Finger Injuries and Disorders – Symptoms & Treatment

Finger injuries can cause serious damage to bone, tendons, and ligaments in addition to small cuts and scrapes. Serious finger injuries can result in lifelong deformity and function loss if they are not appropriately treated. A thorough approach to therapy enables a quicker and more thorough recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Finger Injuries

Even though an injured finger may show signs of blood, bruising, deformity, or edema, there might be more serious injuries present. Some signs, such as redness, pus, and infection fever, take hours to days for them to develop.

How Do Physicians Recognise Finger Injuries?

In addition to checking the strength, feeling, and range of motion of the affected region, the doctor will want to examine the patient’s hand. If the doctor believes there is a fracture or a foreign body, such as glass or metal, in the wound, a doctor may prescribe X-rays. Not all foreign bodies or injuries to tendons or ligaments (such as sprains and strains) are visible on X-rays.

Treatments

Pain Management

The doctor could use a local anesthetic like lidocaine to numb the tissue prior to treating the wound. An anesthetic is typically injected close to the finger’s base to accomplish this. Additionally, the patient may get painkillers orally or intravenously.

Open Wounds

In order to assess the damage or to remove foreign objects, the doctor may wish to test the patient’s open wound more thoroughly if it is a laceration or an avulsion.

Avulsions and Amputations

It could be possible to reconnect the detached tissue to the finger. It may not be possible to repair a tiny, badly injured, or long-separated portion of tissue. The hand surgeon is more likely to try reattachment of amputations that are more proximal to the base of the finger, particularly those that encompass the middle or base of the finger. When a significant portion of skin is missing, there is a necessity for skin grafting.

Paronychia

By making a little incision in the skin that covers the affected region, this infection of the lateral nail fold drains. After cleaning it, the doctor advises to take antibiotics. The patient could require oral antibiotics, depending on the severity of the infection.

Fractures and Dislocations

Under local anesthesia, fractured or dislocated bones are often reduced (realigned) in the emergency room. The doctor may take more X-rays after the bone has been replaced to ensure that the bones are properly straightened, and then a splint is put on. Surgery may be necessary to correct certain fractures and dislocations.

Splinting

Splinting a portion of the finger or perhaps the entire hand or wrist can be beneficial to repair fractures, dislocations, tendon injuries, and certain lacerations. The tissues can recuperate while wearing the splint, hastening the healing process.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics may be beneficial to heal some wounds that are more likely to infect than others. Even if the patient feels good, they must follow the doctor’s instructions and take the entire course of antibiotics if necessary.

Referral to a Hand Specialist

For treatment or follow-up, some fractures, tendon lacerations, amputations, and other injuries could refer to a hand specialist.

When to Get Medical Attention for Finger Injuries

Even a small finger injury might cause considerable loss of function. Because the hand is a highly coordinated tool that must perform well for so many daily tasks. If unsure, speak with a physician. In addition, seek medical attention if the patient is uncertain as to whether they have received an injection for tetanus within the last ten years. Always get medical help if any of the following take place:

• If the deformity or discomfort is significant.
• If the bleeding is not under control.
• In the event of numbness (sensation loss).
• If the finger is blue or light in color.
• If any bones or tendons are visible.

If the patient is bleeding heavily or it does not stop, go to the emergency room at the hospital. Moreover, consult the doctor if the patient exhibits additional infection-related symptoms such as fever, edema, redness, discharge, or pus.