What are common finger and hand injuries in sports. How are finger and hand injuries diagnosed. What treatment options are available for finger and hand injuries. When is surgery necessary for finger and hand injuries. How can athletes prevent finger and hand injuries.

Common Types of Finger and Hand Injuries in Sports

Finger and hand injuries are prevalent among athletes, especially in contact sports and those involving ball-catching or hand equipment. High-speed sports like skating and biking also pose risks for these injuries. Understanding the types of injuries that can occur is crucial for proper treatment and prevention.

Some of the most common acute finger and hand injuries include:

• Bruises
• Ligament damage (e.g., skier’s thumb)
• Tendon injuries (e.g., mallet finger)
• Joint sprains
• Muscle strains
• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Crushing injuries

In addition to acute injuries, overuse can also lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinosis. Proper treatment is essential to prevent permanent loss of function or deformity.

Recognizing Symptoms of Finger and Hand Injuries

Symptoms of finger and hand injuries are usually noticeable and can help differentiate between various types of injuries. Can you identify a jammed finger from a broken one? Here are the most common symptoms to look out for:

• Pain at the injury point or in the fingers
• Inability to move the finger
• Limited hand motion
• Deformity
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Weakness of the hand

It’s important to note that tendon pain in the hand may indicate tendinosis, which involves small tears in the tissue surrounding the tendon. Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to faster and more effective treatment.

Diagnostic Procedures for Finger and Hand Injuries

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of finger and hand injuries. How do medical professionals determine the extent and type of injury? The diagnostic process typically involves several steps:

1. Physical examination: The doctor will check the range of motion, strength, and visual signs of injury in the affected area.
2. Medical history review: Understanding the patient’s medical background and how the injury occurred is essential for accurate diagnosis.
3. Imaging tests: X-rays or other imaging scans may be ordered if a fracture or serious injury is suspected.

This comprehensive approach helps healthcare providers develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the specific injury and patient needs.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Finger and Hand Injuries

Many finger and hand injuries can be treated without surgery. What are the initial steps in treating these injuries? The first line of treatment often includes:

• Rest and ice application
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management
• Splinting or “buddy taping” (taping one finger to another to immobilize it)
• Casting
• Bracing

As the injury begins to heal, physical therapy may be prescribed to restore function and strength to the affected area. These non-surgical approaches are often effective for many types of finger and hand injuries, promoting healing while minimizing invasive procedures.

Surgical Interventions for Severe Finger and Hand Injuries

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage and restore function to the fingers or hand. When is surgical intervention required? Typically, surgery is considered for:

• Severe fractures
• Torn tendons
• Complex injuries that cannot be adequately treated with conservative methods

X-rays and other diagnostic imaging play a crucial role in determining whether surgery is necessary. The decision to operate is based on the severity of the injury, its impact on function, and the potential for long-term complications if left untreated surgically.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Process for Finger and Hand Injuries

Rehabilitation is a critical component of the recovery process for finger and hand injuries. How does physical therapy contribute to healing and restored function? Physical therapy for finger and hand injuries typically focuses on:

• Restoring range of motion
• Strengthening exercises
• Improving dexterity and fine motor skills
• Pain management techniques
• Educating patients on injury prevention

The duration and intensity of rehabilitation depend on the severity of the injury and the individual’s recovery progress. Consistent adherence to the prescribed therapy regimen is crucial for optimal recovery and return to normal activities or sports participation.

Preventing Finger and Hand Injuries in Sports

Prevention is always preferable to treatment when it comes to sports injuries. How can athletes reduce their risk of finger and hand injuries? Here are some effective strategies:

• Proper technique: Learning and practicing correct form for sport-specific activities can significantly reduce injury risk.
• Protective gear: Using appropriate gloves, taping, or other protective equipment can provide added safety.
• Strength training: Developing strength in the hands, wrists, and forearms can improve resilience to injury.
• Warm-up and cool-down: Properly preparing the body for activity and gradually cooling down afterward can prevent injuries.
• Rest and recovery: Allowing adequate time for rest between intense training sessions or competitions helps prevent overuse injuries.

By implementing these preventive measures, athletes can minimize their risk of finger and hand injuries while maintaining peak performance in their chosen sports.

Long-Term Implications of Untreated Finger and Hand Injuries

Neglecting proper treatment for finger and hand injuries can lead to serious long-term consequences. What are the potential risks of leaving these injuries untreated? Some possible outcomes include:

• Chronic pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Weakness in the affected hand or fingers
• Deformity
• Arthritis
• Permanent loss of function

These potential complications underscore the importance of seeking prompt medical attention and following through with recommended treatment plans. Early intervention and appropriate care can significantly improve long-term outcomes and prevent lasting disability.

