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Fingers General

Children and Finger Crush Injuries – Arora Hand Surgery

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Sometimes it seems like its a wonder that children get through their early years, given the abuse that their fingers take. Crush injuries to the hand or fingers are incredibly common among toddlers and young children, usually occurring when a heavy object falls on the hand, or the hand is slammed in a door.

Often, these childhood injuries do not require an emergency room visit, although it is usually a good idea to see your doctor as soon as you can, just to make sure that everything is all right. There are things that you can do at home while you are waiting for the doctors regular office hours.

Keep an Eye On the Child

Realistically, a few hours will not make a difference. So before you rush off to the ER, just watch the child for a while. If he or she uses the hand, even a little, then chances are good that nothing is broken. For that matter, a small break, if left unattended for even several hours, will not cause any lasting harm. You can safely wait for the doctor.

Having said that, if the hand seems extremely swollen, or if fingers look like they are bent, a trip to the ER is warranted. You should expect some swelling with a crush injury, but unless it is severe or accompanied by disfigurement, it can wait.

If the crushing has occurred to the fingernails, you can expect to see nails bleeding or appearing bruised. Again, this does not necessarily mean that any bones are broken. If the nail appears to have been pulled out, either completely or partially, then you may wish to make a trip to the ER in order to have it sewn back in place. Sometimes, if this is not done, a new nail may not grow back in to replace it. If you decide not to go to the ER, apply an antibiotic ointment to the injured area and tape the nail down so that is protected from being pulled out accidentally.

Treating the Injury

You can reduce swelling, and ease the pain, by applying ice to the injury. Never apply ice directly – you can soak the childs hand in a bowl of water that contains some ice cubes, or use a medical cold pack. In a pinch, even a bag of frozen vegetables can work as a cold pack. You can also offer childrens ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease the pain. Keep in mind, though, that children should not be given aspirin.

Conclusion

Hand and finger crush injuries are very common in young children. Most of the time the parent feels worse about it for longer than the child does. Also, most of the time these types of childhood injuries can be treated quite effectively at home with cold packs and over-the-counter pain killers. However, if swelling is excessive or the fingers appear bent out of shape, see your doctor or go to the emergency room.

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Dr. Aroras office from my first call to schedule my appointment was friendly. Walking in the first day, I felt like I was in a nice atmosphere. Dr. Arora was EXCELLENT in taking great care of my hand injury. He was gentle and very understanding to the concerns I had about my hand. His expertise was admirable and I would recommend anyone with an injury to their hand to his office to be under his care. Because of him, I have healed faster than expected and will make an 100% recovery! Thank you Dr.

Jackie S.

I first thought I was going to have to have painful injections or surgery, but Dr. Arora suggested physical therapy may do the trick. I was doubtful, but I agreed to do it. Now, my pain is gone, and with the help of an ergonomic keyboard at work to keep my hands in the correct position, I am virtually pain free. The therapy strengthened my wrists and shoulders, and built more flexibility into my wrists.

Jerry T.

My experience with this doctor was positive from the outset. Dr. Arora was kind and spent a great deal of time with me. Staff was friendly. The office was nice and bright.

Ariel G.

Very friendly and helpful Great staff!!! Doctor Arora was very professional and did great work. I was very happy with everything!

L B.