healing and prevent further complications.
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Frequently asked questions
If there is blood under the nail, do not drain it yourself unless your healthcare provider recommends it. A doctor can put a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and relieve the pain.
The first step is to relieve the swelling and pain with an ice pack, elevation, and an over-the-counter pain medication if needed. Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes, then cover it with a bandage. Change the bandage daily.
While both conditions can cause pain, a jammed finger will usually improve within a few days. With a broken finger, the signs and symptoms are invariably more severe and longer-lasting.
