Need medical advise...please help

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
4

49erinnc

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2004
2,095
0
0
I'm almost certain I dislocated my finger yesterday. It feels like it's completely out of socket at my knuckle (bottom joint on top of hand/opposite palm). Hurt like hell and when I bend that finger, you can obviously see something is screwed up.

Since it happened on a Saturday, I went to two different urgent care facilities. Both told me the same thing: That they weren't really suited for treating something like that, especially if it involves any damage to tendons. They said they'd x-ray it but would likely refer me to someone else. So, I opted to pass because neither place sounded too confident. One place told me to go to the Orthopedic Urgent Care but they were closed.

I bought a splint so I'm not in too much pain right now. But I need to know where to go. Is this something that I could get treated at my primary care/family physician? Or should I go to the Orthopedic Urgent Care today when they reopen? Or, is this something I should go see an ortho/hand specialist for? Ideally, I'd like to go to my primary care but I don't want to schedule a visit, miss some work tomorrow, only to find out I have to go see another doctor.

Any advice from those here in the medical field or who have had a similar injury would be greatly appreciated.
 
T

TipsyMcStagger

Senior member
Sep 19, 2003
661
0
0
When I dislocated my finger, a friend of mine popped it back into place. I iced it, it hurt for a couple days and that was it.
 
M

Midlander

Platinum Member
Dec 21, 2002
2,456
1
0
Based on the response you got from Urgent Care, I'd head directly to the Orthopedic Urgent Care. You're going to end up seeing an expert eventually, so you might as well start there.

He/she will be able to tell what's wrong and the best way to fix it.

Good luck.
 
Number1

Number1

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2006
7,881
549
126
The ATOT crowd needs pics to make a proper diagnostic and recommendation. Your finger depends on it.
Seriously, I am no doctor but I would go and see your Orthopedic Urgent Care ASAP.
By the way, what?s the use of an urgent care facility if it?s not open on weekends?
 
4

49erinnc

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2004
2,095
0
0
Originally posted by: Number1
The ATOT crowd needs pics to make a proper diagnostic and recommendation. Your finger depends on it.
Seriously, I am no doctor but I would go and see your Orthopedic Urgent Care ASAP.
By the way, what?s the use of an urgent care facility if it?s not open on weekends?
Click to expand...

The "normal" urgent care was open. But the orthopedic urgent care has limited weekend hours. They're only open from 2pm-6pm today. I missed them by about 30 minutes yesterday. I'll probably go there. I just feel that if I go to my primary care, I'm only gonna be referred to a specialist. Not to mention, I'd have to miss work and there are no guarantees my primary care will even have an opening tomorrow.
 
D

dethman

Lifer
Oct 12, 1999
10,263
3
76
a dislocated finger is something a regular urgent care should easily be able to take care of. all we do is xray it, make sure it's not broken, and pop that sucker back in and splint your finger. if your finger is not cut open there is nothing to do with your tendons.
 
4

49erinnc

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2004
2,095
0
0
I'm not even so sure that it's a simple finger dislocation now that I've read some stuff online. The problem isn't in my actual finger. It's at the joint where the base of the finger connects to the hand. If you made a fist, it's there where your big knuckle forms at the base of your middle finger. Instead of having one knuckle peak there, I have two peaks on that one knuckle if I make a fist and it hurts like hell to do so. My luck, I probably fractured it or it will be something that requires surgery. Heading to the ortho urgent care in a bit.
 
4

49erinnc

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2004
2,095
0
0
Well, that sucks. No dislocation or fracture but I wish that had been the case. Apparently, I have done some bad damage to a tendon and the ortho urgent care wants me to see a hand surgeon on Tuesday. I'm still recovering from neck surgery so this is the last thing I need. My dominant hand as well which only makes it worse.

Not to mention, it takes forever to type when you have to peck with just one hand. :(
 
M

Midlander

Platinum Member
Dec 21, 2002
2,456
1
0
Too bad, but at least you got the expert advice you needed. I mean from the doctor, not from ATOT!
 
M

Midlander

Platinum Member
Dec 21, 2002
2,456
1
0
Originally posted by: doze
Won't tendon damage heat itself with a little time?
Click to expand...

Depends on the amount of damage. If it's separated, it will require surgery to put the pieces together so they can heal.
 
4

49erinnc

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2004
2,095
0
0
Originally posted by: Midlander
Originally posted by: doze
Won't tendon damage heat itself with a little time?
Click to expand...

Depends on the amount of damage. If it's separated, it will require surgery to put the pieces together so they can heal.
Click to expand...

I don't think it's separated based on what I've read. It's my understanding that if the tendon is separated (as in torn in two), it would be impossible for me to bend that finger which isn't the case. It feels/looks more like the tendon is wrapped around or pinched within the joint. When I make a fist with that hand, besides hurting enough to make my eyes water, you can see a band under the skin, slide over the top of that knuckle. It doesn't do that on my other hand or any other knuckles on the injured hand. Also, when I make a fist, you can see something peak next to my knuckle. It does so enough to press on my skin and turn it white. And it feels like something is catching/getting really tight inside that area when I try to make a fist.

I pray it doesn't require surgery but if the tendon is in the wrong place, I just don't see how it could be fixed without it. I hope I'm wrong on that one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom