Damn! Don't joke when a finger gets stuck in a door! The good news is that the vast majority of the time it heals perfectly on its own. But how do you cope with pain? Do not worry. In fact, there are many solutions to manage it and heal the wound. To make things easier for you, we've created a handy list of steps you can take to manage pain under these circumstances.
Steps
Part 1 of 13: Take a few deep breaths
Step 1. It can help you mitigate the initial pain perception
You can't help but suffer: closing a finger in the door hurts! Before you react in anger or start screaming, take a moment to breathe. Let the air in through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, then slowly exhale. Take a few more breaths to calm yourself before taking care of the wound.
If you find it helpful, focus on a word or phrase. For example, you can imagine the word "calm" or "relaxed" as you breathe deeply
Part 2 of 13: Try to distract yourself from the pain
Step 1. Walk, think about something else or do what you can
If, once you are injured, discomfort takes over, you can relieve the pain by trying to take your mind off the accident. Distract yourself by doing anything: For example, you can walk around the block, think about what you need to do during the day, or use anything to distract yourself. Any distractions could help you calm down.
Part 3 of 13: Take off all the rings you are wearing
Step 1. The finger may begin to swell
Even if at first you have a different impression, there is a risk that the finger will swell, especially when the trauma is very strong. In this case, it may be difficult to remove the rings, so it is best to take them off right away.
Not to make a fuss, but it is possible for the finger to swell so much that the rings become an obstacle to circulation. For safety it is always better to remove them
Part 4 of 13: Dip the bruised finger in cold water
Step 1. Soak it for a maximum of 20 minutes to relieve pain
A bruised finger can hurt a lot, but you can find relief by simply cooling it. Fill a container with cold water and soak the affected hand for a maximum of 20 minutes. You can perform this treatment as many times as you want, but without exceeding 20 minutes at a time, so as not to compromise blood circulation.
If you have gotten a wound, do not immerse your finger in water, otherwise it could affect healing
Part 5 of 13: Take a pain reliever
Step 1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help to cope with pain
Paracetamol (Tachipirina), naproxen (Synflez) and ibuprofen (Brufen) all belong to the NSAID family and are able to relieve pain and inflammation. Buy one at the pharmacy and get it following the directions in the package insert to feel a little better.
If the pain is unbearable, contact your doctor. He may prescribe a stronger pain reliever
Part 6 of 13: Apply a cold pack for 15 minutes at a time
Step 1. Soothe the pain and reduce swelling by applying a cold pack
Wrap the ice pack in a clean towel so that it does not come into direct contact with the skin, damaging the tissues. Gently hold the compress over the affected area to relieve pain and reduce any swelling. This way, you can also speed up the healing process.
Do not keep ice for more than 15-20 minutes at a time, to prevent skin breakdown from prolonged exposure to cold
Part 7 of 13: Raise your hand above the height of the heart
Step 1. This way you can reduce pressure and swelling in your finger
Try to rest your bruised finger and avoid worsening the situation. Keep it raised above the height of the heart: by doing so, you will limit the blood flow to the area affected by the injury and prevent the swelling from getting worse.
For example, you can lie down by placing your hand on a pillow
Part 8 of 13: Apply firm pressure for 10 minutes on the bleeding wound
Step 1. If you have cut yourself, press sterile gauze over the wound to stop bleeding
If you've slammed your finger so hard that it hurt and started bleeding, you need to deal with the bleeding first. Take sterile gauze and apply it directly to the wound. Keep pressing for at least 10 minutes or until the blood stops flowing.
Part 9 of 13: Clean all wounds with soap and water
Step 1. Carefully remove dirt from the wound
Once the bleeding has stopped, you need to clean the wound to prevent infection. To cleanse it well, wash the area with warm, soapy water.
It might burn at first, but cleaning it is really important
Part 10 of 13: Apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage
Step 1. The dressing helps prevent infections and protect the injured area
Get a simple antibiotic ointment and apply it generously to the open wound. Then, take a bandage and wrap it tightly around the wound, but not too tight, to protect it and help it heal.
- If there are no cuts or scrapes, it is not necessary to use the antibiotic ointment and bandage.
- If the wound does not stop bleeding, see your doctor.
Part 11 of 13: Do not drain the blood accumulated under the nail
Step 1. Contact your doctor first to see what he recommends
If a hematoma forms under your fingernail after closing your finger in the door, contact your doctor. It may tell you to let it go and give your body time to heal on its own. However, if the pressure and pain are too severe, she may invite you to go to her office so that the blood can be drained safely.
Part 12 of 13: Get examined if you think your finger is fractured
Step 1. Get medical attention if the pain is severe or you can't straighten your finger
If you are unable to fully stretch it, you may have gotten a fracture. The doctor will examine the injury to understand how severe the trauma he suffered is. He may prescribe the use of a brace (or splint) and pain relief therapy. It is important to address the problem quickly so that the damage is not permanent.
Always consult your doctor before using the brace. It is a medical device that holds a bone in a rigid position and is useful for small fractures that can occur when a finger is squeezed into a door. However, it can also cause problems if used when not needed
Part 13 of 13: Watch out for fever, increased pain and swelling
Step 1. These symptoms may indicate a more severe infection or fracture
If your finger hurts more and more or the swelling continues to get worse, the injury may be more severe than you initially thought. Also, it is possible that an infection has developed if you have a fever or notice reddish streaks on the skin surrounding the wound. Consult your doctor so that he can prescribe adequate treatment before the situation worsens.
