Dealing with Finger Injuries: When to See a Specialist for Recovery

The finger was hit by a ball?

Hello, doctor.
Two months ago, I was hit on my little finger while playing basketball.
I purchased a topical anti-inflammatory gel from the pharmacy, but it hasn't been effective.
I then went to a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for a month, where I received acupuncture, medication, heat therapy, massage, and topical ointments.
Currently, there is slight redness and swelling on the right side of the first joint of my little finger, and I feel some pain when I make a fist.
Should I continue seeing the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, or should I go to a major hospital to see an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist?

a a, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/05/04

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation

Generally, a sprain takes about two weeks to heal, while a more severe one should heal within a month; two months is a bit long.
Since you have already tried traditional Chinese medicine, I think it would be best to consult a rehabilitation specialist! (Orthopedics would likely only provide anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications, whereas rehabilitation offers various physical therapy options.) If it were me, after ruling out the possibility of a fracture, I would suggest you stay active, making a fist and then stretching it out repeatedly, as well as doing some stretches for your little finger.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Reply Date: 2007/05/04

More Info

When dealing with finger injuries, especially those that persist despite initial treatment, it is crucial to assess the situation carefully and determine the best course of action. In your case, you have been experiencing ongoing pain and swelling in your little finger after being hit by a basketball two months ago. You have tried over-the-counter pain relief gel, acupuncture, medication, heat therapy, and massage, but the symptoms have not improved significantly.
Given the duration of your symptoms and the fact that you are still experiencing pain and swelling, it may be time to consult a specialist. Here are some considerations to help you decide whether to continue with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or seek care from an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist:
1. Duration of Symptoms: Since your injury occurred two months ago and you are still experiencing pain and swelling, this suggests that the injury may not be healing properly. Typically, minor injuries should show significant improvement within a few weeks. If symptoms persist beyond this timeframe, further evaluation is warranted.

2. Nature of Symptoms: The presence of redness and swelling, along with pain when making a fist, indicates that there may be underlying issues such as inflammation, ligament damage, or even a fracture that has not healed properly. These symptoms are concerning and warrant a more thorough investigation.

3. Specialist Evaluation: An orthopedic specialist can perform a detailed physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, to assess the extent of the injury. This is particularly important to rule out fractures or other structural damage that may require specific treatment.

4. Rehabilitation Options: If the orthopedic evaluation confirms that there is no significant structural damage, a rehabilitation specialist can help you with a tailored recovery program. This may include physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and function of the finger. Rehabilitation can also address any lingering pain through modalities such as ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, or specific exercises designed to promote healing.

5. Potential for Complications: Continuing to treat the injury without proper evaluation may lead to complications, such as chronic pain or reduced range of motion. Seeking a specialist's opinion can help prevent these issues and ensure that you receive appropriate care.

6. Integrative Approach: If you have found some benefit from TCM, you might consider discussing this with your orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist. They may be open to integrating some of the TCM practices with conventional treatment to provide a more holistic approach to your recovery.

In conclusion, given your ongoing symptoms and the lack of improvement despite various treatments, it would be advisable to see an orthopedic specialist. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine the best course of action for your recovery. If necessary, they can refer you to a rehabilitation specialist for further treatment. Taking these steps will help ensure that you receive the appropriate care and support for your finger injury, ultimately leading to a better recovery outcome.

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