Types of Finger / Toe Injuries

1. Cuts, scrapes (skinned knuckles) and bruises: the most common injuries
2. Jammed finger or toe: The end of a straightened finger or thumb receives a blow (usually from a ball). The energy is absorbed by the joints' surfaces and the injury occurs there. For jammed fingers, always check carefully that the end of the finger can be fully straightened.
3. Crushed or smashed fingertip or toe (e.g., from car door or screen door): Usually the end of the finger receives a few cuts or a blood blister. Occasionally the nail is damaged, but fractures are unusual.
4. Fingernail injury: If the nailbed is cut, it needs sutures to prevent a permanently deformed fingernail.  This is less important for toenails.
5. Blood clot under the nail: Usually caused by a crush injury from a door or a heavy object falling on the finger while it is on a firm surface. Many are only mildly painful. Some are severely painful and throbbing.  These need the pressure released to prevent loss of the fingernail and to relieve the pain.
6. Fractures or dislocations