How do I know when its healed?


Question:
A week ago I accidentaly shut my finger in the door of my car. My husband (who is an EMT) picked up a brace and tape at the drug store and splinted my finger. It swelled pretty good and I am pretty sure I broke it at or right under the joint closest to the tip of the finger. The swelling has gone down but it and the hand are still pretty bruised. I want to know if anyone knows how long I should keep the finger braced and taped? I unwrap it at night to shower and I still can not curl the finger. Any ideas or if anyone else has done this please help me out.
And NO I did not go to a doctor because I currently do not have insurance and I did not want to get charged $300.00 for something my husband could do.

Answers:
The BEST option is to get it x-rayed just to make sure the bones are at least lined up. If it were a toe, I'd say don't worry about it and keep re-splinting for about 4-6 weeks (normal time for a fracture to heal). You don't want permanent damage to a finger though- is functionality of a finger worth $300? I may not be a doctor, but that is my PROFESSIONAL advice as a paramedic! Good luck!
well you should of had x-rays, it may be broken to where it needs pins put in if you can not still bend it esp if it is broken at the joint. Most doctor offices have assistance plans to help with the medical bill you would have (sometimes you end up just paying 10% of the bill)
It can be hard to tell the difference between a break, severe bruise, sprain, etc. If it is broken, it will probably take several weeks of complete immobilization to heal, provided that it is a clean fracture. Bad bruises can take a long time to heal as well. BTW: EMTs are not doctors, and if you are truly worried about your health you should have it seen by a professional.
The nurse is right, you should have it x-ray-ed,because if it is broken, you could further damage it, and lose the full use of your hand,and end up paying more than just x-rays.
see a doctor
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