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Smashed Finger or Toe

A finger or toe smashed in a car door or jammed against a hard object is a common injury, especially among children. When these injuries involve only the end segment of the finger or toe, and not a deep or bad cut, they often can be treated successfully at home.


First Aid

For Smashed Fingers

For Torn Nails

Related topics
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What to do About
Smashed Finger or Toe
Minor discomfort (slight redness, swelling, pain; may have red/brown linear marks) Symptoms can usually be treated at home. If symptoms persist, you should call your doctor for advice.
Torn nail Symptoms can usually be treated at home. If symptoms persist, you should call your doctor for advice. 
End of nail appears to droop Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen. 
Significant pain and swelling Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen.
Visible deformity Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen.
Severe pain and visible blood under nail if blood is under 1/3 of nail Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen.
Deep cuts or scratches that may need stitches (edges separate or gape more than ½ inch in length) Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen.
Tetanus booster needed Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen.
Crushing or wringer type injury, unable to straighten finger or toe Symptoms in this category are serious and should usually be seen within 2 hours. Depending on your health insurance, you may choose to call your doctor to determine if you should be seen in the doctor’s office, in an urgent care center, or in an emergency room.
Nail completely torn off (bring nail to doctor) Symptoms in this category are serious and should usually be seen within 2 hours. Depending on your health insurance, you may choose to call your doctor to determine if you should be seen in the doctor’s office, in an urgent care center, or in an emergency room.
Numbness or tingling in finger or toe, cool to touch Symptoms in this category are serious and should usually be seen within 2 hours. Depending on your health insurance, you may choose to call your doctor to determine if you should be seen in the doctor’s office, in an urgent care center, or in an emergency room. 

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