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: Any trauma or injury to your finger can lead to: severe finger pain, especially aching and throbbing pain
inflammation (pain, redness, and swelling)
difficulty using the finger tip
loss of sensation in the finger tip
bruising and color change of the skin and fingernail
stiffness in your finger
The fingernail on the smashed finger may also fall off within a week or two of the injury. Read on to learn more about treating a smashed finger, and when you need to seek help. Immediate relief
The best way to get immediate relief from a smashed finger is to treat inflammation. Inflammation is the primary cause of pain, swelling, and redness. 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.