If a finger injury is serious you can often tell as there is often severe pain, noticeable deformity as well as significant swelling and an inability to move your injured finger.
Hearing a popping or cracking sound at the time of injury to the finger is also another sign that your finger injury is serious.
If you injure your finger and you have intense pain which does not go away with rest or over the counter pain medications, then it could be a sign that the finger injury is serious or you have a fractured finger.
If your finger is bent at an unusual angle, appears to be dislocated or has any visible misshapen appearance you should seek immediate medical attention and go to the ER.
If your finger shows any rapid or excessive swelling, especially if it's accompanied by any bruising it could indicate that you have a fractured finger or other soft tissue damage that can be serious.
Or if you cannot move the finger or if the movement of the finger is very limited or painful then it can also be a sign of fracture, tendon damage and dislocation.
If you hear a popping or cracking sound at the time of the injury to the finger it can also indicate that you have a dislocation or fracture of the finger.
Any numbness or tingling in the injured finger or hand can also indicate that you have nerve damage and requires immediate medical attention.
Or if you have any bleeding that is not controllable or does not stop after you apply pressure or if you see bone through the skin or if the bone is protruding you need to seek medical attention.
And if your finger is pale or bluish in color it can also indicate that you have poor circulation that requires medical attention.
Signs of infection of an injured finger are increased pain, redness, warmth or pus and if you notice any signs of infection of the injured finger you should seek medical attention.