Joe A Shaw PA-C - 9/2/2009

Question
A week ago I injured my right ring finger. It was hit hard by a tough ball. The injured area is the joint above the knuckle. I saw my family doctor who took an Xray. He suspected a crack on the top and to the side and splinted me and said to remove in a few weeks,no follow up. He phoned today to now say he doesn't think it is broken. However I have noticed a hard roundness, bulge on the inside of this joint (facing the middle finger). It is somewhat visible to the eye but if I trace my finger over it is definitely larger, rounder compared to the ring finger on my left hand. I know the outside of these joints are somewhat round? but this was definitely larger and rounder and feels like the bone? It is quite painful in this area. Is this typical with this type of injury or a fracture? I was wondering if I should see an orthopedic or someone who deals with bones? Thanks for your help.

Answer
Sierra,
Without seeing xrays it is difficult to say....but just a week out, it will still be sore for sure. There are ligaments that lie over the bones here those could be inflammed. You may have a bone bruise as well...the treatments are about the same really..you could buddy tape it..(tape to middle finger)You do not want to wear a splint on a joint for several wks if it is not broken. I would follow your family DRs advice for now.