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While working on household tasks, hanging decor, or crafting in your workshop, accidentally striking your finger with a hammer can happen. Despite being common, it can cause significant pain and injury. Assessing the damage is crucial to determine the appropriate home treatment or if medical attention is necessary.
Steps to Follow
Caring for Your Injured Finger
Check for any swelling: Typically, your finger will swell after being hit, regardless of the impact force. If the hit wasn't severe, the swelling may subside within a few days. Applying an ice pack can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Additionally, over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can provide relief. Seek medical attention if swelling persists, or if you experience severe pain, numbness, or limited finger mobility.
Addressing a Fractured Finger - Severe swelling and intense pain may indicate a finger fracture, especially if the impact was significant. Distorted finger appearance and extreme sensitivity to touch suggest a fracture. Seek medical assistance promptly for an X-ray and appropriate treatment. Do not attempt to splint the finger without professional guidance.
Assessing Lacerations - After cleaning, assess the wound for lacerations or tears, which may require medical attention if extensive. Small lacerations can be treated with antibiotic ointment and bandaging. Deeper cuts may necessitate sutures, while completely destroyed skin may need removal.
Checking for Tendon Damage - Examine the finger for signs of tendon injury, indicated by an inability to bend the finger, numbness, or tenderness. Palm-side cuts may indicate tendon damage, requiring evaluation by a hand surgeon for repair.
Evaluating the Fingernail - Assess any damage to the fingernail, such as a blood blister or detachment. Seek medical attention for significant blood blisters or detached nails, as they may impede nail growth or lead to infection. Partial or complete nail loss requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications and promote healthy nail regrowth.
Seek Medical Attention for Subungual Hematoma - If the blood under your fingernail occupies more than 25% of the nail, consult a doctor. You likely have a subungual hematoma, requiring prompt attention. Your doctor may suggest draining the hematoma, which can be done at home if acted upon quickly. Be cautious and seek assistance if experiencing severe throbbing or discomfort.
Professional Evacuation of Blood - To safely drain the hematoma, visit your doctor for a procedure called cauterization. This involves creating a small hole in the fingernail using an electric cauterization tool. The process relieves pressure without causing pain, as the fingernail lacks nerve endings. Afterwards, your finger will be bandaged for protection.
Home Hematoma Removal - If permitted by your doctor, you can evacuate the hematoma at home. Use a heated paperclip to gently puncture the nail and release the blood. Take precautions to avoid excessive force and potential injury. Once drained, clean the nail again and bandage it securely for protection.
Re-clean and Bandage - After draining the blood, clean the fingernail once more with a cleansing solution. Wrap the finger with gauze, ensuring to provide cushioning and secure the bandage with medical tape. Consider using a figure-eight maneuver to anchor the gauze for better stability.
Further Hematoma Care - Following drainage, ensure proper care by keeping the finger clean and protected. Monitor for any signs of infection and seek medical assistance if necessary. Follow your doctor's recommendations for recovery and avoid further trauma to the affected finger.
Maintaining Finger Care - Consistently change your bandages to ensure proper wound healing. If the dressing becomes soiled before 24 hours, replace it promptly. Clean the finger with a sterile solution before rebandaging, following any specific instructions from your doctor regarding wound care, especially if you have stitches.
Monitor for Infection - Regularly inspect the wound for signs of infection, such as pus, drainage, redness, or increased heat. Pay attention to any symptoms of systemic infection, such as fever, and seek medical attention promptly if you suspect complications like cellulitis or other hand infections.
Doctor Follow-up - Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor after a few weeks, particularly if the injury required stitches or hematoma evacuation. Inform your doctor of any new symptoms or concerns, especially if you suspect infection or nerve damage, to ensure appropriate management.
Additional Doctor Consultation - Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of infection, persistent pain, or signs of nerve damage. Ensure prompt medical attention for any complications or concerns related to your finger injury.
