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Suggest Remedies For Swollen, Discoloured And Hard Finger Post An Injury
Question: I suffered a "smashed" finger about 10 hours ago. The injury is on the fleshy side of my finger, above the last joint, but not obviously damaging the nail. It is quite swollen, discolored and hard. I rate the pain at about 2 - 3. I'm not anxious to make an ER visit, but wondering if I need to be concerned about the amount of swelling causing further injury.
Brief Answer:
About your finger:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I always feel a little concerned about advising in situations where examination would be helpful and not having this advantage.
The risk of excessive inflammation to the distal part of the finger is that swelling can put pressure on nerves and blood vessels. In the distal finger, if there is a lot of swelling under the nail (such as from a blood collection under the nail), we sometimes have to bore a hole into the nail to release pressure. This is done because the nail, which is rigid, limits expansion from swelling and so excessive pressure on underlying structures (nerves, blood vessels) can happen.
But otherwise, if there is no joint involvement or involvement of bleeding or bruising under the nail, you don't have to go in. Continue elevating the finger above the level of your heart, and icing it.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
About your finger:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I always feel a little concerned about advising in situations where examination would be helpful and not having this advantage.
The risk of excessive inflammation to the distal part of the finger is that swelling can put pressure on nerves and blood vessels. In the distal finger, if there is a lot of swelling under the nail (such as from a blood collection under the nail), we sometimes have to bore a hole into the nail to release pressure. This is done because the nail, which is rigid, limits expansion from swelling and so excessive pressure on underlying structures (nerves, blood vessels) can happen.
But otherwise, if there is no joint involvement or involvement of bleeding or bruising under the nail, you don't have to go in. Continue elevating the finger above the level of your heart, and icing it.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. I understand the challenge with not being able to examine an injury! I don't think the swelling is under the nail so I will continue with conservative care at home unless something changes.
Brief Answer:
Sound good.
Detailed Answer:
I hope it recovers soon. Know that it may look discolored for awhile.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Sound good.
Detailed Answer:
I hope it recovers soon. Know that it may look discolored for awhile.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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