My daughter hurt her finger and no fracture on x-ray. Should she see an orthopedist?

Question

Hi doctor,

My daughter hurt her finger on her brother's kneecap two days ago. She is 11 and a gymnast. The x-ray showed there is no fracture. But still, she has lots of pain, swelling, and two discolored joints in her fingers. She was not given any treatment. Should she see an orthopedist?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Negative x-ray rules out bone injury but not ligament or capsular injury of the joints of fingers. Considering she is a gymnast, she should see an orthopedist for a perfect treatment. Till then, you need to do a buddy strapping of the finger in which the affected finger is strapped with the adjacent normal finger with the help of micropore skin tape. Please remember not to do it too tightly. This will give the finger support and reduce pain and swelling. I suggest you the following medicines. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take medicine with consent.

Tablet Ibuprofen 200 mg one in the morning and the evening for five days after food.

Tablet Rabeprazole 20 mg twice a day for five days before food.

I suggest you the above tablets only if you are not allergic to them. Do not take these tablets if you have bronchial asthma.

Thank you.