Should I go to the GP about ds’s finger?

[ChittyChittyBoomBoom]

We’re on our way back from holiday and on the second day (so about 10 days ago now) my ds trapped his fingers in a park gate. He screamed and cried and ages and was obviously in a lot of pain. It swelled and bruised immediately plus the skin on the back of one of his fingers split. We gave him painkillers and he settled and was using his fingers normally by the next day.

However, I’m a bit concerned that one finger (the one where the skin broke) is still extremely swollen. I’ve obviously kept an eye on it while we’ve been away but he hasn’t been in pain (although he says it still hurts) so didn’t think too much really. I guess I’ve just realised today just how swollen it still is.

Would it be worth popping him to see the GP? Even if it was broken, I’m guessing there’s not much they could do anyway??

Are you icing it regularly to get the swelling down? It cam make a big difference, especially with a finger which often hangs down and is an easy place for blood to pool.

Give NHS direct a call and they can advise you re. Whether to take him to the doctor

Pic?

I would take him to make sure there wasn't any ligament damage that may need to be repaired.

Minor injuries probably more appropriate.

Sorry, not the best photos as we’re travelling...

Minor injuries would be the place. They usually have xray facilities too.

The MN myth that ‘there’s nothing the can do’ for broken bones in hands/feet is baffling and not always true - some fractures & injuries definitely need proper orthopaedic treatment (both surgical and non-surgical). If you’re worried about him he should be seen by someone who can examine him properly and order imaging if necessary.

I’d be going to minor injuries with that finger!

I would go. Sure it's fine but worth a visit.

I would go too. If it's been swollen that long.

Thanks, I’ll pop him up on Monday as the X-ray machine isnt open at weekends.

Having looked at the pic I would definitely take him as the swelling is quite far down and around bone.

I hurt my hand and thought it was nothing as there was no swelling and not a lot of pain. Turns out I had broken it in 2 places and needed surgery. Not trying to scare you but pointing out that pain isn't always the best indicator of the seriousness of an injury.

I’d be getting a doctor to look at that finger.

Tape it to the finger beside it, above and below the joint. Any tape is fine.
You can have what's called a volar plate injury which can involve bone but not necessarily. Aside from that you want to make sure his growth plate is unaffected. Needs xrayed. Minor injuries will be fine, or paediatric ED. Can wait til Mon. Treatment likely tape anyway.

It's almost definitely not needing anything done, but it's impossible to exclude the small chance of a fracture which would need surgery without X-ray, so you should get it imaged. Time also is important as if they want to do something the timeframe matters.
Minor images or a&e tomorrow.

I feel terrible now for not taking him sooner ☹️. I guess as he hasn’t complained about the pain and has been using it normally, I thought it was just badly bruised. Thanks all x

Just to update this, got it xrayed today and they couldn’t see a break but the dr is going to review it. They were quite surprised!

Photos today looking more swollen 🤷🏽‍♀️.

Poor lad, that looks sore! Glad you got him checked out.

Poor boy. It must be tender. Maybe delete the photo with other people in it. Are they hospital patients and staff.

Will do Happy I thought the background was blurred enough.