Prevention

Heavy equipment

• Be careful of chain saws, snow blowers, and other high-powered equipment.
  
  
• Wear heavy leather gloves and do not wear rings or other jewelry when operating such equipment.

Knives

• Use and store kitchen knives carefully.
  
  
• Never reach blindly into a sink or drawer containing a knife.

Athletics

• Be aware that many finger injuries occur during athletic events, especially ball games (for example, basketball, baseball, football). Remove rings or other jewelry before participating in sports.
  
  
• If you enjoy participating in such activities, keep some first aid items on hand for splinting a finger.

Animal bites

• The most common way you can be bitten on the hand is when trying to separate two fighting animals.
  
  
• Even your loyal dog can accidentally bite you during a fight.
  
  
• Stay out of the way.