What Causes Pain And Swelling On Finger After An Injury?

Posted on Sun, 20 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 20 Apr 2014 Answered on

Wed, 7 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have hurts my fingers by banging them against the dash board of my car repeatedly. This was approximately 4.5 hours ago. I have mild pain in the fingers along with swelling and bluish discolouration. I did not engage in any treatment, an hour ago I applied a cold pack on the injured area for 15-20 minutes Please advise for further treatment and investigations, if any. Is it possible it is a fracture even if pain is mild? I am able to use my fingers with just mild discomfort

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Soft tissue injury only. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. If you are using your fingers normally with just a mild discomfort then a bony injury is not likely. This is due to a mild soft tissue injury. All you have to do now is to allow it to rest and avoid working with the injured hand. Use anti inflammatory medications like ibuprofen for few days. Try not to get it in extreme positions unless required. Use of crepe bandage can prove beneficial. Occasional hot fomentation is recommended. Begin movements of hand gradually. In case there is extreme pain or a swelling in the area then do consult your orthopedician for a physical examination and X-rays. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (6 hours later)

There is localised discolouration but no swelling. Is X ray advised?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Not needed. Detailed Answer: Hello. Thanks for writing again. The localized discoloration is due to blunt trauma to the soft tissue around the fingers leading to break in capillary blood vessels which in turn gives rise to haematoma (internal bleeding and clot). Rest assured it will subside in a week or two. But if you have persistent pain at rest with an increase in swelling - not discoloration, please go ahead and confirm the diagnosis with X-ray. Hope my answer is helpful. Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries. Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar