Among the physical injuries toddlers and young children face, finger, toes and hand crush accidents are the most popular. This type of injury occurs when the child unintentionally slams the door on his fingers. Heavy objects like books, furniture, home appliances, decoration piece and large toys might fall on the child’s feet, crushing his toes. Initially parents and care takers will be alarmed if such injury happens, most especially if their child starts crying. They might even take the child to the nearest treatment facility, believing that this is a medical emergency. Before doing these things, there are several simple steps on treating finger, toes and hand crush injuries at home.

The first step is called cold compress. Right after the crush injury, place the child on a comfortable position either on the chair or couch. Elevate the injured hand or foot in a comfortable level using a soft pillow or rolled linens. Apply ice packs on the injured site for at least 20 minutes. If ice packs are not available, ice bowls can be used as an alternative. Soak the entire hand or foot in a large bowl filled with water and ice cubes, children might find this uncomfortable but the long term relief and swelling ice provides is very effective. The second step for crush injury management is pain relief.

Crush injuries are very painful most especially on the fingers and toes since these parts have numerous nerve endings and sensory receptors. Pain relief would include measures like pain medications, diversion therapy and breathing exercises. Over the counter pain relievers can be given to children, if they’re not hypersensitive and allergic to the drug. OTC medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen must be given at the right pediatric dose and frequency to achieve its therapeutic effect.

Diversion therapies like listening to soothing music, watching a serene picture can help lessen the pain. Proper breathing techniques can also minimize pain and discomfort. The third step is to observe for any severe complications that may occur immediately or several hours after crush injury. The most common complication includes fractures, bleeding and infection. If bleeding is not controlled on the injured site or of bleeding persists for long durations, the child needs medical attention. If he develops fever and have pus and other fluids oozing out from the site of injury, suspect infection. If the child is observed to have difficulties using his injured extremity right after injury, parents might need to bring him to the hospital for a thorough examination. X-rays, scans and ultrasound can diagnose fractures and broken bones.

Minimal to moderate swelling is expected after crush injuries, hands or feet that are severely deformed, bent out of place, swollen, and painful might have broken bones underneath. Broken bones should not be actively moved, mishandled or twisted; doing so will only aggravate the injury. The final step is to take note of the finger nails and toe nails. Check if some parts are broken or sloughed off from the nail bed. See if the nail is completely removed, in this scenario doctors can sew it back in for preservation.