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Fingertip Injuries Hand Therapy

Fingertip injuries occur to the tips of the fingers or thumb.

They are tend to be common injuries and the severity can range from minor cuts to major damage to bone and surrounding soft tissue.

Fingertip injuries include

• the end joint of the finger
• the finger pad and
  
• the nail

They can be

• a fracture (broken bone)
• a laceration (cut)
• an amputation and damage to the nail

Injuries can also happen to blood vessels, nerves and tendons that lie just under the skin.

What causes a fingertip injury?

Injuries to the fingertips are common in accidents at

• home
• work and
  
• during sports

The tips of the longer fingers tend to be injured more often because they are the last to escape from harm’s way.

Injuries can happen when

• a fingertip is closed in a car door
• while chopping vegetables or slicing meat or sushi
  
• when removing grass from a lawnmower
  
• when a baseball hits the tip of a finger
• accidentally slamming fingers against a hard surface
• etc
  

What are the symptoms of a fingertip injury?

A fingertip injury showing damage to the nail

Fingertip injuries can cause

• bleeding
• bruising and
  
• swelling

There may also be decreased feeling and a change to the shape of the finger. Some fingertip injuries may develop an infection.

Due to nerve endings on the tip of the finger, these injuries may be painful and sensitive when touched.

What is the treatment for a fingertip injury?

A doctor should examine an injury to the tip of a finger or thumb.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Without proper care, a fingertip injury can result in permanent deformity and disability. Some injuries require surgery, and some require wound care and a finger orthosis to protect the healing tip.

What can a hand therapist do for me?

A hand therapist is very important in the recovery after a fingertip injury.

Our senior hand therapist may make a fingertip orthosis to prevent the tip from being hit while it is healing. Additional treatment includes wound care and exercises to regain motion and improve sensation, strength and use of the finger.

Example of a fingertip orthosis made by a hand therapist

Patients may also receive the following hand therapy treatment modalities:

• cold therapy
• heat therapy
• moist heat paraffin wax therapy
• manual therapy
• joint mobilization
• ultrasound therapy
• stretching exercises
• strengthening exercises
• scar management
• etc