How to get rid of blood clot in finger?


What are the common symptoms of blood clot in finger?

Before we go on to talk about the signs and symptoms of blood clots, let us see the reasons behind a blood clot developing. A blood clot in a finger can develop due to either the finger being pierced by a sharp object (like a wire), or when the finger is accidentally caught in the door. This results in a blood vessel bursting. The pooling of blood that occurs when this happens eventually leads to the formation of a blood clot. Symptoms of blood clot in the finger depend on how much the blood vessel has occluded. The more the severity of the blood clot, the more severe the symptoms of blood clot in the finger will be. Some of the common signs and symptoms of blood clots in the finger are a swelling in the affected area, pain that is suddenly felt in the area. Remember that this pain might turn into a throbbing sensation. The clot itself could change color and you might initially see a red clot which turns to purple and then black. Another one of the symptoms of a blood clot in the finger is that the finger is tender and painful to touch.

answered by G R

An injury to the fingers or the thumb can result in a blood clot. This happens because blood vessels in the region of the trauma rupture, resulting in bleeding. The blood that escapes from the vessels may pool under the skin and eventually forms a clot. The skin in the injured area changes color due to the clot, changing from red to purple to black over time.

Clots in fingers usually heal on their own unless there has been a major injury. Such injuries may require treatment to reduce the inflammation and pain and prevent the injury from getting infected. In most cases however, simple first aid may suffice to treat the blood clot. Ice can prevent blood clots from forming if applied immediately to the injured finger.

Here are a few simple first aid measures that you can use once a blood clot has formed:

  • Blood clots in the fingers can be treated by applying a warm washcloth to the fingers. All you have to do is soak a clean washcloth in hot water and applying it to the affected finger. Make sure that the cloth is not too hot. The warmth will help promote blood circulation in the affected area and eventually the clot will get carried away.
  • Elevating your hand will help promote drainage of the pooled blood. It may even prevent the formation of clots if done immediately.
  • Add some Epsom salt to warm water and soak the injured fingers in it. This will help to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
  • Taking an aspirin can help thin the blood and dissolve the clot. It will also help lessen the pain.
  • If your finger is inflamed and hurts too much, take some over-the-counter painkillers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.
  • Do not puncture any blisters that may form. A blister forms to protect the injured area and bursting it may lead to bacterial infection.
  • If the pain and the swelling are getting too much to bear, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor may require an x-ray of the injured finger to check for any fractures. You may also be prescribed stronger painkillers if needed. Heparin based ointments for topical application may also be prescribed in case of extensive clotting.

answered by G R

What are the causes for blood clots?

There are many different causes of a blood clot. Blood clotting occurs when the blood thickens or coagulates when blood is flowing through the blood vessels. Blood clots should not be taken lightly as they are serious and could even result in death at times. Blood clots can occur in different parts of the body and the reasons for these differ, depending on the location of the clot. Blood clots can occur in the brain, legs, heart and eyes. Causes of blood clots can be related to medication or even trauma. At times, people with no specific risk factors can also develop blood clots. In these cases, causes of blood clots are often related to genetic factors. Blood clots can also form if one is inactive. Other possible causes of blood clots are given below.

  • They can occur after recent surgery
  • If you are overweight
  • After a stroke
  • If you have varicose veins
  • If you are being treated for cancer
  • After a recent bruise or a bump
  • You are over 65 years of age
  • You are paralyzed
  • They often occur after you have broken a bone – particularly if you break your leg, pelvis of hip

There are ways you can prevent blood clotting. Staying active, losing weight, decreasing the amount of salt in your diet are just a few of them.

answered by S P


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