Question

Advice please.  Nurses?Advice please. Nurses? My 8 yr old fell on hand and hurt her pointer finger. I heard a crack. And thought instantly a break. It is not bruised at all. Barely even swollen. She can bend a little at all joint areas. But the larger length of it hurts. It’s one of those judgement calls. Should I splint it and wait it out or get an x-ray anyway?  

Answer 1

I would splint it, see how it is in a day or two. If it’s still bothering her, get it checked. If it is broken, you want to make sure it heals correctly.  

Answer 2

There’s a foot and ankle surgeon in town that’s offering x-ray services for healthy people. I’m not sure if they’ll do hands, but let me find the info for you.  

Comments

@alonsoalonzo638 thanks. I really don’t think it’s broke but unsure she can move it a bit. But you never know.  

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@peebles95531 I wouldn’t stress out about a finger because all they’d do is splint it anyway, but it’s all those little bones in the hand that I personally would want to make sure are okay. Then again giving it 24 hours is probably alright too. I got advice from a friend to record a video and have the kiddo go through range of motion and describe the pain and then you have a point of reference day to day.  

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@peebles95531 here’s the doctor!  
https://www.facebook.com/nsfootdoc/

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@alonsoalonzo638 uh, she’s a podiatrist.  

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@gambrell she has x-ray capabilities, not sure if she's willing to x-ray parts other than feet/ankles/etc.  

Answer 3

If you are concerned you can always call your doctor and see about an outpatient x-ray or the immediate cares are usually safer

Comments

@manteltree42563 NCH has a great urgent care on rand Road. 3 wonderful compassionate visits.  

Answer 4

I agree with the other comments. Splint, elevate as much as possible and apply cold compress and see how it is in 24-48 hours. If there is swelling and pain, then it's worth getting her checked.  

Answer 5

The walk in clinic if Illinois bone and joint is open, so you wouldn't need to go to the ER.  

Comments

@mitziemitzl second this option since most ERs are going to refer to ortho anyway.  

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@mitziemitzl agree - go see a hand ortho.  

Answer 6

Thanks ladies. We are splinting it for tonight, and will be checking it

Comments

@peebles95531 she’s the best - I’ve personally seen her work at the surgical clinic I work at and she’s fixed my finger alignment problem without surgery.