Impact on Daily Activities and Quality of Life

Untreated finger and hand injuries can have far-reaching effects on an individual’s daily life and overall well-being. How do these injuries affect everyday activities? Some common challenges include:

• Difficulty performing basic tasks like writing, typing, or using utensils
• Reduced ability to participate in hobbies or recreational activities
• Limitations in certain occupations that require manual dexterity
• Emotional distress due to chronic pain or functional limitations

By addressing finger and hand injuries promptly and thoroughly, individuals can minimize these potential impacts and maintain a higher quality of life.

Returning to Sports After Finger and Hand Injuries

For athletes, returning to their sport after a finger or hand injury is a primary concern. What factors determine when an athlete can safely resume play? The decision to return to sports activities typically depends on:

• The type and severity of the injury
• The extent of healing and recovery
• Restoration of strength and range of motion
• The athlete’s ability to perform sport-specific tasks without pain or limitation
• Medical clearance from healthcare providers

A gradual return to play, often under the guidance of sports medicine professionals, helps ensure a safe and successful transition back to full participation. This approach minimizes the risk of re-injury and allows athletes to regain confidence in their abilities.

Advances in Treatment for Finger and Hand Injuries

Medical advancements continue to improve the treatment options available for finger and hand injuries. What are some innovative approaches in this field? Recent developments include:

• Minimally invasive surgical techniques
• Advanced imaging technologies for more precise diagnosis
• Bioengineered materials for tendon and ligament repair
• Targeted rehabilitation protocols using virtual reality and other technologies
• Regenerative medicine approaches, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

These advancements offer the potential for faster recovery times, improved outcomes, and reduced risk of complications. As research continues, treatment options for finger and hand injuries are likely to become even more effective and tailored to individual patient needs.

The Role of Hand Therapy in Recovery

Hand therapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of finger and hand injuries. How does specialized hand therapy contribute to recovery? Hand therapists are trained to address the unique needs of patients with injuries to the upper extremities. Their expertise includes:

• Custom splint fabrication
• Targeted exercises for improving strength and dexterity
• Manual therapy techniques
• Scar management
• Edema control
• Adaptive equipment recommendations

By working closely with hand therapists, patients can achieve optimal functional outcomes and faster return to their normal activities. The personalized approach of hand therapy ensures that each patient’s specific needs and goals are addressed throughout the recovery process.

Psychological Aspects of Finger and Hand Injuries

The psychological impact of finger and hand injuries is often overlooked but can significantly affect recovery. How do these injuries affect mental health and well-being? Some common psychological challenges include:

• Frustration with limitations in daily activities
• Anxiety about long-term outcomes or return to sports
• Depression related to chronic pain or loss of function
• Body image concerns, especially with visible injuries or deformities
• Fear of re-injury when returning to activities

Addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for comprehensive care. Mental health support, such as counseling or support groups, can be beneficial for patients struggling with the emotional impact of their injuries. By integrating psychological care into the treatment plan, healthcare providers can promote better overall outcomes and patient satisfaction.

The Importance of Patient Education in Injury Management

Patient education is a critical component of effective finger and hand injury management. Why is it essential for patients to be well-informed about their injuries? Proper education helps patients:

• Understand the nature of their injury and expected recovery timeline
• Adhere to treatment plans and home exercise programs
• Recognize signs of complications or need for further medical attention
• Make informed decisions about their care and return to activities
• Implement strategies to prevent future injuries

Healthcare providers should prioritize clear communication and provide resources for patients to learn about their specific injuries and treatment options. This empowers patients to take an active role in their recovery and promotes better long-term outcomes.

Occupational Considerations for Finger and Hand Injuries

Finger and hand injuries can have significant implications for an individual’s occupation. How do these injuries impact work life, and what accommodations might be necessary? Considerations include:

• Temporary work restrictions or modified duties during recovery
• Ergonomic adjustments to workspaces
• Use of adaptive equipment or assistive devices
• Potential need for vocational rehabilitation or job retraining
• Communication with employers about limitations and accommodations

Occupational therapists and vocational rehabilitation specialists can play a crucial role in helping patients navigate these challenges. By addressing occupational concerns early in the treatment process, healthcare providers can help patients maintain their professional lives while recovering from their injuries.

