Walk in or a&e (or nothing?)

[RandomlyChosenName]

My dis had his finger kicked yesterday (accidentally) when he was picking up a football. So an impact, not bent back as far as I can gather. It has swollen up and gone a bit bruised looking. He isn’t in much pain, but can’t use it (can move it a little).

As it is still bad, I am wondering if I should get it checked out.

Should I?

And if so, do I go to the a&e a mile down the road or drive 10 miles to the walk-in centre?

I have googled it and according to an old review, x-ray department closes at 5.

Even if it is broken they wont do anything more than strap it to the finger next to it unless it is dislocated or displaced. So just do that and save yourself the trip.

I'd strap it too, did this to one of my toes that I thought was broken. Confirming it won't add anything from the sounds of it.
(Doctor)

It would depend if it is broken. I broke my finger (although I didn't realise it at the time), shattered in 5 places and a major break near the knuckle. I had no bruising whatsoever, but it was very painful. I ended up with surgery to put a pin in, and a plaster cast up to my elbow for 8 weeks.

I would keep an eye on it, and if he is in a lot of pain, try and get it x-rayed.

I'm a radiographer. X-ray will only close at 5 for walk in GP requests and outpatients. It will be open 24/7 for a&e and ward patients.
If he isn't in any pain I wouldn't go to a&e. It's not an emergency situation. If you still have any concerns tomorrow go to your local walk in centre. You'll be seen much quicker than a&e and many walk ins have X-ray facilities.

Thanks all. We’ll just keep an eye on it. I don’t think it’s broken, just bruised. As it’s not misshapen and he’s not in pain, we’ll continue to treat it at home.

I'd just get a splint from the pharmacy and keep it taped up and immobilized for a week. Should be fine.

We went to a and e on Tuesday five hour wait. Walk in centre much better option