WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR FINGER INJURY

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

  • Major bleeding (actively bleeding or spurting) that can't be stopped
  • Finger has been partially or completely amputated
  • First Aid: Apply direct pressure to the entire wound with a clean cloth.

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You think you have a serious injury

  • Injury looks like a dislocated joint (crooked or deformed)
  • Bleeding that hasn't stopped after 10 minutes of direct pressure
  • Cut or scrape is very deep (e.g. can see bone or tendons)  
  • Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches
  • Blood present under the nail is causing severe pain
  • Fingernail is torn-off or partially torn from a crush injury or cut
  • Dirt or grime in the wound is not removed after 15 minutes of scrubbing
  • High pressure injection injury (e.g. from paint gun, usually work-related)
  • Fingernail is completely torn off
  • Base of fingernail has popped out from under skin fold
  • Cut or scrape looks infected (redness, red streak or pus)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think you need to be seen
  • Finger joint can't be opened (straightened) and closed (bent) completely
  • Cut or scrape and it's been more than 10 years since last tetanus booster (5 years for dirty cuts and scrapes)

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • Injury interferes with work or school
  • Injury and pain have not improved after 3 days
  • Injury is still painful or swollen after 2 weeks

Self Care at Home If

  • Minor finger injury and you don't think you need to be seen

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

See Other Topics:

View Anatomic Index of Topics