Title: Smashed Finger: Treatment, Recovery, Seeking Help, and More
Headings: Treatment and Recovery for a Smashed Finger
Treatment and Recovery for a Smashed Finger
Overview and symptoms
Immediate relief
Rest
Ice
Elevate
Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications
Clean and cover open wounds
Make sure you can move your finger
Use pain-relieving creams and herbal remedies
Long-term treatment and recovery
Treating a bruised fingernail
What to avoid
When to seek help
The takeaway

Content: Common tips for treating a smashed finger include: Rest
Once you’ve hurt yourself, stop whatever you’re doing to prevent further injury. As painful as it may be, try to calmly assess the damage and whether you’ll need medical attention. Ice
Very gently apply an ice pack or compress wrapped in a hand towel or cloth to the injured finger for 10-minute intervals with 20-minute breaks, several times daily. Never expose the skin directly to ice, or for longer than 10 to 15 minutes at a time, to avoid the risk of frostbite or further inflammation. To avoid putting weight on the injury, rest the finger on top of a covered ice compress or pack. Elevate
Elevating the injured finger above the level of your heart slows the flood of blood to the site, limiting inflammation and pressure. This is extremely important and needs to be done continuously, not just intermittently. Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications
OTC anti-inflammatory and pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin can help reduce inflammation and associated pain. Clean and cover open wounds
If the nail or skin is broken, gently clean the area using soap and water, or an antibacterial rinse.