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General health

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Original poster

May have broken bone in finger - not worth A&E?

21 replies

minxthemanx · 26/09/2015 12:08

Think I've done something odd to middle finger - a couple of days ago there was a sharp pain (can't remember what I was doing!), and the knuckle has swollen a lot and is very bruised. I can bend it, so not convinced there's a break, but the finger looks a bit bent and is cracking a lot when I use it - it hurts when it cracks, but in the scheme of stressful life it's nothing major. I'm thinking that even if there is a crack in the bone, they're unlikely to do anything at A&E? Seems very trivial to spend the hours over there. Any advice from nurses/A&E staff?

OP posts:

lljkk · 26/09/2015 17:27

What did you decide?

That really is a 50-50 thing, is it fine to use in general (no worse than a slight ache?)

If it were me I would consider whether to go tomorrow around 10am. Wouldn't go near the place on a Saturday evening.

Charis2 · 26/09/2015 17:28

go to minor injuries

amarmai · 26/09/2015 19:31

get it checked why wdn't you. you have to live with it for the rest of your life and maybe they can help. That's their job and you pay your taxes. Whatever is hurting you now, will hurt way more as you get older.

Pico2 · 26/09/2015 19:33

I'd get it checked. The people I've known to have recently broken fingers have been given splints and very specific care instructions.

notapizzaeater · 26/09/2015 19:42

I'd go to a minor injuries unit, they can strap it properly. If it's sets working, you're stuck with it for the rest of your life.

Original poster

minxthemanx · 26/09/2015 20:16

Hmm thanks, been busy with 6 fourteen year old lads at jump giants birthday party all afternoon.... It's not massively painful, but cracking a lot and very bruised. Can't get ring over it as swollen. But the fact I can bend it OK makes me think it's something trivial. Don't think we've got a minor injuries unit near us, must A&E, but I'll check. Thanks for the advice.

OP posts:

Vernonon · 26/09/2015 20:20

Just go to A&E for an x-Ray and to get it strapped up properly so that it heals straight.

janethegirl2 · 26/09/2015 20:26

I'd just use micropore and tape it to the next finger. If you want to sit in a&e on a Saturday night, go for it but that's all they'd do.

Original poster

minxthemanx · 26/09/2015 20:31

Oh golly I'm not going anywhere tonight! In pyjamas with wine. 6 big teenage lads for two hours more than enough for one day. The nearest minor injuries unit to us doesn't open at weekends, so if it's still swollen and clicking tomorrow I'll pop to A&E before the football injuries arrive.

OP posts:

SomedayMyPrinceWillCome · 26/09/2015 20:39

Being able to bend / move it does not exclude a fracture
Pls do consider getting it checked tomorrow especially if there is pain in the joint. Extra important if this is your dominant hand (the one you write with)

Original poster

minxthemanx · 26/09/2015 20:49

Yes it is dominant hand. Just seems a very trivial thing to take up A&E time with! I'll see how it is tomorrow.

OP posts:

lljkk · 27/09/2015 10:13

How is it today?

Original poster

minxthemanx · 27/09/2015 10:32

Ha! Sitting in packed A&E! Dear God, wish I hadn't bothered... Still swollen and bruised and bit crooked but I'm sure I'll sit here for hours to be told it's just bruised!

OP posts:

lljkk · 27/09/2015 10:52

How long have you been there?
Interesting it's packed... people who broke ankles last night but were too drunk to notice?

Original poster

minxthemanx · 27/09/2015 11:11

Mixture, quite a lot of older people too. At least I got here ahead of all the football/rugby injuries... Shame we don't have a minor injuries unit. The nearest one doesn't open at weekends.

OP posts:

lljkk · 27/09/2015 20:19

aw right then, what's the verdict? How long did you wait?

BBQsAreSooooOverrated · 27/09/2015 20:23

Hope you got on ok at a & e and weren't waiting too long?

Original poster

minxthemanx · 28/09/2015 20:47

Was at A&E from 10 am till 3 pm... On a beautiful autumnal Sunday. apparently not broken, but possible volar plate injury, the ligament that attaches to the knuckle. Quite incredibly, I had to be plastered up to the elbow! Seems very over the top for a sore finger that isn't broken! Couldn't drive home, car is still at the hospital. So can't drive, write.... Thankfully going back early tomorrow to plastics ward, where hopefully they will laugh as they take off the huge plaster cast for the bad knuckle......

OP posts:

lljkk · 28/09/2015 22:52

wow!!! I was wondering about ligaments because of the clicking....broken bones don't click ime.

Sounds like prognosis is highly variable?! I hope it passes soon for you.

Original poster

minxthemanx · 29/09/2015 11:35

Been back and seen the plastics Dr today - thankfully cast off and in the bin. She doesn't think it's volar plate, but possibly a hook of bone chipped off knuckle, hence bruising and swelling, plus arthritis! That cheered me up no end. But no strapping or plaster so can get on with things! Thanks for your comments.

OP posts:

MedSchoolRat · 29/09/2015 18:57

So basically, after all that, you may as well have stayed at home & given it TLC? Oh Dear! :)

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