Fingertip injuries are common and can affect the skin, nail, tendons, nerves and underlying bone — for such a small area, they can have a huge impact.
What Causes Nail Bed and Fingertip Injuries?
Common causes of nail bed and fingertip injuries include:
- Crushing or pinching (e.g., catching a finger in a door)
- Cuts from knives, glass, or other sharp objects
- Sports injuries
- Broken bones at the fingertip
- Tendon or nerve injuries
Even simple crushes can cause a collection of blood under the nail, while more severe injuries may require surgical repair.
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Signs and Symptoms of Nail Bed Injuries
You may have a fingertip or nail bed injury if you notice:
- Pain and tenderness at the fingertip
- Swelling or bruising
- Bleeding under the nail
- Nail cracking, splitting or loss
- Inability to bend or straighten the fingertip
In severe cases, part of the fingertip or nail may be torn off, or bones and tendons may be damaged.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Options may include pain management and splinting, protective dressings to prevent infection and home care for minor injuries.
For more severe injuries, a surgeon may recommend surgical care.
Nail Bed Surgery
- Repair of nail bed lacerations to restore normal nail growth
- Skin grafting or flap surgery for large tissue loss
- Reattachment of amputated parts
- Repair of tendon or nerve injuries if present
Recovery from Fingertip or Nail Bed Injuries
Full recovery from a fingertip injury often takes several months. During recovery, patients may experience:
- Sensitivity to touch or cold
- Stiffness in the fingertip
- Need for hand therapy or home exercises to restore range of motion, strength and function
With proper treatment, most patients regain full hand function, although some pain or sensitivity may persist long-term depending on the injury.
Nail Bed and Fingertip Injury Treatment at OrthoNebraska
Hurt your fingertip or nail bed in the Omaha area and need care? At OrthoNebraska, we want to make sure that our patients feel understood, safe and confident to take on an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, we can help you reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.
