Users' questions 

Should I take my child to the doctor for a jammed finger?

Leia Doyle

Should I take my child to the doctor for a jammed finger?

If the finger is not feeling better or improving after two days, or if the finger pain is over the bone instead of the joint, you should consider going to see your regular doctor for an X-ray.

How would you treat a minor crush injury such as a child’s finger being caught in a closing door?

An ice pack or a soaking in cold water may relieve the pain and minimize swelling. If the swelling is mild and your child is comfortable, you can allow the finger to heal on its own.

When should I be worried about a smashed 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.

What should I do if I jammed my finger in a door?

Treatment

  1. Apply ice for 15 minutes each hour to bring down the swelling. If you don’t have ice, you can soak the finger in cold water instead.
  2. Keep your finger elevated above chest level.
  3. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) to ease any discomfort.

What should I do if my child has stuck a finger in the door?

Caring for a Smashed Finger

  1. Apply pressure to the cut with sterile gauze for 10 minutes to stop the bleeding. Remove all dirt and grime to prevent infection.
  2. If the skin is open the finger may need stitches. Wrap the finger in a sterile bandage and see a doctor right away if bleeding doesn’t stop.

How can you tell if a child has a broken finger?

The most obvious symptoms of a broken finger are deformity of the finger or being unable to move it. However, as in your son’s situation, the symptoms can be more subtle, and swelling may be the main complaint. Pain, tenderness, bruising, stiffness or numbness also can signal a broken finger.

What happens if you don’t drain blood under nail?

If blood is spontaneously draining from the hematoma, drainage of subungual hematoma is generally not required. You should not try draining your subungual hematoma at home as improper drainage may result in infections or permanent damage to the nail bed.

How do you make a swollen finger go down fast?

Try these methods for reducing swelling in your fingers:

  1. Keep your hand/arm elevated. If you keep your hand down, gravity is keeping the extra fluid in your hand.
  2. Apply ice to the affected area.
  3. Wear a splint or compressive wrap. Do not apply too tightly.
  4. Take anti inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen.

How do you treat a child’s swollen finger?

Put ice or a cold pack on your child’s finger for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the first 3 days (when your child is awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child’s skin.

What to do if a child breaks a finger?

You think your child has broken a finger.

  1. Examine the Injury. Do not try to straighten the finger.
  2. Make a Splint. Wrap the finger with a soft cloth.
  3. Reduce Swelling. Ice the finger for a few minutes at a time.
  4. Get Help. Go to the pediatrician’s office or the emergency room.

What to do when you smash your fingernail and it turns black?

Immediate First Aid

  1. Ice it. Use an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
  2. Elevate it. 2 Letting your hand dangle at your side after smashing your finger will simply increase swelling and that uncomfortable throbbing.
  3. Use it.
  4. Take a pain reliever.

Should I drain blood under my nail?

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.

Is it OK to leave ring on swollen finger?

1 Do not attempt ring removal if the finger is swollen, blue or purple, or if there is no feeling in the finger. In case of injury or if the finger appears to be swollen and discolored, go to the urgent care or emergency department.

How do you get a ring off a severely swollen finger?

Here’s how to get a ring off safely:

  1. Squirt some Windex – yes Windex – on the finger and ring. Or, use any lubricant such as soap or oil.
  2. Elevate the hand overhead for 5-10 minutes with ice around the ring and finger.
  3. Use dental floss or a thread to compress the swollen finger as shown:

How do you tell if a child has a broken finger?

Does it hurt to drain blood under nail?

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.

How do you remove a ring from a swollen finger without cutting it?

How to Get a Ring Off

  1. Squirt some Windex – yes Windex – on the finger and ring. Or, use any lubricant such as soap or oil.
  2. Elevate the hand overhead for 5-10 minutes with ice around the ring and finger.
  3. Use dental floss or a thread to compress the swollen finger as shown: