The bones in our hand are fairly delicate. Therefore, in the course of your home improvement project or a friendly sports game, you may experience a finger injury. But how serious is it? The guide below offers tips for distinguishing a broken finger from one that is just bruised or strained so you can seek urgent care treatment. 

What Are the Signs of a Broken Finger?

The specific symptoms will depend on the location and severity of the fracture. However, you might notice joint dislocation or another deformity, sharp pain, swelling, numbness, and redness around the injury site. You may also have difficulty moving the finger.

How Should You React After the Injury?

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, or pain and swelling that is not subsiding, be sure to seek medical care. An urgent care clinic can perform an x-ray to spot any fractures or joint dislocations. On the way to the clinic, grab ice to put on your finger to control swelling and pain. Even if the finger is not broken, pain that is severe enough to make you think so warrants a look by a medical professional.

What Can You Expect From Urgent Care Treatment?

Specific treatment will depend on the type of fracture that you are experiencing. If the fracture is already stable, the doctor will keep the finger in place with a splint. They may also tape the broken finger to another finger. If the fracture is unstable, the doctor will move to align the fracture first. The doctor will tell you how long to keep the splint or tape in place. You may also need to schedule a follow-up with your primary care physician to monitor the healing process. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you suspect that you or your child has fractured a bone, the team at MediCenter in Kenai, AK, can provide quick diagnosis and treatment. This community-focused clinic provides urgent care, men’s and women’s health, and pediatric services. Their team of physicians emphasizes preventative care, helping your family sustain a healthy lifestyle. They also provide free or low-cost preventative screenings on a monthly basis, making health care more accessible to everyone. To learn more about their services, visit them online. You can also call (907) 283-9118 to make an appointment.