Question:

Around a week ago, I hit the outside of my pinky finger on my left hand and it`s black and blue, extremely sore and has a bump. I`ve done this before on my thumb. Is this a bruised tendon, vain, ?? I hate to run to the doctor, I`m hoping it will heal itself.

Answer:

This “bump” could be a bruise (or hematoma).  If you have full function of the pinky finger (flexing and extending it) and there is no loss of sensation or “catching” of the finger when you try to bend it, it is reasonable to give your symptoms another week of conservative therapy using icing and anti-inflammatory medications before seeing a physician.

For more information:

Go to the Sports Medicine health topic.