Walking Wounded
18-07-2006, 06:39 PM
I shattered the distal phalanx on my L index finger about 6 weeks ago as a result of a crush injury (yes, big ouch!). The nail was completely removed. The injury was incurred at work so I have been having treatment at the company preferred GP.
So far there is no sign of the nail growing back and the finger is still very sore. Where the fingernail used to be the wound is still open, bleeding and weeping. Between the first joint and where the nail used to be is sore, red and swollen. I also can't bend this joint fully, it only bends to around 1/2 of what my other fingers do. The fingertip also still appears bruised on the underside (palm side) of the finger and has a slightly deformed shape.
I have asked the GP if I need to go for further x-rays however he doesn't feel they are necessary as "this won't affect the treatment" and hasn't referred me to a hand specialist as he explained that "they won't do anything differently". He has encouraged me to flex the joint regularly which I have been doing. It is currently dressed with a fingertip bandage however this needs changing every few days.
Is this normal progress or should I be pushing for a referral to a hand specialist? I am concerned about permanent long-term damage and obviously want the best possible treatment.
Thank you
WW
So far there is no sign of the nail growing back and the finger is still very sore. Where the fingernail used to be the wound is still open, bleeding and weeping. Between the first joint and where the nail used to be is sore, red and swollen. I also can't bend this joint fully, it only bends to around 1/2 of what my other fingers do. The fingertip also still appears bruised on the underside (palm side) of the finger and has a slightly deformed shape.
I have asked the GP if I need to go for further x-rays however he doesn't feel they are necessary as "this won't affect the treatment" and hasn't referred me to a hand specialist as he explained that "they won't do anything differently". He has encouraged me to flex the joint regularly which I have been doing. It is currently dressed with a fingertip bandage however this needs changing every few days.
Is this normal progress or should I be pushing for a referral to a hand specialist? I am concerned about permanent long-term damage and obviously want the best possible treatment.
Thank you
WW