A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
W
Y
Smashed fingers
Smashed fingers

Smashed fingers
Definition:
Direct trauma to one or more fingers.

Alternative Names:
Finger(s) - smashed; Crushed digits

Considerations:

If an injury to a finger occurs at the tip and does not involve a joint, the help of a doctor may not be needed. Even if the bone is broken, a splint may not necessarily be recommended by the doctor.
Causes:

Finger(s) can be smashed by a hammer blow, a car door, a desk drawer, a baseball, or some other force.
Symptoms:
  • Finger pain
  • Swelling
  • Loss of fingernail
  • Discoloration or bruising of the finger or fingernail
First Aid:
  • Apply an ice pack to decrease the swelling.
  • Over-the-counter pain medications may help relieve discomfort.
  • If pain becomes excessive, with blood under the fingernail, talk to your health care provider. Your health care provider may assist you in taking the following steps to relieve the pressure:
    Do Not:
    • DO NOT Splint a smashed finger without first consulting your health care provider. Decreased long-term finger mobility may result.
    • DO NOT Try to drain a swollen finger unless your health care provider instructs you to do so.
    Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

    Call for immediate medical attention if the finger is deformed, or if the injury is not limited to the tip of the finger.
    Prevention:
    Teach safety to young children, and use caution when shutting doors to make sure fingers are not in danger.
    Review Date: 1/15/2002
    Reviewed By: David M. Scher, M.D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU-Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
    A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

    The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
    adam.com