A smashed finger can cause excruciating pain. It is vital to be prepared on what to do if an individual ends up with this type of injury.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vmtWe0oPws
What should I do?
After sustaining the injury, some of the measures that can be done include the following:
- Cold therapy using an ice pack to lessen the pain and inflammation. The ice pack must be applied for 15 minutes at a time several times during the initial hours after the injury.
- Elevate the hand with the smashed finger. If the damaged hand is left to dangle at the side, it can worsen the swelling and throbbing sensation. It must be held up to lessen the pressure.
An over-the-counter pain medication can be taken to lessen the pain. - Using the affected hand. It is best to keep the hand moving. If the individual could not move a finger or could not feel it after a few minutes, a doctor must be seen.
- An over-the-counter pain medication can be taken to lessen the pain.
When to consult a doctor
Generally, a smashed finger does not require a trip to the emergency department. Occasionally, the finger might be broken. A doctor must be seen or bring the individual to the nearest healthcare facility if the following are present:
- Evident deformity
- Signs of infection are present
- Numbness of the affected finger before the application of ice as well as lack of the throbbing sensation
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on a smashed finger is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to how to properly manage this injury, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Victoria, Surrey, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.