FINGER OR TOE INJURY

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Injury Definition

Injuries to fingers or toes.

Types of Finger / Toe Injuries

Cuts, scrapes (skinned knuckles) and bruises: the most common injuries.
Jammed finger or toe.
- The end of a straightened finger or thumb receives a blow (usually from a ball).
- The energy is absorbed by the joints' surfaces and the injury occurs there.
- For jammed fingers, always check carefully that the end of the finger can be fully straightened.
Crushed or smashed fingertip or toe (e.g., from car door or screen door).
- Usually the end of the finger receives a few cuts or a blood blister.
- Occasionally the nail is damaged, but fractures are unusual.
Fingernail injury: if the nailbed is cut, it needs sutures to prevent a permanently deformed fingernail. This is less important for toenails.
Blood clot under the nail.
- Usually caused by a crush injury from a door or a heavy object falling on the finger while it is on a firm surface.
- Many are only mildly painful.
- Some are severely painful and throbbing. These need the pressure released to prevent loss of the fingernail and to relieve the pain.
Fractures or dislocations.

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.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

View Anatomic Index of Topics