Isla Bennett
A smashed finger is a common injury that can be caused by a heavy object or force, such as a hammer, car door, or desk drawer. This type of injury can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and bruising. While minor injuries may heal on their own with basic at-home care, severe cases may take a few weeks or more to fully recover. In this article, we will discuss the steps to take to relieve pain and prevent the fingernail from falling off after a smashed finger injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| General treatment | Rest, ice, elevate, keep the area clean, use OTC pain relievers |
| When to seek medical attention | If you have a deep wound that may require stitches, if you suspect a broken finger, if there is a lot of blood under the nail, if there is a lack of blood flow, if there is a loss of sensation, if there are unusual colours in the fingertip, if you are unable to move your finger |
| Preventing the nail from falling off | A doctor may be able to prevent the nail from falling off by draining the blood from the bruise to alleviate the pressure. Alternatively, use a heated paperclip to drain the blood from under the nail. |
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What You'll Learn
Keep the finger elevated to reduce inflammation
If you've smashed your fingernail, it's important to keep the injured finger elevated to reduce inflammation. Elevation helps to slow down the blood flow to the injured area, which in turn reduces throbbing and pain.
To elevate your finger, simply raise your hand above the level of your heart. This will reduce swelling and throbbing pain. You can do this several times a day, for as long as you need to. For the first few hours after the injury, it's best to do this for 15 minutes at a time, a couple of times an hour.
It's important to keep your hand elevated as much as possible during the first 12 hours after a doctor performs a decompression or trephination procedure to drain blood from beneath the nail.
If you can't elevate your hand above your heart, you can also try to keep it propped up on a pillow or cushion, so that it's still above the level of your torso. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Remember, it's always best to seek medical attention if you're experiencing severe pain or swelling, persistent bleeding, or if you think your finger might be broken. Your doctor can advise you on the best course of treatment and help you manage your pain and inflammation.
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Drain blood from under the nail to relieve pain and pressure
If you have a smashed finger, you should stop what you're doing to prevent further injury. Calmly assess the damage and whether you need medical attention. 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.
If there is bleeding under the nail, your doctor may refer to this as a "subungual haematoma". This is when blood collects between the nail and the nail bed, causing intense pain and throbbing. To relieve this, your doctor may perform a procedure called decompression or trephination, which allows the blood to drain and relieves pressure and pain in the area.
Your doctor may numb your finger with a nerve block before performing one of the following decompression methods:
- Cautery: Using a heated wire (electrocautery device) or carbon laser to burn a hole in the nail. The heated tip of the wire is cooled by contact with the haematoma, preventing injury to the nail bed.
- Needle: Using a needle to make a hole in the nail. After this procedure, your doctor will bandage your nail. You will need to keep the finger bandaged and elevated and may need to use cold compresses during the first 12 hours after decompression.
In some cases, you may be able to drain blood from under the nail at home. To do this, you can use a straightened paper clip that has been heated with a flame. Carefully touch the red-hot tip to the part of the nail where the most blood has collected. Place gentle pressure and allow the heat to burn through the nail plate. As the paper clip penetrates the nail, there may be a gush of blood. Remove the paper clip and use a paper towel to wipe away any excess blood. This should only be done if there is pain and should not be done for cosmetic reasons.
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Treat inflammation to reduce pain, swelling, and redness
A smashed finger can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and bruising. To treat inflammation and reduce pain, swelling, and redness, you can try the following:
Rest the finger
Resting the finger is important for healing. Avoid any activities that increase pain or involve a lot of finger strain.
Ice the injury
Apply ice to the smashed finger to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Elevate the finger
Keep the finger elevated above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.
Keep the area clean
Gently clean the injured area with soap and water or a sterile saline solution. This will help prevent infection and further irritation.
Use pain relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Use medicated creams
Pain-relieving medicated creams and herbal formulas, such as arnica, can help reduce inflammation and improve healing time.
It is important to note that you should not wrap, splint, or brace a smashed finger, as this can reduce blood flow and impede the healing process. If you have severe pain, trouble controlling bleeding, or persistent symptoms, seek medical attention.
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Avoid wrapping or splinting the finger to prevent reduced blood flow
If you have a smashed fingernail, it is important to know that wrapping or splinting the injured finger is not recommended. This is because doing so can impede blood flow to the finger, reducing the oxygen and nutrients it needs to heal.
When a finger is smashed, blood can pool beneath the fingernail, leading to what is called a subungual hematoma. This can cause severe throbbing pain due to the pressure of blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed. If the pooled blood encompasses more than 50% of the nail, it is recommended to see a doctor, as this increases the risk of the fingernail falling off.
To relieve the pressure and pain, a doctor may perform a procedure called trephination or decompression, which involves draining the accumulated blood by drilling or burning a small hole in the nail plate. This procedure should be done within 24 hours, before the blood coagulates.
Instead of wrapping or splinting the injured finger, it is recommended to keep the finger moving to promote circulation and prevent stiffness. This can be done gently and without causing further pain. If you are unable to move your finger or begin to lose sensation in it, it is important to call your healthcare provider.
In summary, while a smashed fingernail can be a very painful and distressing experience, it is important to avoid wrapping or splinting the injured finger to prevent reduced blood flow. Instead, focus on keeping the finger moving gently and seek medical attention if needed.
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Keep the finger clean to prevent infection
Keeping your smashed finger clean is crucial to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Here are some detailed instructions to keep your injured finger clean and reduce the risk of infection:
Clean the Wound
If your smashed finger has an open wound or the nail is broken, gently clean the area with mild soap and warm water. You can also use an antibacterial rinse or sterile saline solution to cleanse the wound and prevent the growth of bacteria. Avoid using harsh chemicals or rubbing the wound vigorously, as this can cause further irritation and damage.
Cover the Wound
After thoroughly cleaning the wound, cover it with a sterile gauze or bandage. This will protect the injury from external contaminants and help keep the area clean. Change the dressing at least twice daily or whenever it becomes soiled or wet. Keeping the wound dressing clean and dry is essential to prevent bacterial growth and potential infection.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Maintain good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently, especially before and after tending to your injured finger. This will help prevent the transfer of dirt, germs, or bacteria to the wound, reducing the risk of infection. Use soap and warm water, and ensure you wash your hands thoroughly, including the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Keep the Injury Site Dry
While keeping your finger clean is essential, it's also important to keep the wound dry when not cleaning or dressing it. Avoid getting the wound wet, especially during bathing or washing, as moisture can promote bacterial growth and increase the risk of infection. If you need to bathe, consider using a waterproof cast or cover to keep the wound site dry.
Seek Medical Attention
If your injury is severe, has broken skin, or shows signs of infection, seek medical attention promptly. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or increasing pain around the wound. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to address the infection and promote proper healing.
Remember, it is crucial to keep your smashed finger clean to prevent infection and facilitate proper healing. Follow these instructions diligently, and don't hesitate to seek medical advice if you have any concerns or if your symptoms persist or worsen.
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Frequently asked questions
You should take precautions to reduce swelling and redness. Wrap an ice pack or cold compress in a paper towel and place it on the injured finger for 10 minutes, with 20-minute breaks in between.
A few days after the injury, you can use a heated paperclip to drain blood from under the nail. You can also soak the finger in warm, soapy water 3 times a day for 2-3 days to prevent infection.
If there is a lot of blood under your nail bed, seek medical attention. Your doctor may drain the accumulated blood to alleviate the pressure and prevent the nail from falling off.
