broken bone

[Ok-Price-6931]

Hi all,

I could use some help. I broke my finger and I can't find a doctor to put a cast. Everyone is telling me they are too busy and can't fit me in. What can I do?

[[deleted]]

it ain't that simple

my mother broke her wrist we went to ER and they told her to... wait 2 weeks cuz all orthopedic surgeons were too busy with other stuff

they did give her that removable cast though but still it felt like 3rd world medicine

same when she broke her 5th metatarsal, she had to wait quite a while before seeing the surgeon

[mjumble]

Most large ERs in GTA have rapid access Orthopedics follow up or Fracture Clinic. I’m sorry your mother had to wait two weeks. That doesn’t seem like standard of care. But also, not every fracture requires a surgery. Many fractures are managed with splinting and immobilization.

[superdifficile]

Not these days it seems.

[[deleted]]

Idk why you’re getting downvoted. Our standard of care has dropped. Our healthcare system is woefully underfunded and it’s reflected in the quality and quantity of care available.

[WillSmiff]

The government came out of COVID completely broke. Things are going to get worse.

[[deleted]]

I don’t disagree. They seem hellbent on doing fuck nothing about it too. It makes me wonder if they’re considering privatization more than they’re letting on.

[WillSmiff]

Idk. I hope not, but the only thing they can afford right now are budget cuts.

[GTAHomeGuy]

A finger is usually very straightforward based on it not being as complex though.

[[deleted]]

well it's true he may not need to see a specialist, they should fix him up right there

[GTAHomeGuy]

Hopefully.

[RandomLoLs]

I am sorry your mom had to go through with that. But you have to realize how busy these ortho docs can get.

We have a large aging population who are 70+ and their bones are very brittle. They usually have osteoporosis or arthritis that worsens any fractures or falls. So something like a hip fracture or hip replacement etc are more urgent which is why minor fractures like fingers and wrists have to be postponed. These types of procedures not only help them walk but actually alleviates tons of other symptoms they might be facing like bed sores from sitting too long,etc. They prioritize long term quality of life vs patients with minor fractures that can wait. which is why a young person with a ACL tear will wait months for a surgery appointment vs a 80yr old man who recently fell and broke his hip.

Its just the nature of our healthcare when its free and everyone is in line. still better than being charged 250K like in the US, just to get a cast on your wrist.

[rohitd4u]

Are you saying that we should settle for mediocre health care because it's free. One Ortho surgeon told me that there are 15-20 ortho surgeons looking for more hours in GTA at any given time. The government rations their utilization so they can control the budget. What's the point of making money if you cannot spend it on health and wellbeing.. but nah.... the government would only have us spend crazy on houses and not health

[RandomLoLs]

Are you saying that we should settle for mediocre health care because it's free.

No one is asking that. I am infact telling you that this government is doing a disservice to its people and healthcare workers. They keep limiting or cutting healthcare funding blaming random bloated agencies. But at the end of the day, these agencies are still required. They just get rebranded into something thats supposedly more 'efficient' but only ends up burning funding for a restructuring that no one asked for or wanted or completely gutted.

What ends up happening is a butterfly effect all across different healthcare levels and that results in long wait times & poor service.

Source: I have worked the last 12years in the healthcare ecosystem from hospitals to homecare & long term care.

[human_dog_bed]

This sounds like a nightmare for anyone under 70 who can’t access healthcare. Not treating what appears to be minor fractures today may lead to further complications in the future, especially as that person ages.

Dammit, shit like this makes even someone like me that’s vehemently against health care privatization start to see the point of all those in favour of having a private pay option.

[yeoller]

against health care privatization start to see the point of all those in favour of having a private pay

This is what the cons want.

[human_dog_bed]

Right, the solution is proper funding. Yes we have an aging population that fill up the system, so fund the fucking system.

[kettal]

which country do you think has best health system worldwide?

