Smashed fingers

Definition

Smashed fingers is an injury involving trauma to one or more fingers.

Alternative Names

Finger(s) - smashed; Crushed digits

Considerations

If an injury to a finger occurs at the tip and does not involve the joint or nail bed, you may not need the help of a health care provider. If only the tip of your finger bone is broken, your provider may not even recommend a splint.

Causes

Fingers can be smashed by a hammer blow, car door, desk drawer, baseball, or some other force.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include any of the following:

First Aid

Apply an ice pack to decrease swelling. Be sure to wrap the pack in a clean cloth first to prevent cold injury to the skin.

Over-the-counter pain medicines may help relieve discomfort.

If pain becomes severe, with blood under the fingernail, call your provider. Your provider may guide you in taking measures to relieve the pressure and blood, and prevent the fingernail from falling off.

Do Not

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Seek medical attention right away for any of the following:

Prevention

Teach safety to young children. Use caution when shutting doors to make sure fingers are not in danger.

References

Kamal RN, Gire JD. Tendon injuries in the hand. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 73.

Schoener B, Wagner MJ. Hand injuries. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 42.


Review Date: 4/24/2023
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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