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How can you care for finger bruises?
- Put ice or a cold pack on the finger for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- Prop up your hand on a pillow when you ice your finger or anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep your hand above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- If your doctor put a splint on your finger, wear the splint exactly as directed. Make sure the splint is not so tight that your finger gets numb or tingles. You can loosen the splint if it's too tight.
- If you have your fingers taped together, make sure the tape is snug but not so tight that your fingers get numb or tingle. You can loosen the tape if it's too tight. If you need to retape your fingers, always put padding between the fingers before putting on the new tape. Limit use of your finger to motions or activities that don't cause pain.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Be sure to follow your doctor's advice about moving and exercising your injured finger.
Finger bruises: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
- Your finger is cool or pale or changes color.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have new or worse pain.
- Your finger does not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.