The Future of Finger and Hand Injury Treatment

As medical science advances, the future of finger and hand injury treatment looks promising. What innovations can we expect in this field? Some potential developments include:

• 3D-printed prosthetics and implants for complex injuries
• Advanced biomaterials for tissue engineering and regeneration
• Robotic-assisted rehabilitation techniques
• Gene therapy for enhanced healing and tissue repair
• Artificial intelligence-driven diagnostic and treatment planning tools

These emerging technologies have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of finger and hand injuries, offering more personalized, effective, and efficient care. As research progresses, patients can look forward to even better outcomes and faster recovery times in the future.

Broken Finger and Hand Injuries: Symptoms and Care

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What Are Common Finger and Hand Injuries?

Finger and hand injuries are common among athletes.

Hand and finger injuries occur most often in contact sports, such as those that involve catching a ball or using hand equipment like ski poles or common sports, like basketball and volleyball. They also occur in high-speed sports like skating and biking.

Common acute finger and hand injuries include:

• Bruises
• Ligament damage, such as skier’s thumb
• Tendon injuries, such as mallet finger
• Joint sprains
• Muscle strains
• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Crushing injuries

You can also injure your finger or hand from overuse. Overuse injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinosis.

Any finger or hand injury requires proper treatment to ensure you have no permanent loss of function or deformity. 

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Finger and Hand Injury Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of finger and hand injuries

Injured hand and finger symptoms rarely go unnoticed.

Symptoms of finger injuries (below) can help you tell the difference between a jammed finger and broken finger.

The most common symptoms of hand and finger injuries are:

• Pain at the injury point or in your fingers.
• Inability to move the finger.
• Limited hand motion.
• Deformity.
• Swelling.
• Bruising.
• Weakness of the hand.

Tendon pain in the hand may be a sign of tendinosis — a series of very small tears in the tissue surrounding that tendon.

Finger and hand injury diagnosis

Because there’s a wide range of finger and hand injuries, your doctor will start with a physical exam.

He or she will check:

• How well you can move your finger.
• The strength in your fingers or hands.
• For visual signs of the injury.

Your doctor will also:

• Discuss your medical history.
• Ask how and when you injured your finger or hand.
• Order an x-ray or other imaging scan if he or she suspects a fracture or serious injury. 

Learn more about finger and hand injury symptoms and testing

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Finger and Hand Injury Treatment

Nonsurgical treatments for finger and hand injuries

When you hurt your finger or hand, rest and ice are often the first treatments for broken finger care. You can also take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain.

For injuries that don’t require surgery, your doctor may treat your finger or hand problem with a:

• Splint or “buddy taping. ” This involves taping one finger to another to keep it from moving.
• Cast.
• Brace.

After your finger or hand injury starts to heal, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy.

Finger and hand surgery to treat sports injuries

Your doctor will take x-rays to see if you need surgery for a broken finger or broken hand.

In some cases — such as fractures or torn tendons — you may need surgery to repair the damage and restore function to your fingers or hand.

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Smashed fingers Information | Mount Sinai

Finger(s) – smashed; Crushed digits

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

Smashed fingers, causing direct trauma to one or more fingers, should initially be treated with ice to reduce swelling. If blood builds up under a fingernail, a heated wire may be used to burn a hole through the nail.

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 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:

• Difficulty moving the tip of the finger
• Discoloration or bruising of the finger or fingernail
• Finger pain
• Loss of fingernail
• Swelling

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

• Do not splint a smashed finger without first consulting your provider.
• Do not drain blood from under the fingernail unless your provider instructs you to do so.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Seek medical attention right away for any of the following:

• The finger is bent and you can’t straighten it.
• The skin is cut open and bone is exposed.
• The injury involves the palm or any of the joints, such as a finger or the wrist.

Prevention

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

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.

Stearns DA, Peak DA. Hand. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 43.

Last reviewed on: 6/13/2021

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 Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Finger bruise – causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Finger bruise is a closed traumatic injury to the soft tissues of the finger of the upper or lower extremity. Trauma usually occurs in everyday life as a result of a blow. It is manifested by swelling, cyanosis, sharp pain and limitation of movements. When hitting the nail phalanx, subungual hematomas are sometimes formed. According to clinical symptoms, a finger bruise may resemble a fracture; X-rays are prescribed to confirm the preservation of the integrity of the bone. Treatment is usually conservative, in the presence of a large subungual hematoma, an autopsy is indicated.

