My husband smashed his finger at work today. It is swollen and throbbing. The nail is not torn or ripped. It is a blueish green color. My moher said we may need to get it punctured to release some pressure and blood cause there is a chance he could get gangrene. Should we just put an ice pack on it for a few days or should we go to doctor?
2007-02-11 10:36:20 · 6 answers · asked by myboyjake9 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
I smashed my thumb in the trunk of my car about a month to two ago and the nail just now fell off. i got it good so it kept growing out black. The nail itself is bumpy now, but at least it's not black anymore. Depending on how much he smashed and how bad it hurts...go to the doctor. I knew I didn't break anything as I was still able to move it. I heard about drilling a hole in the nail to release the blood & pressur, but couldn't bring myself to do it. I never got gangrene though. Never heard of that being something that could happen to me. Ice is good, it helps the swelling. I immediately packed mine in a snow filled glove..we were outside.
2007-02-11 10:42:19 · answer #1 · answered by Michele A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First and foremost, you really have no idea if there's been a fracture to that finger, or if there has been severe tissue damage as well. For those reasons alone, I say go to the doctor. A physician will be able to treat the immediate problem (the swelling), as well as to diagnose the actual damage and ensure that your husband doesn't wind up losing mobility, functionality or even the body part itself.
2007-02-11 19:04:52 · answer #2 · answered by pblcbox 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first site I checked says...
"When to see a doctor:
1. Blood collects under the nail, causing increasing pain.
2. The finger or toe can't be straightened and bent easily.
3. The injury causes immediate damage to the nail, such as a visible tear below the "quick".
4. The skin is open and may need stitches.
5. There is dirt in the wound you can't wash out."
http://www.drgreene.com/21_641.html
This site says...
"If pain becomes excessive, with blood under the fingernail, talk to your health care provider." "DO NOT Try to drain a swollen finger unless your health care provider instructs you to do so."
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000018.htm
The site also gives you the directions for draining if necessary.
2007-02-11 18:55:28 · answer #3 · answered by Jade Orchid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Medical problems, much like legal problems, are easy to figure out:
If the thought "should we see a doctor/lawyer?" ever comes up, the answer is YES.
2007-02-11 18:45:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd go to the Dr. Might have a broken bone, too.
2007-02-11 18:44:21 · answer #5 · answered by Arty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to the doctor
2007-02-11 18:41:41 · answer #6 · answered by Kiah G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