Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Broken Finger

Yesterday I fell while hiking and broke my finger (right hand ring finger)  Went to the ER got an x-ray that showed the break in-between the knuckle and the last joint on the finger.  They gave me a referal to an ortho but he is out of town for a couple of weeks, so they said to call my Dr to get a referal for an ortho as soon as possible.  The finger is severally swollen, bruising bad and I can't move it up or down.  The other thing is the finger is pointing downward, It almost looks dislocated b/c it is arched really bad!  My question is, should I be seen by an ortho and how soon?  I left a message for my dr but it usually takes him at least 3 to 4 days to reply!  I am just worried that the finger will heal like that and be "deformed" for life!  I know once the swelling goes down I will be able to move it, just wondering if I will heal correctly!  I do have it in a finger brace which helps a lot with the pain but I am constantly hitting my hands on things which really hurts!  Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Kim
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1605619 tn?1301631851
No problem!  Extra strength Tylenol is your best bet until your Dr. gives you something else for it.  The Dr. I worked for always said that drugs like ibuprofen slowed the healing down of fractures.  Inflammation is exactly what you want for a fracture because those same cells start the healing process.  (sounds like a bunch of yada yada yada, if you ask me!!!) ;-)

Sometimes we have to take matters into our own hands!!  Drs./nurses are just people too and they get overloaded and are at the mercy of other nurses/receptionists who are overloaded when they are trying to get patients a referral appt.  If possible, skip the middle man and get your own appt!!!  Best of luck to you!!! :-)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ok so I have been taking IB profin, should I just be taking tylenol?  They told me motrin or the IB at the er!  Thank you so much for letting me know that!  My dr still hasn't gotten back to me yet, I can't wait till they call me next week to tell me of my referal and I will let them know I had to take care of it myself!  GEEEZZZ!  
Helpful - 0
1605619 tn?1301631851
I'm glad to hear you got an ortho appt!  It's not something that should wait!  I worked for an ortho for 5 yrs and I'll tell ya, he always said NO NSAIDS for fractures.  If the ER didn't give you anything for pain, take Tylenol!!!!  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
SO, I left my first message on Monday morning with the Dr for the ortho referal, a different doc called me back and said she would get on it immediatly....It is now tues night, I have called the office 2 times and they keep saying they will call me when they make the appointment!  I know it's not a leg fracture just a finger but thank god!  I went ahead and took matters into my own hands, called a local ortho and they told me that with my insurance I didn't need a referal for him (the dr's office really didn't have 2 minutes to call and tell me that?)  Needless to say, this isn't the first time this has happend with this stupid office, I love the dr but really?!   So I have my ortho appointment now on friday afternoon!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your response!  So my dr is gone and they told me they would get back to me first thing in the morning about the ortho (half the time my dr is slow and the other half of the time my message never gets passed to him)  We live in Hawaii and in this state Nothing is done quickly!!  Hopefully they do get back to me or I will call and just start trying to find one that takes my insurance.  I do have to have a referal though!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello!

Wear a finger splint and ice your finger. Ask your physician to do buddy tapping if required till you see an orthopedician.

It is very important not to lift weights with the affected hand and not to exert.

You should also take NSAIDs to decrease the pain and inflammation.

Take care!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
If it is going to take you dr. that long to get back to you then I would try to find an ortho as soon as you can either by word of mouth, local hospital or even phone book.  You may want to specifically look for a hand surgeon they tend to be much better with injuries in this area.  I would call around and explain your situation.  It surprising that even in the event of a broken bone that it would take your dr. that long to get back to you even his office staff should be able to assist you with a referal.  Hope you find someone soon.  Good luck.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Orthopedics Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
How to bounce back fast from an ankle sprain - and stay pain free.
Patellofemoral pain and what to do about it.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.