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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To say dd cannot go swimming and need to go to A&E instead?

63 replies

Sarkyharky · 19/04/2018 17:36

She came home from school yesterday and said 'I've broken my finger!' she bent it backwards playing netball. It did look a bit swollen so I said lets go and get it x-rayed. She said oh no, I haven't really broken it, look, I can bend it.

Today it is still swollen and sore. She is desperate to go swimming tonight as she has a competition at the weekend and she is very dedicated.

Although I would rather not have to go to A and E in the early evening when it takes forever, I am beginning to think perhaps I should make her go and say no to swimming!

do they do anything for a broken finger anyway?

OP posts:
Whatshallidonowpeople · 19/04/2018 17:38

If it happened yesterday it isn't really for a &e. Take her to the walk in clinic or your gp

TheSecondOfHerName · 19/04/2018 17:40

There is a middle ground: She doesn't go swimming, takes paracetamol, rests the finger (it can be taped to the next finger in the spaces between the joints if that's more comfortable for her). If it's still as painful tomorrow morning, take her to a minor injuries unit so they can x-ray it to make sure there's no fracture.

CheshireChat · 19/04/2018 17:40

Minor injuries is hell of a lot quicker in this area. You might be best calling 111 to ask.

They can also tell you which out of hours clinic is less busy so it would save you time if you have access to a car.

Original poster
Sarkyharky · 19/04/2018 17:40

If it happened yesterday it isn't really for a &e

It needs an x ray.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sarkyharky · 19/04/2018 17:41

ah. not sure we have a minor injuries unit (we are very rural and have one hospital quite a way away). i will have a google.

OP posts:
penguinsandpanda · 19/04/2018 17:41

It was a while back but DD broke her finger (friends child landed on her finger), not obviously broken friends parent was a doctor and said it wasn't but to get checked out at kids A&E. Went there x-rayed said its broken. From memory they just bandaged it to the next finger but it was a while back.

I would get it checked out and get her to keep it as still as possible.

SharedLife · 19/04/2018 17:42

A & E isnt the x-ray department. Id phone 111 they can help you with the best local option.

Original poster
Sarkyharky · 19/04/2018 17:43

Well I can't believe I didn't know that. We do have a minor injuries clinic but it is now closed. But I will take her in the morning. Thanks! How I've managed to get 20 years down the line with kids and not realise that makes me feel a bit dim.

OP posts:
GlassSuppers · 19/04/2018 17:43

You don't need to go to A&E to get an X-ray.
A walk in centre or even a GP can refer you.

CaptainCarp · 19/04/2018 17:43

Have you got a minor injuries? You should be seen a lot quicker as you'll be bottom of the list for a&e. I bruised my finger (dr thought I'd broken it) & it was almost deep purple / black & stayed swollen for over a week.
They only put a bit of cushioning between the 2 fingers & strap it to the neighbour usually though.

MrsHouseBrownie · 19/04/2018 17:44

sarkyharky hope your DD is ok. I'd get it checked out just to be on the safe side.
Wondering if your DD and mine know each other! ( mine does Netball on Weds, swimming club Thurs - competition over weekend!)

elaine26 · 19/04/2018 17:44

I would take her to A&E that's what it's there for, most people on here seem to think that you should only go to the hospital with limbs falling off. My DD broke her wrist and could still move it. Better to get an x-ray at least then you'll know

Original poster
Sarkyharky · 19/04/2018 17:45

No walk in centre here and I'd have to wait until the morning for an emergency appt for GP so may as well go straight to minor injuries in the morning.

OP posts:
TheSecondOfHerName · 19/04/2018 17:45

If fractured, they would probably give her an injection of local anaesthetic, move the bone back into alignment and then put a plastic splint on the finger to keep it immobilised while it's healing.

Original poster
Sarkyharky · 19/04/2018 17:47

Can she swim? She can't can she?

She's determined to bloody go!

OP posts:
TheSecondOfHerName · 19/04/2018 17:49

Hyperextension injuries (where the finger bends right back) are very common in netball. My DD did this a few weeks ago. Her finger was quite swollen and bruised. It was a sprain - she rested it and it healed within a few days. It's still worth getting your DD's finger checked out tomorrow morning though.

BlingLoving · 19/04/2018 17:50

Honestly, if she feels well enough to swim, I'd let her. she should tape her fingers together to protect it from further damage. But whatever is wrong, can't be that bad if she feels happy going swimming.

Original poster
Sarkyharky · 19/04/2018 17:54

i am sure its a sprain. Its not bruised, its a tiny bit swollen, she can bend it. Maybe I will let her go and see how she gets on.

OP posts:
mumsiedarlingrevolta · 19/04/2018 17:57

I'd tape her fingers together and let her swim.

You haven't said how old she is but sounds old enough to know if she can swim-let her try and see how it goes?

It might be just jammed-ice it and watch but they really don't do much for a broken finger anyway unless it's much more severe than your DD's sounds...

MiniCooperLover · 19/04/2018 17:58

Let her swim but get it x-rayed tomorrow. Broken fingers left untreated can lead to knuckle issues and arthritis.

DairyisClosed · 19/04/2018 18:00

I fractured a finger as a child and could still bend it. Is her finger bruised? My entire finger turned a purplish black.

onesie1001 · 19/04/2018 18:01

OP my daughter had exactly the same thing. I didn't think it looked too bad and then the next day it looked more bruised and swollen so I took her to minor injuries.

When I took her they said no swimming due to the resistance and also when she gets out of the water and pushes down on her hands that will cause more pressure.

WaxOnFeckOff · 19/04/2018 18:02

They don't do anything for a broken finger nowadays. Pain killers and strap it to the next finger at most. If the swilling doesn't go down or it gets hot then i'd go get it checked. I'd possibly just strap it and let her go swimming.

youarenotkiddingme · 19/04/2018 18:03

Actually the fact you didn't realise there's a minor injuries unit near by probably means your one of the sensible people who only uses services when needed.

lynmilne65 · 19/04/2018 18:05

yes tape to next finger