Waiting for minor injuries to open - smashed thumbnail - what will they do?

[SlightlyJaded]

Hello

I smashed my thumb nail last night (a heavy sash window cord broke and the window landed on my thumbnail trapping it). I am shocked at how much it hurts - I haven't been able to sleep.

It is black under the nail and the throbbing pain is really much more than I would have expected. I've just had a quick consultation with Dr Google who tells me that the it might need draining/decompressing as the blood is pushing against the nail hence pain.

It's making me feel squeamish and a bit sick to think about the possible treatment, but I can't leave it as it hurts too much. Has anyone been to minor injuries with similar? What will they do exactly? so I can feel more sick thinking about it

I would have thought they will inject with local anaesthetic before draining it. It stings a little and smarts and then blissful nothing till the local wears off! Hope all goes well and it feels better soon.

Oh sounds nasty, I have no experience but your post made me wince so sending you

Bugger. Haematoma isn't far up the nail enough so they can't drain yet.

Have to wait for it to get worse or start re-absorbing. I'm amazed by how severe the throbbing is. I can confirm that this hurts waaaaay more than a broken finger.

Hold it above your head as much as possible to help relieve the pressure. Hope you feel better soon.

ouch, that sounds sore! They might x-ray it to check you haven't broken the end of your finger, and probably stick a hot needle in to drain the blood under the nail to relieve the pressure (I believe it's instant relief!), maybe remove the nail if needed.

I’ve had this. It hurts soooo much! I had mine drained, all I sent was utter relief. I really hope you get it sorted soon

All I felt not all I sent!

Massive sympathies, I had this once too (slammed the car door shut, son ran in the way of the door, I put my hand out to stop it slamming on his head and instead the door shut on my hand). It was the most painful thing ever and the relief when it was drained was immense.
I did get told by a friend who is a gp that there are various thoughts on the wisdom of doing this and that some think is better to leave it and let nature do its course. I'm glad my gp was in the "drain it" camp. But if you do go back might be worth seeing a different gp incase they have a different view to the original one?

Thanks for the kind words. For better or worse, I think the nail is coming away so I have been able to lift a tiny corner by my cuticle and 'self-drain' a little which has offered some relief. Sorry if TMI....

Still really black, thumb swollen and hurts like buggery.

I think smashed thumb might be the most under-rated pain on the scale of 'stupid injuries pain level'.

How is it now op? You’re right, it is so painful!!!