xChicken04x Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Hi guys, about an hour ago I was watching the snow from my window, when Zara (the dog) pushed the door open and came trotting in with her squeaky ball, hoping for a game. So I ran after her and on my way out I got my littlest finger caught on my wardrobe handle, but I carried on running (without thinking) and stretched it right back. I stopped for a second and then nearly passed out and felt physically sick. It hurt SO badly. Anyway, it isn't broken, because I can move it. It just hurts really badly. It taken me a while to get over the shock. Poor Zara went mad and started barking at me, but I felt so dizzy that I wasn't functioning properly to comfort her. Anyway, I'm feeling a bit better now, but I'm not too sure what to do? I really don't want to go to the hospital or doctors, because, for personal reasons I hate going, it really frightens me. Unless it is absolutely necessary. I've bandaged it up and strapped it to my other finger. But I have a shooting pain going from the side of my hand, down to my elbow. As I said, it isn't broken because I can move it normally but it is the palm of my hand and the side is really painful. I think I may have just stretched it. Any advice on how to make it feel better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 ouch!! I have done some similar many years ago! I am no medical expert but get an ice pack on it, or a bag of peas/sweetcoarn?? and keep it up elevated across your chest basically keeping your finger higher than your heart. This will help reduce any swelling if no improvement in the morning go get an xray!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 You have probably torn a ligament, don't move it, apply a heat pad to soothe the pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Great advice Loopyloo - if not better go to A and E in morning - good dose of Ibruprofen, ice and elevation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Sounds like yo might have twanged the nerve. NSAIDs and anti inflamatories would be what I would suggest. I really would urge you to have it seen at a hospital, to be on the safe side though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 does it really mean it's not broken if you can move it? I know there's a few nurses on here so I'm sure they could tell you. I thought you could still have a broken bone and not know. From the sound of how you did it, it does sound like a very bad sprain. I wonder if it could be a torn ligament or tendon? I'd put some ice on it and take some pain killers and if it gets unbearable or starts to swell or look a funny colour, go to A&E. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share Posted February 8, 2009 Hi all, thank you all for your help. I really don't think it's a break, although I will take into context that I have never had any medical training. Along the bone doesn't hurt at all I can touch it fine without any pain. It's just the fleshy bit that joins my little finger and the 4th finger along with the palm of my hand and the side of my hand. I think I've either strained it, torn a ligament, or hit a nerve. I shouldn't really be typing because it hurts, so if I don't reply, then you'll know why. Thank you all so much for the help. Oh, and if it does get any worse then I will brave A&E. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Oh my goodness I can only imagine the pain! I can't add much more than what people have already suggested but maybe try calling NHS direct - they are usually very helpful. Just mentioned it to my Oh who is a nurse and his advice is: Get it looked at if possible, it is possible to have a broken bone and still be able to move it as the tendons/ligaments are not broken and will still move the digit though he does say its unlikely that you have broken anything before you get too worried If you don't want to sit in A&E and get scared try a minor injury clinic instead Egluntine is right about the anti-inflamatory painkillers - Ibruprofen is a good one He says whatever you do don't strap it to the next finger as if its is broken/dislocated you could force it further out of joint If it swells keep it cold otherwise leave it alone and see what it is like in the morning He says it should be quiet in A&E on a Sunday eve if you do decide to get it checked out All the best, I hope the pain eases soon x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 As Egluntine said, it does sound like you've twanged a nerve - hence the shooting pain up your arm. You've done the right thing immobilising it for now (as Redwings OH says, not to the other finger) - let it settle down, use some ice on it and definitely take some ibuprofen (if you are not asthmatic) as it will ease the pain and reduce the inflammation. Poet is right, just because you can move it doesn't mean it is not broken, but you are quite safe strapping it up and leaving it until tomorrow. If it is still very swollen and painful tomorrow I would nip to A&E. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Ouch!....in a hyperextension injury you could have pulled/torn a ligament or damaged a nerve.......ice and ibuprofen as others have said. If it looks puffy and bruised in the next few hours there could be a break. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share Posted February 8, 2009 Hi all, thanks for the advice again. So far so good, I have taken it out of it's strapping to have a look at it. It isn't swollen/bruised in the slightest, which is good news isn't it? It's still a bit sore, but better than it was. The thought of going to hospital sends me into panic, so I'm really hoping it won't have to come to that . Thank you all again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 that's good to hear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 does it really mean it's not broken if you can move it? . When I fell last year and tore my ligaments in my ankle I went to A & E as the pain was so bad and I asked the doctor if it was broken would I have been able to walk - he said he actually had a patient walk in with 2 broken ankles once. Best to get it checked to be on the safe side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 [ he said he actually had a patient walk in with 2 broken ankles once. I bet it was a farmer - they are rock solid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 My ES broke his finger but could still move it so I'm not sure that just because you can move it means it isn't broken. His finger also didn't swell up for some time. My MIL and I both thought his finger was fine, it was only when his dad came home that he thought it needed looking at. Hope your finger gets better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Sorry to hear about your injury - it sounds really painful . Have you decided to go to A&E (obviously if you have you can't reply )? I hope it's not too serious . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanbb Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Do hope your injury isn't serious. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisevans1001 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Just because you can move it does not mean their isn't a fracture, but there is less chance of a fracture. Immobilising it as you have done will help reduce any further pain. Take 2 ibuprofen and 2 paracetamol every 4 hours (check the back of the packet as it does depend on the dosage you have bought). Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and an analgesia so will help take down the swelling and reduce the pain. Paracetamol is also an analgesia and will help reduce the pain. Whilst it doesn't rule it out altogether, I take it you didn't hear a crack or feel any clicking etc when you moved your finger? There's no harm in popping into minor injuries at a local A&E if you have one. A quick x-ray and you'll be done! There's not a lot they'll do for a fracture in your finger anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Ooh ouch. I hope your hand is feeling much better very soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Ouch poor you. Good advice already given, I would just add that if you have altered sensation - numbness or pins and needles you really should get it checked. You can get fractures running down the bones so it carries on functioning but also if the ligaments are affected then early assessment is much better. Hope it calms down soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Oh, ouch! If ever I do something nasty like that I generally feel queesy and light headed etc and need to sit down; I think it's not that unusual to ahve that shock-type reaction. I hope you've either been to your doctor or to A&E if it was still bad this morning. Tehy'll only be checking your finger, you'll manage to go along there fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Ouch! You poor thing. Try to rest it if you can, sounds like a nasty sprain. [ he said he actually had a patient walk in with 2 broken ankles once. I bet it was a farmer - they are rock solid! I walked around for a couple of days on a broken ankle too so that old wives tale is disproven. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 Hi all, thanks for the replies. It's feeling better today, no bruising at all and only a very slight 'puffiness' to it. The actual finger is fine, not painful at all, it's just the palm of my hand and the side, due to stretching. I think it will be Ok. If I was too concerned I would go to hospital, but I don't think there is any need at this point. If it gets any worse I'll go. Anyway thank you all for the advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Good news after we've all put the wind up you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 That is good news. As long as you can use the keyboard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
