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Experiencing a door shutting on your finger can be excruciatingly painful! Fortunately, in most cases, your finger will heal naturally over time. But how can you alleviate the immediate pain? No need to fret. There are actually numerous ways you can ease the pain and treat the injury. To simplify things for you, we've compiled a list of helpful strategies to assist with pain management following a finger injury from a door closure.
Procedures
Relieve pain by immersing your bruised finger in cold water.
Dip your finger for up to 20 minutes to alleviate pain. Bruised fingers can cause intense pain, but you can find relief by cooling them down. Fill a bowl with cold water and submerge your hand for up to 20 minutes at a time. You can repeat this soaking process as needed, but avoid exceeding 20 minutes to prevent excessive blood flow restriction.
- If there's an open wound, refrain from soaking your finger in water to prevent interference with the healing process.
Use an ice pack for 15-minute intervals.
Applying ice to your finger can alleviate pain and swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a clean cloth to prevent direct skin contact, which could cause damage. Gently place the ice pack on the injured area to alleviate pain and reduce swelling, promoting faster healing.
- Avoid prolonged use of the ice pack to prevent skin damage; limit application to 15-20 minutes at a time.
Raise your hand above your heart level.
Elevation can reduce pressure and swelling in your finger. Rest your injured finger as much as possible to prevent further harm. Keep it elevated above heart level to restrict blood flow, preventing worsening swelling.
- For example, prop your hand on a pillow when lying down.
Consider over-the-counter pain relievers.
Consider nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil) belong to the NSAID group and can effectively alleviate pain and inflammation. Purchase them from your local pharmacy and follow the dosage instructions on the packaging to relieve your symptoms.
- If you experience severe pain, consult your doctor. They may prescribe stronger pain medication.
Take off any rings you're wearing.
Be prepared for potential swelling in your finger. While swelling may not occur immediately, if you've slammed your finger hard enough, it's likely to happen later. Excessive swelling can make it challenging to remove any rings, so it's advisable to take them off as soon as possible.
- Although it may sound alarming, excessive swelling could result in restricted circulation from your rings. Removing them is a precautionary measure.
Find ways to divert your attention from the pain.
Engage in activities to distract yourself. If you're feeling frustrated after injuring your finger, easing the pain can be achieved by diverting your focus elsewhere for a while. Explore activities that work for you. Take a brief walk, concentrate on future tasks, or any method that helps shift your attention away. It may assist in calming your mind.
Apply steady pressure for 10 minutes on any bleeding cuts.
Use sterile gauze to apply pressure on any cuts to halt bleeding. If your finger has been slammed hard enough to cause a split in the skin and bleeding, addressing the bleeding is the first step. Take sterile gauze and place it directly over the bleeding area. Maintain firm pressure for at least 10 minutes or until the bleeding ceases.
Cleanse any cuts with soap and water.
Dedicate around 5 minutes to removing any dirt from the wound. Once the bleeding has stopped, cleaning the open wound is essential to prevent potential infection. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly cleanse the injured area.
- Initially, washing cuts on your fingers may cause discomfort, but it's beneficial in the long term.
Apply antibacterial ointment and bandage cuts.
Using antibiotic ointment and a bandage can aid in preventing infections and shielding the wounded area. Apply a common, over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointment generously on the open wound. Next, take a bandage, such as a Band-Aid, and wrap it securely, ensuring it's not too tight, to protect the area and promote healing.
- You don’t need to use antibiotic ointment or a bandage if you don’t have any cuts or scrapes.
- If the skin is open and won’t stop bleeding, seek medical attention.
Take a few deep breaths.
Deep breaths can alleviate the initial pain. Shutting a door on your finger is undeniably painful! Before reacting with anger or frustration, take a brief moment to breathe. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat to calm yourself before addressing the injury.
- You can focus on a word or phrase while breathing, like picturing “calm” or “relaxed” in your mind.
Don’t attempt to drain blood from under your fingernail.
Consult your doctor before attempting to drain blood from under your fingernail. If blood accumulates under your fingernail after a door shuts on it, contact your doctor. They may advise leaving it alone to heal naturally. However, if the pressure and pain become unbearable, they may recommend visiting their office for safe drainage.
Consult your doctor if you suspect your finger is broken.
Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain or inability to straighten your finger. An inability to fully extend a bent finger indicates a possible fracture. Your doctor will assess the severity of the injury and may splint your finger while prescribing pain relief. Prompt action is crucial to prevent permanent damage.
- Always consult your doctor before using a splint. While helpful for minor fractures from finger injuries, incorrect use may lead to future complications.
Monitor for fever, increased pain, and swelling.
These symptoms may indicate an infection or a severe fracture. Persistent pain or worsening swelling suggests a potentially more serious injury. If accompanied by fever or red streaks around the injury, it could signal infection. Seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.
Tips
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Take solace in the fact that in most cases, your finger will heal naturally without any issues.
Warnings
- Avoid taking prescription medication unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.
