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Smashed fingers: They’re no joke

Many adults have experienced a smashed finger before. They all hurt, but severity of that smashed finger can vary from an “ouch! That smarts!” to an, “oh my gosh, I need to go to the ER.”

A smashed finger is no laughing matter. Fingers can often times be stiff, sore, swollen, and sensitive for an upwards of 3 to 6 months after an injury. Fingers know how to do two things- swell up and hurt. Its important to keep the other fingers from getting stiff from disuse.

What does the finger go through when smashed?

Smashing a finger is a lot like stepping on a grape. The trauma causes the finger tip to “explode from the inside out.”

Smashed nail

Sometimes the tissue under the nail bleeds creating a hematoma. Other times, the nail can even fall off. Typically a new nail grows back but it can take several months to grow out.

A good rule of thumb following a crushing injury or smashed finger is to see a doctor or specialist about the best treatment for your problem. Everyone uses their hands. They are incredibly important even if the non-dominant hand is affected. Taking a finger or hand away when you’re used to having it can be no less than challenging.

By Stephanie Jones

Source:

https://media.giphy.com/media/1iLzGOXg0JZcEX3W/giphy.gif

http://www.assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-injuries/fingertip-injury

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