6 year old hurt his little finger whilst punching the armchair (yes I know!), now swollen, must I really take him to the docs?

[hmc]

Apparently he was trying to make his sister laugh

His little finger hurt immediately (I largely ignored him). Now 2 hours later his hand is a little swollen below the little finger and it is uncomfortable, but not a noticeably dubious colour. Can I just carrying on ignoring?

I think if he can move it okay you can wait until tomorrow and see if it's better or worse.

Not that I have any medical expertise whatsoever, but that's what I'd do.

That's what I am tempted to do

Put an ice pack on it and see what happens.

I'm sure I could muster up the enthusiasm for an ice pack - ok will do

Yes he can move it - and he only says it hurts when he remembers!

Keep an eye on it....I let my DS' swollen hand go for a couple of days, even encouraged him to play basketball and he had broken one of the bones in his hand.(punching injury from Rugby).

There was no treatment though other than rest, elevation and ice, despite a break.

Ah - okay, thanks for the tip off.

Strap it to the next finger and give him some painkillers.

don't strap it too tight though :)

ibuprofen for anti-inflamatory purposes, and ice pack.

Thanks all for the advice yesterday - his hand is still painful but now less swollen so seems to be on the mend. Probably just a sprain.