General information

Finger bruising is classified as minor traumatic injury. This injury occupies one of the first places among the reasons for going to emergency rooms. Symptoms of a bruised finger are similar to those of a fracture, therefore, to exclude serious damage in such injuries, it is imperative to consult a doctor.

In some cases, a bruise of the nail phalanx of the finger is accompanied by a rupture of the extensor tendon or its detachment from the place of attachment. With early treatment in such cases, it is usually possible to do without surgery, in the long-term period, surgical interventions are required, which is another serious argument in favor of visiting a doctor in the first hours after an injury. The treatment of finger bruises is carried out by doctors specializing in traumatology and orthopedics.

Bruised finger

Causes

Usually occurs in everyday life. The fingers of the hand suffer when hit by a heavy object (for example, a hammer), work in the country, pinching a finger between various hard surfaces, for example, between a door and a jamb. Toe bruises are formed when heavy objects fall on the foot or when hitting hard objects (on the leg of a chair, on the jamb). Damage may also occur during work or sports.

Pathogenesis

The fingers are made up of small tubular bones connected by movable joints. The first fingers have two phalanges, the rest have three phalanges. The bones are surrounded by a layer of fiber, along the dorsal and palmar (on the foot – plantar) surfaces of the fingers there are tendons that attach to the nail and middle phalanges. The fingers are a highly differentiated organ designed by nature to perform very precise and complex movements. This causes their rich blood supply and innervation.

Small blood vessels and nerves suffer from injury. Vessels rupture, blood is poured into soft tissues. Due to swelling and hemorrhage, the nerve endings are compressed, which leads to an intense pain syndrome. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the skin of the fingers (especially their palmar surface) is dense, little prone to stretching. Because of this, areas of high pressure are created in the tissues, which leads to increased pain.

The toes are not so well supplied with blood and innervated, however, the distal parts of the foot bear a large load during standing and are involved in the roll of the leg during walking, which causes a noticeable violation of support and movement even with minor bruises of the fingers. The skin of this anatomical zone is even denser than on the palmar surface of the fingers, therefore bruises of the toes are also accompanied by an increase in local pressure, the formation of foci of tension in the tissues and compression of nerve endings with the development of a pronounced pain syndrome.

Symptoms

Finger bruises

The patient complains of pain in the finger area. In the anamnesis, a characteristic injury is revealed: a blow to the finger, pinching of the finger between solid objects, etc. The finger is edematous, the skin is cyanotic, sometimes with a purple tint. Under the nail bed or in the thickness of the skin, small hematomas can be detected.

With subungual hematomas, due to the formation of a high pressure zone, the pain becomes more intense, jerking or bursting, resembling pain in purulent processes. The feeling is painful. Rough deformation and violation of anatomical relationships are not observed. There is no bone crunch, there is no pathological mobility. Movement is usually limited, but possible.

Sometimes a blow to the end of the finger or a fall on a straightened finger in the region of the nail phalanx simultaneously with a bruise causes a subcutaneous rupture of the extensor tendon, which may be complete or incomplete. With an incomplete break, the movements are partially preserved, but full extension becomes impossible. With a complete rupture, due to the bent nail phalanx, the finger takes on the appearance of a “hammer”, there are no extensor movements.

Bruised toes

A patient with a bruised toe complains of pain in the injured area. The anamnesis reveals a fall of a heavy object on the foot or a toe hit on a hard object. Immediately after the injury, the pain syndrome is intense, in the next few hours the pain decreases, and as the edema increases, it increases again. The finger is enlarged, cyanotic. With a bruise of the nail phalanx, subungual hematomas are often detected. Movements are limited, while supporting the patient tries to step on the heel without loading the forefoot.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by a traumatologist. An important task of the diagnostic stage is to exclude a more severe injury – a broken finger. Differentiation with dislocations is usually not required, since with bruises there is no characteristic deformation with displacement of one phalanx relative to the other. To clarify the diagnosis and the final exclusion of a fracture, apply:

• External examination . The finger is slightly or moderately swollen, bruises and hematomas are possible. The symptom of axial load is negative, pathological mobility and bone crepitus are absent.
• Imaging techniques . A finger x-ray is usually ordered. Young children who have small bones that are difficult to see on normal x-rays sometimes have a CT scan of the hand or foot. According to additional studies, pathological changes in bone structures are not detected.

Diagnosis of tendon rupture is made on the basis of physical examination, no additional tests are required. The presence of a rupture is indicated by the typical position of the nail phalanx, the impossibility of complete extension (with partial damage) or movements (with complete detachment of the tendon).

