Liam Carter
A bruised fingernail is usually the result of an accident or injury, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or even smashing it with a hammer. This can cause severe pain, swelling, stiffness, and bruising, and can take months to heal and look normal again. In some cases, your nail may fall off. If you notice discoloration or a bruise under your nail, it is important to see a healthcare provider to rule out any serious conditions and provide pain relief. While minor bruises may heal over time with home remedies such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, more severe cases may require medical attention to prevent long-term symptoms and future problems with your nail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trauma or injury to the finger, such as slamming it in a door or hitting it with a hammer |
| Symptoms | Severe pain, bruising, stiffness, loss of sensation, throbbing, aching, numbness, swelling, redness or <co: 1,7,9,10>discoloration |
| Treatment | Rest, ice, elevate, keep the area clean, use OTC pain relievers, pain-relieving medicated creams, herbal formulas, decompression (trephination) |
| Healing Time | A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks, but it can take months for the bruise to disappear |
| When to See a Doctor | If there is severe pain, bleeding that doesn't stop, signs of infection, or if there is injury to the base of the nail |
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What You'll Learn
See a doctor if you have a bruised nail without injury
If you notice discolouration under your nail without any injury, it is important to see your doctor. While it could be a harmless mole or birthmark, nail discolouration can sometimes indicate a serious underlying health condition that requires treatment, such as skin cancer.
If you have a large bruise under your nail, there is a chance you may have a broken bone. A small bone break in your finger or toe can be difficult to identify without medical tests, so it is important to get an X-ray. If left untreated, a fracture can heal incorrectly, causing long-term pain and interfering with the natural function of your finger or toe.
If you have a subungual haematoma, which is blood and fluid trapped beneath the toenail, you may experience severe throbbing pain due to the pressure of blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed. If the pressure beneath the nail is causing severe pain, your healthcare provider may perform a trephination procedure to drain the blood and relieve the pressure and pain.
If your nail is mostly or completely black, you may have a subungual laceration (tear or cut), which will require medical treatment. If your nail is loose, your doctor may trim or reattach it to protect the nail bed while it regrows. If your injury is severe or your nail is separating from your toe, your doctor may need to remove the nail.
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Reduce swelling and pain with ice and elevation
A bruised fingernail is a common injury that can be extremely painful. The injury usually involves trauma to the finger, which can lead to severe pain, swelling, stiffness, and bruising. The best way to get immediate relief from a smashed finger is to treat inflammation, which is the primary cause of pain, swelling, and redness or discolouration.
To reduce swelling and pain, you can use ice and elevation. This can help stop bleeding and prevent a blood blister from forming under the nail. Apply ice wrapped in a hand towel or cloth to the injured finger for up to 20-minute intervals, several times a day. Do not expose the skin directly to ice. Instead, rest your finger on top of a covered ice compress or pack.
Raising the injured finger above the level of your heart slows the blood flow to the site, reducing inflammation and easing throbbing pain. You can also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin to help reduce inflammation and associated pain.
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Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for pain relief
A bruised fingernail is usually the result of an accident or trauma to the finger. It is often accompanied by severe pain, bruising, stiffness, or loss of sensation. While a bruised fingernail can sometimes heal on its own with rest, ice, and other pain relief strategies, it is important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe or if there are signs of a fracture.
Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatories can be very effective in managing the pain and reducing inflammation associated with a bruised fingernail. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin are commonly recommended OTC medications that can help with both pain relief and reducing inflammation. These medications can be taken orally, following the dosage instructions on the package or as advised by a healthcare professional. It is important to note that these medications should be used with caution and not exceed the recommended dosage to avoid any potential side effects or complications.
In addition to oral anti-inflammatories, topical OTC pain-relieving medicated creams and herbal formulas can also be applied directly to the affected area. Arnica, for example, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation and improve the healing time of bruises. When using these topical treatments, it is important to follow the application instructions on the package or as directed by a healthcare professional.
While managing pain and reducing inflammation are important aspects of treating a bruised fingernail, it is crucial to address the underlying cause and promote proper healing. This may include seeking medical attention, particularly if there is a fracture or if the pain and swelling do not subside. In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend draining the blood that has built up under the fingernail to relieve pressure and pain. This procedure, known as nail trephination, should only be performed by a medical professional or under their guidance to avoid infection and further complications.
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Avoid activities that increase pain or finger strain
A bruised fingernail is usually the result of an accident or trauma to the finger, such as smashing it with a hammer or slamming it in a door. This can cause severe pain, bruising, stiffness, or even loss of sensation in the finger. It is important to avoid activities that may increase pain or strain on the injured finger to allow it to heal properly and prevent further injury.
- Rest the injured finger as much as possible. Avoid using the hand for any heavy lifting or strenuous activities that may put pressure or strain on the injured finger.
- Avoid any activities that involve impact or direct contact with the injured finger. This includes activities such as sports or exercises that may increase the risk of further injury or impact to the finger.
- Refrain from any activities that require fine motor skills or precise movements with the injured hand. This includes activities such as typing, writing, or playing musical instruments, as they may increase finger strain and cause discomfort.
- If your work involves manual labour or activities that may put stress on the injured finger, consider taking a break or modifying your tasks to minimise finger strain. Discuss with your employer or colleagues to see if any accommodations can be made to assist you during the healing process.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting gloves or rings that may put pressure on the injured finger. Opt for loose-fitting clothing and accessories to ensure comfort and proper circulation.
It is important to listen to your body and adjust your activities accordingly. Taking these precautions will help reduce pain and promote the healing process for your bruised fingernail.
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Seek medical attention if you can't move your finger
If you have a bruised fingernail, it is important to seek medical attention if you are unable to move your finger. This could indicate a more severe injury, such as a broken bone or deep cut, that requires prompt medical care.
When you experience trauma to your finger, such as smashing it in a door or hitting it with a hammer, you may develop a subungual hematoma, which is a bruised fingernail. This occurs when blood collects under your nail, causing pressure and pain. In some cases, the blood may need to be drained by a healthcare professional to relieve the pain and support healing. They may also need to perform X-rays or ultrasounds to check for broken bones or other injuries that are not visible on the surface.
If you are unable to move your finger due to the bruising, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This could be a sign of a more severe injury, such as a broken finger or a deep wound. A broken finger can cause long-term complications if not treated properly. Your doctor will be able to assess the severity of the injury and provide the necessary treatment, which may include nonsurgical or surgical options.
Additionally, it is important to keep the injured finger elevated and to apply ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce inflammation and ease pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers can also help manage the pain and reduce swelling. Keep the injury clean to prevent infection, and consider using OTC antibiotic ointments or creams after cleaning the wound.
Remember, if you are experiencing severe pain, stiffness, swelling, or an inability to move your finger, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure proper treatment and avoid long-term complications.
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Frequently asked questions
A bruised fingernail is usually the result of an injury, such as stubbing your toe or finger, that causes blood to collect and become trapped under the nail. This is called a subungual hematoma.
If you have a small subungual hematoma, it may not need medical treatment. You can try home remedies such as resting, icing, applying compression, and elevating the area to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like aspirin, Advil, or Motrin can also help with minor pain. If the pain is severe or the injury is accompanied by broken bones or damage to the nail bed, you should seek medical treatment.
A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks. However, the bruise may remain visible for several months until the affected portion of the nail grows out.
