How Long Does the Pain Last for a Smashed Finger?

Hearing the term “Smashed finger” gives you chills. You might picture a bloody finger that’s about to turn into minced meat. But hold your horses; a smashed finger is usually a minor injury that often heals on its own. However, “How long does the pain last for a smashed finger?” varies with the severity.

What Is a Smashed Finger?

A smashed finger is a common injury that happens when a heavy object or something with force hits the finger, causing damage. This can occur from dropping something on the finger, hitting it with a hammer, or shutting it in a door.

What to Do If Baby Smashed Finger in Door?

Babies are more likely to smash their fingers. This is because they can’t be cautious enough like an adult. To treat a smashed finger, you need to manage the pain. Following are some ways to do this:

• Ice: You can apply an ice pack to bring the swelling down. Do it for fifteen minutes every hour.
• Elevation: Allowing your hand to hang down will rush the blood flow into your injured finger. Therefore, keep it elevated above your head to reduce the pain.
• Pain Relievers: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) to help with pain and swelling.
• Finger Movement: Keep moving your finger. Resting it a lot can make you lose the sensation. If it still happens, call your doctor immediately.

Should I Wrap a Smashed Finger?

Wrapping a smashed finger is a big mistake you should avoid. Compression works for joint injuries like wrist strains, but it’s not good for a smashed finger. Pressing on the finger can cut off blood flow, which means the finger won’t get enough oxygen and nutrients to heal properly.

When Should I Be Worried About a Smashed Finger?

It can be tough to tell if a finger is broken or just sprained. The key difference is how severe the symptoms are and how long they last. With a sprained finger, you might have pain, swelling, and stiffness, but these usually improve in a few days. A broken finger will have more intense symptoms that last longer. Signs of a broken finger include:

• Sharp pain at the injury site
• Swelling and tenderness that lasts for several days
• Swelling that spreads to other parts of the hand
• Severe bruising around the injury
• Difficulty moving the finger without extreme pain or not being able to move it at all
• A misshapen or deformed finger
• Numbness, burning, or tingling sensations
• You might also hear a crack when the finger breaks. If a bone fragment pierces the skin, it’s a sure sign of a fracture.

How Long Does a Smashed Finger Take to Heal?

Usually, a smashed finger will begin healing in a few days with home care. As it heals, a bruise may appear. This is a sign that your body is repairing the injury, which might cause pain, discoloration, soreness, or numbness.

Wrapping Up

A smashed finger is a common occurrence. Therefore, many patients wonder, “How long does the pain last for a smashed finger?” So they know when to act. However, it’s always wise to consult a specialist first.

Visit our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Luo, at Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA. Our hand and upper extremity specialist offers various treatments for injuries to the hand. Dial any of the following numbers for appointment:

Houston Office- (713) 794-3307

Houston Office – (713) 799-2300

Sugar Land Office – (713) 794-3457