Treatment

First aid

First aid for bruised fingers is simple. If there is a ring on the finger, it must be removed immediately, because due to the increasing edema, this will subsequently become impossible. Ice should be applied to the finger or substitute it under a stream of cold water. Cold water can only be used as a remedy for acute pain, wetting the finger for a long time (for example, doing cold compresses) is not recommended, it will negatively affect the skin.

An ice pack will help to narrow the blood vessels, reduce hemorrhages and prevent the occurrence of severe edema. If there are small wounds or abrasions in the finger area, they must be treated with iodine or brilliant green. It is not required to prophylactically “cover up” the entire finger, trying to protect it from the penetration of infection – this will only complicate the examination of the traumatologist.

In case of partial detachment of the nail plate, wash the wound and apply a bandage to avoid further trauma. It is not necessary to fix the torn part of the nail plate with adhesive plaster – this increases the risk of its tearing off when the bandage is removed. It is also not necessary to try to open hematomas. After providing first aid, the patient is taken to the emergency room to exclude more severe injuries (fractures, dislocations).

At the stage of first aid for a bruised toe, the same measures are taken as for a bruised toe: cold, elevated position of the limb, treatment of abrasions with brilliant green or iodine. It should be borne in mind that small wounds on the legs suppurate more often than on the hands, so the finger must be thoroughly rinsed under running water to remove dirt from the abrasions. You should not open hematomas on your own. Seek medical attention immediately after an injury to rule out more serious injury.

Specialized treatment

Finger bruises are treated on an outpatient basis. Intradermal hematomas are opened, with small subungual hematomas, the nail is pierced with a needle, releasing the accumulated blood. Large subungual hematomas may require removal of the nail. The patient is advised not to load the hand, if possible, keep it in an elevated position and apply cold first, and then dry heat. Painkillers are usually not required, with severe pain, you can take analgin, ketorolac, or any other analgesic once. The period of disability ranges from 1 to 2-3 weeks.

In case of subcutaneous rupture of the extensor tendon, immediately after the injury, a plaster splint or a special bandage is applied, fixing the straightened finger in a state of hyperextension. In some cases, immobilization of the finger is carried out, keeping the middle phalanx in the flexion position, and the nail in the extension position. The immobilization period is 4 weeks. If after this period active extension of the finger remains impossible, surgical treatment is indicated – a tendon suture followed by fixation with a Kirschner wire or a plaster splint.

Treatment of bruised toes is outpatient in the emergency room. Subcutaneous and subungual hematomas are opened, with large subungual hematomas, the nail plate is removed and an aseptic bandage is applied. With mild bruises, it is recommended to step on the foot less and maintain an elevated position of the limb. With severe bruises of several fingers, in some cases, plaster is applied to ensure the rest of the affected segment. In acute pain, it is recommended to take analgesics. The patient is referred to UHF. The term of disability is usually 1-3 weeks.

Prognosis and prevention

Favorable prognosis. All symptoms completely disappear within one or several weeks, there are no residual effects. In the presence of large hematomas, the duration of the recovery period may increase. Prevention consists in the implementation of measures to prevent domestic and industrial injuries.

Bruise of the finger on the hand: causes, symptoms, treatment

Bruise of the finger on the hand is one of the most common household injuries, which equally affects people of all ages and both sexes. As a rule, the consequences of a bruised finger on the hand are minor, and therefore medical attention is not required. But in some cases, going to the hospital can not be avoided.

Common Causes of Injury

The very definition of contusion implies the nature of the patient’s injury, which in most cases is inflicted by a blunt object or is the result of a strong impact with a hard object. For such damage, it is characteristic, first of all, to preserve the integrity of the skin. Therefore, there should be no external bleeding, as well as visible changes in the bone structure of the finger. If its shape is unnaturally curved, we can assume the presence of a dislocation or even a fracture with a displacement.

There are many reasons for bruising the index, thumb or middle finger, both at home and in the workplace. They can be accidentally nailed with a hammer, pinched by a door, or something heavy is dropped on them. It must be remembered that:

1. The ring finger and little finger are generally affected less often, because they are less involved in daily fine motor skills of the hands. But with the rest of the fingers, they share a common vulnerability.
2. These parts of the human body have a rather fragile structure. Delicate skin, lack of muscle and thin bones inside, articulated by many joints. All this against the background of constant involvement in many important processes for a person.
3. For this reason, it is much easier to get a finger bruise than, say, an elbow or sternum, and the sensations and possible complications will be noticeably more unpleasant.

