A 36-year-old member asked:
How do i know if i have a broken finger or just a sprain?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Daniel Haffneranswered
Orthopedic Surgery 36 years experience
X-rays: Pain, bruising, swelling and difficulty moving the finger are all signs of injury, but only an x-ray can prove the finger is broken.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Toni Linanswered
Specializes in Hand Surgery
X-ray: The only way to know for sure is to get an x-ray. A finger with a small break or a breaks that isn't too badly out of place may not look too bad from the outside. Also, it's an "old wive's tale" that it's not broken if you can move it. Hope you feel better soon!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
Birmingham, Alabama
A 37-year-old female asked:
Sprained or broken finger. How can I tell?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ankush Bansalanswered
Internal Medicine 16 years experience
Can't really tell: You can't really tell for sure without an x-ray. Some sprains can be so painful that it mimics a fracture. However, if you have a fracture and it is not fixed properly, it can lead to permanent dysfunction of the joint or nerve injury (e.g. Pain).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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