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If you smash a finger, the first step is to relieve the swelling and pain with an ice pack, elevation, and an over-the-counter painkiller if needed. Moving the finger helps promote circulation. If there is blood beneath the fingernail, do not drain it yourself unless your doctor gives you the OK.
Should I drain blood from smashed finger?
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 don’t drain blood from under a nail?
You should not try draining your subungual hematoma at home as improper drainage may result in infections or permanent damage to the nail bed. A subungual hematoma is sometimes drained by a doctor.
Should you relieve the pressure from a smashed finger?
You could accidentally touch the skin under the nail if pressure is applied to the nail. Go slowly, and reheat the clip as necessary. A thick nail may take several tries. As soon as the hole is complete, blood will escape and the pain will be relieved.
When is it too late to drain a subungual hematoma?
Subungual hematomas should be trephinated if they are acute (less than 24 to 48 hours old), are not spontaneously draining, are associated with intact nail folds, or are painful. After 48 hours, most subungual hematomas have clotted and trephination is typically not effective.
How long will smashed finger be swollen?
The fingertip will usually stay a little bit swollen permanently, but it should not interfere with function. It will take longer than you think is reasonable, about six to twelve months, for the swelling to go down as much as it will.
How do you stop a smashed finger from throbbing?
Immediate First Aid Ice it. An ice pack can quickly reduce pain and swelling. Elevate it. Raising the injured finger above the heart slows the blood flow and reduces the throbbing. Use it. If possible, keep using the finger to promote circulation. Take a pain reliever.
Should I go to the doctor if I smashed my 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.
Can a smashed finger cause a blood clot?
A blood clot can form after a trauma to the finger damages blood vessels or breaks a bone. Examples include: a heavy object falling on the fingers, like when you accidentally hit your finger with a hammer. a crush injury, such as when you get your finger caught in a car door.
Should I drill a hole in my fingernail?
So, the best thing to do is drain the blood pocket under the nail and relieve the pressure build-up. Fingernails don’t have nerve endings, and by moving very slowly with a drill bit, you can reach the blood pocket without touching your nail bed!.
How do you know if a finger injury is serious?
What Are Some Common Symptoms of a Broken Finger? Your affected finger is bent into a strange or unnatural position. There’s excessive swelling in one localized area. There’s significant tenderness and bruising in one localized area. Your pain is exceptionally severe. You’re finding it difficult to move the affected finger.
How do you make a swollen finger go down fast?
Try these methods for reducing swelling in your fingers: Keep your hand/arm elevated. If you keep your hand down, gravity is keeping the extra fluid in your hand. Apply ice to the affected area. Wear a splint or compressive wrap. Do not apply too tightly. Take anti inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen.
How do you drain pus from your finger?
In most cases, pus will drain on its own after soaking the infection. You may need to apply a bit of pressure by gently rubbing or squeezing the area with a damp cloth or cotton swab. If this does not work, then see your doctor. You doctor may take a small needle to open up the affected area and drain the pus.
Should I go to the ER for subungual hematoma?
Any severe blow to a finger or toe should be checked by your healthcare provider. You may have broken bones (fractures) or damage to other tissues. If you can’t see your healthcare provider right away, go to the nearest emergency department.
How do you know you have a hematoma?
Hematomas can be seen under the skin or nails as purplish bruises of different sizes. Skin bruises can also be called contusions. Hematomas can also happen deep inside the body where they may not be visible. Hematomas may sometimes form a mass or lump that can be felt.
Why is my hematoma hard?
Many injuries can develop a hematoma and give the area a firm, lumpy appearance. If you have an injury, you might have more than a bruise. It’s important to see your doctor if your bruise swells or becomes a firm lump, because it might mean something more severe happened under the skin.
Will Epsom salt help a smashed finger?
Epsom salt can help reduce pain and swelling. Soak your swollen fingertip for 15 to 20 minutes in warm or cool water mixed with Epsom salt.
