What should I do if I smashed my hand?
If you think you might have a broken hand, see a doctor immediately, especially if you have numbness, swelling or trouble moving your fingers. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to poor healing, decreased range of motion and decreased grip strength.
What happens if you smash your hand?
You may notice bleeding and bruising if blood vessels have been damaged. Swelling around the site of injury is common and you will have limited movement of the area due to pain and the number of structures damaged. If nerves have been damaged, you could experience pins and needles or numbness in part of the hand.
How do you treat a hammered finger?
Immediate First AidIce it. An ice pack can quickly reduce pain and swelling. ... Elevate it. Raising the injured finger above the heart slows the blood flow and reduces the throbbing. ... Use it. If possible, keep using the finger to promote circulation. ... Take a pain reliever.
When should I be worried about a smashed finger?
The finger or toe looks crooked. The injury causes immediate damage to the nail, such as a visible crack. The skin is open and may need stitches. There is dirt in the wound you can't wash out.
How long does it take for a smashed hand to heal?
In general, broken hand recovery takes 3 to 6 weeks. You'll have to wear the cast, splint, or brace during the entire time.
How long does a crushed hand take to heal?
With proper treatment, broken fingers will typically heal within a few weeks and broken hands within one to two months, although it may take several months to make a complete recovery from a severely broken hand.
Should I go to the doctor if I smashed my 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.
How do you tell if smashed finger is broken?
However, there are a few particularly telltale signs that point to a fracture:The fracture site is very swollen.The affected finger appears unnatural or deformed.The fracture site is tender and bruised.You have difficulty moving the affected finger completely.
How do you know if a finger injury is serious?
Always seek medical care if the following occur:If there is severe pain or deformity.If there is uncontrolled bleeding.If there is a numbness (loss of sensation)If the finger is pale or bluish.If there are exposed bones or tendons.
Will a smashed finger heal by itself?
Though they can be very painful, most smashed fingers heal after a few days of at-home care. Rest, ice, elevation, and the use of OTC pain and anti-inflammatory medications are generally the best way to get immediate and long-term relief from this injury.
Can a smashed finger cause a blood clot?
A blood clot can form after a trauma to the finger damages blood vessels or breaks a bone. Examples include: a heavy object falling on the fingers, like when you accidentally hit your finger with a hammer. a crush injury, such as when you get your finger caught in a car door.
Should you soak a smashed finger?
Most likely the only damage will be swelling and bruising of the soft tissue of the finger and the bones underneath and some minor cuts and blood blisters. In such instances, soaking the finger in cold water immediately after the accident and taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help to relieve the pain and swelling.
What to do when you smash your fingernail and it turns black?
Ice and elevate the area to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like aspirin, Advil, or Motrin for minor pain. But the pressure generated by pooled blood under the nail can be extremely painful.
How do you treat a finger contusion?
Put ice or a cold pack on the finger for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. Prop up your hand on a pillow when you ice your finger or anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep your hand above the level of your heart.