What are Fingertip Injuries?

Fingertip injuries are one of the most common injuries of the hand. This can be a crushing injury, tearing injury, a sharp cut, or a combination of these.

There are several possible causes of fingertip injuries, most of which are caused by accidents at home, school, or work.

Symptoms of Fingertip Injuries

The most common symptoms of fingertip injuries include pain, bleeding, swelling, deformity, and swelling of the injured site. Aside from that, there can also be some redness, pus, and fever especially if the injured site is not treated immediately.

Diagnosing Fingertip Injuries

Taking the patient’s medical history and doing a thorough physical exam are needed to diagnose fingertip injuries.

Medical History
As part of taking the medical history, the doctor may ask of the nature and circumstance of the injury. He/she may ask questions as to how and when the injury occurs. The doctor may also ask about other conditions the patient has as well as the medications that he/she is taking.

Physical Exam
The injured finger will be assessed thoroughly. The doctor will look for missing tissues, any exposed bone, and injury to the nail and nail bed.

If the doctor suspects of broken bones, he/she may recommend the patient for x-rays.

Treatment for Fingertip Injuries

Treatment for fingertip injuries would vary, depending on the type of injury the patient has. The doctor will also consider the patient’s general health, lifestyle, and preference.

For Injuries Without Exposed Bone
Small fingertip injuries without exposed bone may heal on their own. The doctor may just place a protective covering over it. After 1-2 days, the doctor may recommend the injured finger to be soaked daily in warm solution or saline solution with peroxide. Range of motion finger exercises can be started after 48 hours to prevent stiffness.

For Injuries With Exposed Bone
A surgical procedure may be needed for injuries with exposed bone. The type of surgery to perform will depend on the extent of injury.

Reconstructive flap surgery and replantation are some of the surgical options for fingertip injuries with exposed bone.