Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Go to an emergency department now if:
A finger is suddenly pale, blue, cold, or numb
A ring is trapped on a rapidly swelling finger and cannot be removed
The finger is badly deformed, partly amputated, or has exposed bone
Bleeding is heavy or does not stop with firm pressure
A deep wound may have damaged a tendon, nerve, or blood vessel
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange same-day medical care if a finger becomes red, hot, swollen, and difficult to move, especially with pus, fever, spreading redness, or red streaks.
Also seek prompt care for a human or animal bite, deep puncture, or sudden severe joint pain and swelling.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if pain is not improving, keeps returning, disturbs sleep, or limits normal activities.
Persistent numbness, locking, weakness, joint swelling, or morning stiffness also needs assessment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Finger pain. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.