To some extent, various types of gloves made of metal mail weave can protect against such injuries, although they are more likely to resist cuts. Therefore, personal caution and attentiveness come to the fore when performing potentially dangerous actions for the hands.

Features

Determining the presence of a bruised finger visually is quite simple, although if one of the key signs – pain syndrome – is pronounced, then an X-ray examination will be required for safety to rule out a crack or fracture. The main symptoms accompanying most of these injuries can be described as follows:

• hematoma;
• slight swelling;
• partial loss of functionality;
• pain on flexion and extension;
• temporary sensation of pulsation in the injured area.

A blow to the knuckle may cause more pain, but the bruising is not as noticeable, while if the ball of the finger and its soft tissues are damaged, the bruise often appears as a dark spot right under the nail.

The puffiness will subside within a fairly short time, but the hematoma will last longer, and finally disappear after one or two weeks. At first it will be a blue-purple spot, then it will change color to a yellowish or greenish tint. Although, if the blood came out under the nail, because of its transparency, it – after folding – will look almost black.

First aid

The very first thing to do in case of a traumatic bruise of a finger is to prevent a possible recurrence of the injury, and then ensure its immobilization (it is possible for the entire hand at once). In the early stages, it will be enough just to guarantee peace to the bruised finger, without moving it or trying to massage it. However, later – after about two to three hours – you can put a pressure bandage on your finger for the next day or two (it is important not to tighten the bandage too tight).

Between the first and second steps, it is very effective to apply something very cold to the bruised area:

• at home, for example, a towel soaked in ice water, a bottle of ice water or a compress with ice cubes wrapped in it;
• such a measure significantly reduces the severity of the pain syndrome, and also allows you to remove the tumor due to the onset of hemorrhage;
• the described measures are sufficient in 90% of cases of finger injury, if the injury is not complicated by a dislocation or fracture, therefore most patients do not seek medical help – the finger successfully heals itself.

Methods of treatment

For more serious injuries, and in order to speed up the healing process, experts recommend resorting to a number of additional measures, not least of which is physiotherapy. With regard to a bruised finger, we are talking about massage, exposure to temperatures, compresses and myostimulation. There is no need to apply a fixing splint or gypsum if there are no signs of damage to the integrity of bones or ligaments on x-rays.

Some types of bruises lead to such an unpleasant consequence as detachment of the nail plate, but the use of these therapies, coupled with the use of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs, will restore the nail within a month or two. Painkillers are usually not needed. But combined ointments and creams, which also contribute to cooling the edema and resorption of the hematoma, are recommended to be purchased and used several times daily:0005

• Fastum Gel;
• Diclofenac;
• Arnica;
• Voltaren;
• Heparin ointment;
• Troxevasin;
• Ketoprofen.

Before using any medicines, including ointments, you should consult at least a pharmacist in a pharmacy. Because when choosing a drug, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of each patient, including his age, gender and the likely presence of an allergy to various chemical components.

Following all medical prescriptions, including physical therapy, will reduce the period of full recovery to one or one and a half weeks, provided that the sore finger is kept calm during this time.

Recovery

In situations where it is not clear what to do with a bruised finger, and there is no way to see a doctor, traditional healing methods and various folk recipes come to help in recovery. For example, a proven effective remedy is badyagi powder – dried and crushed plants, which, in the form of a suspension (after dilution in water), must be applied to the finger to dissolve the bruise. Experts point out that:

1. For the same purpose, onions, which should be very finely chopped, work well. Then blot the gauze cloth with the mixture and wrap it around your finger, changing the bandage twice a day.
2. You can also prepare a tincture for external use. In equal proportions, vegetable oil, vinegar and honey should be mixed together, let them brew, and then this medicine should be soaked in a compress before each application to the affected finger – also twice a day.
3. If we talk about compresses, then we cannot but mention the well-known potato compress, for the manufacture of which it is necessary to boil the vegetables together with the peel, mash them into gruel and put them on a bandage, adding a spoonful of baking soda and a little honey. The resulting mixture perfectly relieves swelling and successfully fights stagnant bruising.

The key to successful restoration of finger mobility and tissue regeneration is to control the process, because if for some unknown reason the pain or swelling does not go away, there may be an injured nerve or hemarthrosis.

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It is also worth consulting a doctor if the finger has completely healed, but has partially lost its flexibility or mobility, as well as if the nail plate has not fully recovered (if the blow fell on the pad).