Information for Parents
Your child has injured their finger, which has caused a minor fracture (break) or sprain.
How will my child’s finger injury be treated?
If the injured finger is very swollen, painful and difficult to move, the clinician may decide to X-ray the injured finger, to see if there is a broken bone.
A nurse will strap the injured finger to a neighbouring finger to give it support. A high arm sling may be applied to hold the hand up, to give support and to ease the swelling and pain.
If your child has a fracture to his/her finger, an appointment will should be made for them to be seen in an outpatient clinic, usually within 7 days.
What do I need to know?
The strapping needs to stay on for 14 days if the finger is broken but can be removed for washing/bathing and can be changed if necessary. The support needs to be removed at night. After 10 days to 2 weeks, the support only needs to be worn when the child is involved in sporting activities or playing outside.
If the finger is sprained, keep the strapping on (if the finger is still uncomfortable) for up to 7 days, but try to start gently moving the fingers as soon as your child can tolerate this.
Swelling may increase for the first 48-72 hours, so it is important your child keeps the injured finger elevated. When your child is in bed, the sling must be taken off and the hand can be supported on a pillow
Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen may be given at home for pain relief. Please follow the dose instructions on the packaging carefully and make sure you do not give your child more than the recommended dose.
Further Information
If you need any more information or advice between the hours of 0800-2000 Monday-Sunday please call The Children’s Urgent Care Centre on 02073906150.
Out of hours please contact NHS 111.
Call NHS 111 if you need medical help fast, but it’s not life threatening- for example, if you:
In case of emergency please call 999 or attend your local Children’s Emergency Department.
