The British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (Bapras) said the worst injuries could lead to amputation or long-term pain.
The organisation urged parents to use safety catches and door-stoppers to prevent children getting their fingers or hands trapped.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) estimates that 30,000 children a year trap their fingers in doors at home, school, cars, nursery, or in shops.
Fingertip injuries are the most common hand injury seen by plastic and reconstructive surgeons, with toddlers most at risk.
Bapras spokeswoman Anna De Leo, a surgeon at the Royal Free Hospital in north London, said: “It’s easy to underestimate how important your hands are to doing everyday tasks.
“Injuries to fingers and hands mean tying your shoe laces, typing, holding a mobile phone or eating become a lot more challenging. And this is nothing compared to the impact of a finger amputation.”
She said people may joke about fingertip injuries but they could have a lifelong impact.
“The injuries are so serious that the patient would need to undergo a clinic appointment, an X-ray, day surgery, a follow-up nurse appointment and possibly physiotherapy,” the surgeon said.
Meanwhile, amputation could also lead to elbow pain, migraines and depression.
Ms De Leo added: “Fingertip injury alone can result in 20 per cent loss of hand strength and can prevent people from pursuing their chosen career.”
Bapras said self-shutting heavy fire doors were a particular risk, as were car doors and hinges.
