Should I go to a&e/walk-in centre

[novalia89]

I bashed my thumb 2 weeks ago and it swelled up massively and was extremely painful. Then the swelling went down the the bruise went away and I can move my thumb fine.

However, it feels a bit numb and when I touch it were I bashed it I get a electric shock type pain. It feels like somthing moves too (I hurt it moving a wheelie bin in, grabbing another bin and bashing my thumb with the handle). It feels a bit numb when I stretch my thumb out fully too.

I don't want to go to a&e because I did it 2 weeks ago and I can move it fine, but I think I might need an xray because I think I might have a tiny fracture or something. I don't think there is any point going to a gp, because they will just tell me to rest or get an xray. However, the walk in centre might not be able to do anything.

I rung nhs direct to see the best course of action and they said to go to my gp and when I said I think I might need an xray they told me to go to the walk in.

What would you do?

Thanks

We’ll accident and emergency is for accidents (within 24 hours usually) or emergencies. You have neither. They are very unlikely to X-ray it. Go to walk in if you must but maybe just wait for it to get better?

Have you got a minor injuries unit nearby? It sounds like it’ll need an x ray and probably the fracture clinic based on my experience of broken finger bones. I don’t know much about walk in centres as we don’t have one here.

But if it can wait I’d see your gp rather than use an urgent place.

I agree with not a and every, can't your gp organise an x-ray for you

Not a and e

Well that's what I've been doing, but the weird lump, moving partt and numbness isn't going.

I might give it another week or so.

The hospital has a minor injuries/walk-in centre.

GP can make a referral for X-ray if required.

Have you tried ice, elevation and pain relief?

Minor injuries/walk in. Suspected fractures in fingers/thumbs should be checked out as if they don't heal properly they can cause ongoing issues.

glitterglue
That's the only thing I'm worried about, it healing badly.

I put ice on it until the swelling went down.

It might be worth ringing minor injuries/walk in before you go. Some of them can only treat injuries that occurred within the last 14 days.

Minor Injuries is your best bet.

Go to the walk-in centre to get it checked out.

Hi,
No to A&E. Sounds like you do need an X-Ray. and if there is anything on the X-Ray then a referral to fracture clinic. The GP should be able to organise this for you.

I'm confused. You were told to see your GP. Why are you considering A&E?

The NHS says to go to minor injuries or walk in asap. www.nhs.uk/conditions/broken-finger/

The NHS says to go to minor injuries or walk in asap.

The NHS have told the OP to see their GP.

They also said to go to the walk in if she thinks it needs an x-ray. although seeing as she rang 111 I'm surprised they didn't send an ambulance.

Why do 111 commonly ring an ambulance?
I've only rung it once before after I knocked a tooth out and hit my head. They told me to take ibuprofen though, although on the NHS website it says DON'T take ibuprofen after a head injury.

GP can refer you for x-ray or physio. It's started healing so not the sort of treatment that A&E or a MIU offer. Walk-in centre would just have to refer you to see an expert who can assess if physio or more detailed treatment is what would most help you.

Our local Minor Injuries Unit would be my first choice for the sort of situation you describe. Had to take DC there on several occasions, they do x-rays etc and send you to A&E or elsewhere if needed. One DC had dislocated and fractured thumb sorted, other had broken nose diagnosed and consultant appointment made for next day.

I’d go to the minor injuries unit. Just check their opening times.

I broke one of my fingers last year and they were excellent. Treated straight away and referred to the hospitals hand clinic the day after.