Think I’ve got a fracture, where do I go?

[DisneyPlus]

I slipped over a week ago. My arm has got more painful and swollen over the bone area.
It surely doesn’t need A&E but not sure what a GP can do? There’s a walk in clinic near me that does x-rays etc but it’s nurse led with no doctors. I think, if anything, it’s a hairline fracture as it doesn’t look super serious but I do think it needs someone medical. Walk in clinic is probably most sensible but I don’t want to overreact.

You need A&E, because you need an x-ray.

You are not over-reacting, you suspect a fracture. You'll cost the NHS far more in the long run if you don't get prompt treatment.

And before you start going on about A&E pressures - it is not those who will walk out that are causing pressures - it is the fact there are no beds available to admit patients who need to be inpatients.

I wondered if the walk in clinic was an option because they can do x-rays? I might phone and check if they deal with simple injuries like suspected fractures.
If I need A&E, I need it..but I want to be certain it’s the right option.

Walk in will be fine. Nurses are very experienced with x rays!

Go to your nearest A&E for a broken arm or leg

www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-broken-a-bone/

Most walk in’s will refuse suspected fractures and refer to A&E. Don’t waste your time and go straight there.

You might as well cut out the middle man and go straight to A&E, don’t leave it any longer op .

Also: If you do not receive the correct treatment, you could develop a serious infection or a permanent deformity. You may also have long-term problems with your joints. get it checked, martyrism costs a lot!

Yes you need A&E you have had an accident that needs a x ray and then potentially casting.

The longer you leave it the worse it can get

Just go to A&E. I had a suspected fracture and rang my gp, they told me to go to A&E right away.

If there's an x-ray at the walk in I'd go there. I'm pretty sure they will have the ability to deal with simple fractures if they have an x-ray.

Damn just saw it was over a week ago!! Go to A&E!!

There is no prize for martyrdom but as pp have said you could get an infection or permanent issue.

The walk-in will be able to send the X-ray to A and E and speak to a colleague there if they think it needs treatment that the walk-in cannot provide.

But yeah a week You shoulda gone a lot earlier...

A and E, and I'd go this evening

Minor injuries/walk in/urgent treatment centres (the same thing) can treat broken limbs: see here. And you’ll likely get seen a whole lot quicker than in A&E. they can do X-rays. When I went with a suspected broken arm, pretty sure a saw a doctor. And I got an X-ray and a temporary cast and a sling (it was broken).

Just check the opening hours - they usually aren’t 24hrs.

I’d definitely go there over a& just to avoid the wait.

Find your nearest here

I only left it this long because I was sore bloody everywhere :( and my arm and wrist seemed ok . I managed to cut and bruise both knees and my back was a bit tender. It was hard to tell if it was just sore or anything more but the pain has got worse in my lower arm. I can’t ignore it any longer. I shall get this sorted ASAP.
Thanks all.

My friend broke his hand falling down some wet stairs in a local shop. Long story short, he didn't get it checked out, ended up having to have his fingers rebroken and set. He still has issues now. You are right to go to a&e and get it checked out.

Walk in would be my choice as they have X-ray facilities- radiographer looks at the X-ray- not the nurses. If it needs a cast or a plu t they can apply it. I wouldn't put a week old injury as an A&E trip given there is a juts as suitable alternative.

The ‘A’ in A&E stands for accident OP, so you’re definitely eligible to go there. Contrary to the thoughts of some posters on here, it’s not solely reserved for life threatening events. They will be best placed to get you an x-ray and pack you off to the fracture clinic if it’s broken. Even a minor fracture should be monitored to check that it heals ok, and actually you have no idea how serious it is until you have an x-ray.