Q:

Over Thanksgiving break I hurt the last knuckle on my right ring finger playing football. It is not very painful(when it happened and since then) but it hurts a little when I bend it past 90 degrees. It functions fine, but it is still a little crook (bending to the left). The knuckle was somewhat swollen after it happened, and it is still bigger than the opposite knuckle. I was wondering if this is something that should go away on it's own, or if it will require some sort of medical attention, or even if it will be like this forever. Also, if this is something I should come into the health center for. Thanks a lot.

 

A:

AnsHand joint sprains can take awhile to resolve but in this case, you indicate it is not straight, which is worrisome. An xray is the best way to know there is no permanent bony injury. If it is soft tissue sprain only, it may be puffy for a long time.
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~The Doc