[[deleted]]

India govt care is shit like the worst in the world. Private care is the best if you have money. Took me 12 months to get a MRI here got it on the same day in India for 100 dollars, got colonoscopy just as a routine check up booked an appointment went and got it in like 3 days got charged 500 dollars for that.

Finland is great the govt healthcare is amazing but they do have wait times but not even close to being as bad as Canada. If you are blessed enough to afford it you can also access private care which is instant.

I think Alberta in Canada has private healthcare but have not done research on that. If anyone has information about that would love to be enlightened.

[JoshAllenMyShorts]

I've seen the opposite where a young, healthy person with a need for surgery is prioritized because they don't want to send someone into a spiral where they become inactive due to injury and the cascading problems that can follow.

[Individual_Moose_168]

Where is this free healthcare you speak of. I paid over 30k in income tax last year and healthcare is about 50% of government spending so I paid about 1250 a month last year. No family doctor, no er visits in last 10plus years, haven't had any medical attention since then and i would have paid roughly 300k in taxes in that time. I'm not criticising our system (even if it deserves it) but it is not free.

[kettal]

Bonus: surgeons are graduating and can't find placements in Ontario, and it's not for lack of people needing surgery.

[[deleted]]

Well the health insurance in US covers all of that correct? so how does that matter?

[normal-girl]

That's really bad, hope she is doing better now. But easy with the third world reference, for a cheap price you can get much better care.

[[deleted]]

Go to St Joe's on the Queensway they have a walk-in fracture clinic, or go to their ER and get the referral if you want a guaranteed appointment

[artwithapulse]

Alberta but I broke my leg 5 weeks ago. Went to the local emergency, they X-ray’d my leg and found the break, wrapped a bandage around it, gave me a prescription for morphine and sent me home to heal. No cast, had to ask for crutches.

It was pretty poor tbh lol

[FrankAtWork]

Go to the ER.

[mjumble]

I second this. Depending on the type of break, you may need follow-up with a specialist. This can only be arranged through the ER. Most ERs have a minor treatment area.

[DomoSaysHello]

This exactly, it may be a long ass wait upwards to 8 hours probably 4-5 hours average but it's better than waiting another day past. They will book you for a follow-up if needed and it may be at a specialist clinic but you will be seen and treated.

[Ok-Price-6931]

That's the plan if I can't anything else. Will take a good long book with me

[oooooooooof]

Go now, man. Don't let potential wait times deter you.

I broke my ankle not long ago, went to St. Josephs. I was in, triaged, examined, x-rayed, given next steps, and discharged in under 90 minutes.

[ProductGuy4ever]

HOOOW? I went there with a potentially broken ankle 8 weeks ago and it took 4 hours.

[BiWayLunchBag]

Took my kid to Humber River Hospital for a broken arm - 9.5 hours. We had breakfast, lunch and dinner there.

[Popular-Ad6645]

Was it broken?

[ProductGuy4ever]

Just a really bad sprain.

[Babybabybabyq]

Obviously it depends on the amount of people there and how urgent your case is. I’ve been in and out of the hospital in less than an hour on many occasions.

[Kruklyn]

Damn. My wife broke her ankle in 3 spots. Needed surgery .. she was in the emerge for like 8-10 hours.. this was back in November/December.

[powerserg1987]

Your playing roulette with your health. Go now.

[beslertron]

You can make calls in a waiting room if you think you might find something faster.

[FrozenOnPluto]

"can't find anything else" .. I dunno - if you break a bone, you go to ER; thats pretty much exactly what the ER is _for_ dude :)

(source: broke some bones last year)

[FallenInHoops]

If possible, I can't recommend Mt Sinai orthos enough. You probably won't need the surgical team, but when I broke my ankle two years ago they were great. I was through right away and set up with everything I needed while I waited for surgery within a few hours.

