When to see doctor for broken/sprained finger?

[Ihavenoideaatall]

I hurt my finger almost 5 weeks ago, and whilst it is a lot better than it was it is still swollen, painful if it gets a knock, and I don't have full movement.

Is it worth going to GP (my mum says I should 🙄) or will it sort itself out?

[387I2]

Your mum is right. Book an appointment tomorrow.

[Ihavenoideaatall]

My mum is always right! Thank you

[Elbbob]

Yes see your GP and ask for an x-ray to confirm fracture if not already had one and a referral to physiotherapy to ensure you regain full movement.
Fingers are small but important

[Ihavenoideaatall]

Thanks. I didn't go to doc at all.

It's my ring finger so not an important finger.

[gobbin]

Woman at work fell and had pain in her little finger. Required an op, plaster and was off work for 6 weeks!

[Ihavenoideaatall]

That would be a nightmare! Just had a child in plaster for 6 weeks with a broken ankle.

[PurpleWithRed]

Doctor will just refer you for an X-ray. Do you have a minor injuries clinic nearby you could go to instead? www.nhs.uk/service-search/Urgent-Care/LocationSearch/0. If you do check they do X-rays at weekends.

[Ihavenoideaatall]

In Scotland so link doesn't work. One of the health centres close by has an xray machine but not always someone there to work it.

I'll make appointment next week, I promise!

[Mum2jenny]

If I'd damaged any finger, I just strapped it to the next finger. Even when the finger was broken. I loathe A&E.

[Ihavenoideaatall]

Me too - hence the 5 week gap between injury and wondering if I should get it seen to

[Muchtoomuchtodo]

Ds had a finger injury playing rugby.
I was planning on just strapping it to the next finger but the next day it went numb so on the advice of NHS direct we went to A&E.
He'd fractured it through the growth plate and it needed splinting fro several weeks and hand therapy afterwards.
I'm usually pretty relaxed about stuff like this so it all came as a big surprise that a small finger fracture would need so much attention!
Op, definitely get it looked at.

[Ihavenoideaatall]

Ouch doesn't sound nice at all!