Poss. Broken finger what to do!

[worriedmother7787]

Hi all,

I have many children so have had quite a lot of experience with broken bones DS2 got his finger stuck between his bike yesterday (You can never trust a 14 year old) He was in a lot of pain and is quite sure he has broken it. Its very swollen bruised all over he can't bend it very far. But DD3 and DS 1 and 4 have also broken fingers and we've gone up to a&e they've been a bit upset even gone up and buddy tape they're fingers. We have buddy tape so wondering if i should do that. But they say (and DH has had this) that if the break is far down they sometimes put it in a cast (DS dosent want this!) and if its not alined it could case problems in future (and he is an aspiring trumpet player) I know that you'll say go to Minor injuries unit. Put are local one (Walk in) Dosent have x-ray facilities. And the next MIU is an hour and 45 mins away! WWYD
Thanks for the help

[Gileswithachainsaw]

I'd probably go to a&e tbh. even waiting til drs tomorrow you will still need an x ray so end up there anyway.

as you have stated, if it's dislocated it needs putting back in, if it's broken it may need aligning. yes they will probably just tape it up but why risk doing more damage.

[Iloveonionchutney]

I'd go to a&e, you don't know if it's aligned right or if there's any other damage to nerves etc. why take the chance?

[GrandHighWitch]

If it was me I would probably leave it a couple of days, possibly strapped up, and see what happens.
I have fallen foul of not believing an injury though - DS broke a bone in his foot and I was really dismissive of it for days because he was hamming up the drama so much.
Probably best never to take my advice on dealing with broken bones actually

[worriedmother7787]

Thanks yea might take him early morning take the gaggle of my other off spring to school then him to a&e depending on what they say he might get a mummy day!

[Vernonon]

Just take him to a&e for X-ray and strapping up.

[Maladicta]

I spent yesterday afternoon in MIU with DS1 and 2: one pinky broken, one thumb ok. Drs I've spoken to say you should always get a potential finger fracture checked out in case it's a complicated break.

Yes to buddy tape for the time being but also expect a referral to hand clinic if actually broken to make sure it's healed properly.