Smashed fingers

Smashed fingers, causing direct trauma to one or more fingers, should initially be treated with ice to reduce swelling. If blood builds up under a fingernail, a heated wire may be used to burn a hole through the nail.

Review Date: 07/10/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.