A bruised thumb

A finger bruise is an extremely painful injury and is in vain considered common and unworthy of attention. In the hand, including the fingers, there are many nerve endings that transmit impulses-signals to the spinal cord almost instantly. The structure of the fingers is quite fragile tubular bones, called digitus (finger), the bones are all cuticular, that is, they do not have a layer of soft tissue and are covered with skin.

Fingers are responsible for motor skills, touch and transmission of signals to various organs via the spinal cord. The connection of fingers with the cardiovascular system, digestive organs, and brain has long been proven; this information is widely used in acupuncture, manual therapy, and diagnostics. Therefore, a finger bruise, which seems like a minor injury, can have a remote effect on the functioning of one or another organ. In addition, due to the accumulation of a large number of nerve endings in the fingers and the lack of a cushioning layer of soft tissue, any finger bruise is manifested by very severe pain. Swelling of the joint with severe injury can last up to six months, causing discomfort and limiting normal movement. It is known that earlier in the Middle Ages, the Inquisition practiced sophisticated torture in the form of blows to the fingers; it was believed that this pain was the most intense of all possible. In fact, there are a huge number of receptors in the fingertips that can instantly respond to millions of irritants. It is no coincidence that many modern high-resolution digital devices are called digital – from the Latin word digitus (finger).

A finger bruise is divided into the following types of injuries:

• A minor bruise without damage to the skin or complications.
• A bruise accompanied by damage to the skin (wound, crushed wound).
• Bruise and dislocation of a finger.
• Bruise with a fracture of a finger.
• Bruise with subungual hematoma.

The signs of a finger bruise do not require a detailed description, since the painful sensations are so obvious that they cannot be confused with anything. Symptoms can only indirectly provide information confirming or refuting the presence of a fracture, which is manifested in atypical mobility and position of the finger, its deformation, and hemorrhage into small joints.

What to do if you have a bruised finger?

• Immobilize it, provide immobilization, you can fix it by bandaging it to a healthy adjacent finger.
• Apply cold to the bruised area (ice, a container with cold water).
• If there are wounds, treat them with hydrogen peroxide before immobilizing the finger.
• If the wound is crushed, it should be treated with hydrogen peroxide, then with an ointment containing an antibiotic, and a sterile napkin should be applied on top. Fixation should be gentle so as not to provoke tissue necrosis.
• If the nail hematoma is extensive (more than half of the nail plate), you should see a doctor. The same should be done if the nail is damaged or removed as a result of injury.
• If there is a risk of spraining the ligaments (swelling increases), you need to remove all jewelry from your fingers as quickly as possible.
• If the pain is severe, you can take spazmalgon or ketanov.
• If there is no fracture, on the second day apply ointments or gels containing diclofenac and heparin to the finger (alternate).

A finger contusion must be differentiated from a fracture. A fracture is characterized by constant, unrelenting pain, whereas with a contusion the painful sensations gradually pass. In addition, with a fracture the pain radiates to the hand, intensifies with load on the hand (it is difficult to lift an object, take it in the hand). Swelling with a fracture is much more pronounced than with a simple contusion.

If a finger bruise is accompanied by a complex fracture, with displacement of fragments, the finger does not simply swell, it becomes bluish in color, and then begins to turn black. Obvious deformation, non-standard position or bending of the entire finger or one phalanx indicates a serious injury to the digits (fingers).

A finger bruise is treated according to the standard scheme used in the therapy of all types of bruises: immobilization of the affected area, cold compress on the first day, then warming procedures, application of absorbable ointments are possible. A finger bruise that does not go away within 3-5 days requires professional medical care.