A member asked:

I hit my right pinky finger on a table yesterday afternoon now it's swollen, tender and looks deformed is it broken or sprained?

8 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Dr. Bradley Frazee answered

Specializes in Emergency Medicine

Possibly: could be a broken bone or an injured ligament, but chances are its nothing serious. you may not need to get it examined or x-ray'ed right away. you can buddy tape it (tape with medical tape to the 4th finger) for 2 days then re-examine it yourself: feel for a very tender spot; see if you can bend it fairly comfortably. If something still seems wrong at that point, seek formal medical care.

Answered 7/18/2014

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Xray: I wish I had Superman xray vision but I don't. No one else does either. Visit an ER and get it examined and xrayed.

Answered 7/18/2014

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Dr. Cynthia Archer answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Suspect broken: Though I think the deformity is suggestive of fracture, if you did not experience severe pain fracture seems less likely. That said, you would benefit from plain films and splinting, as the finger may need to be immobilized or properly positioned then immobilized to heal properly. Suggest an urgent care visit or visit with your doctor if you can get a same day appointment.

Answered 3/5/2019

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Deformd could be bad: Deformed is not a good sign. If it was just swollen and sore that might just be a sprain, but deformed might mean a fracture. An X-ray would solve the problem pronto

Answered 12/31/2016

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