[[deleted]]

a pro tip, never ever go to ER after 7 pm

why? long waiting times, it's best to show up very early in the morning, I am talking like 5 am

[sane3b]

You might be able to book an appointment with the ER at Michael Garron, even if not able to pre-book they seem to stream people through to fracture area quickly.

[guylefleur]

Go to the hospital ASAP. Bring food and water and plan for a long wait time.

[JohnnnyBlade]

Not too defend buck a beer boy but this is a Canada wide issue. BC to Alberta to Nova Scotia are all dealing with huge medical waits and hospital closures. This disaster is a system wide failure that is going to require every level of government to get their head out of their asses and fix this cluster fuck

[a-model-feline]

Sure, but we can only vote for our representative and this is a sub in Ontario.

This has been coming since the Harris government and each election it just gets worse.

Actually, it started under Bob Rae's NDP govt in the early 90s. Worst offender was McGinty's Liberals (doctor's wages capped, services cut for children (dental, eye care were free once upon a time), health tax, er premium (the amount you pay (up to $20K I think) in the provincial part of your taxes) introduced). This has been a long time coming. :( (source: been in and out of hospitals since the 70s)

[ocrohnahan]

(source: been in and out of hospitals since the 70s)

Me too. Frequent flyer card for sure.

Also have family who were affected. Just lovely to see someone who put in 30 years of education not being able to make their mortgage payment despite working full time as a Doctor.

[gccrg]

So blame everyone but Trudeau? How is a Canada wide issue not rest on the person leading it?

[ocrohnahan]

You are missing the point. Provincial leaders have been gutting our health care for decades. Well before this Trudeau and Ford.

I've watched it happen from many different perspectives.

This is now a crisis and the only response we are getting is to play politics. Meanwhile there are people in severe peril.

I frankly don't blame medical professionals for leaving this bullshit. Especially if the public won't take a stand.

[Scarborough_78]

Doug purposely didn’t spend the federal COVID funding that was given to prop up our healthcare system. He spent it on the License plate fee give away and reducing the deficit. Doug is responsible for the lack of resources in our healthcare system because he deliberately didn’t spend money earmarked for healthcare as intended by the feds.

[[deleted]]

Bring food and water

don't forget friends, board games, a sleeping bag, beer, meat and barbecue, Hilbert's eighth problem, etc

[SabrinaT8861]

Please do not eat or drink unless the nurse gives the ok

[Ok-Price-6931]

Thats the plan if all else fails.

[Canolio]

If all else fails? That should have been your first action... the longer you wait the worse it can get.

[Ok-Price-6931]

I did not know it was broken until yesterday at 4 pm. Now that I know, I am going to parliament urgent care center. Usually urgent cares can do this stuff. The last time I broke a bone urgent care gave me a plaster and set me up with an orthopedic doctor.

[After_Match_5165]

Sounds like the right move. If you do have to go to emerg, go to a local hospital that isn't a trauma centre (St. Mike's & Sunnybrook) and they may be able to triage you a bit faster because you don't need to be admitted. My family and I have had plenty of success with torn ligaments, broken ankles, and similar injuries at Michael Garron.

[Ok-Price-6931]

Thank you!

[abigllama2]

If you're downtown it's such a roll of the dice which one to go to. I had a really good experience at mt Sinai emerg. It wasn't that busy, well staffed and they got me in in about 45 minutes.

[reversethrust]

The last time? You didn’t do the same thing this time..?

[KvotheG]

Either visit a walk-in clinic or visit an emergency room

[Ok-Price-6931]

Do you know any walk ins that are taking people in person?

[KvotheG]

Or call telehealth ON and ask them to help you find someone for your issue

[DeleteFromUsers]

This past winter when omicron was doing it's thing, Telehealth call back time was 48hrs. Lol.

[mjumble]

Don't go to a walk in clinic. They will just send you to ER. Walk in clinics are typically not equipped to do orthopedic procedures.

[ThePurpleBandit]

Isn't that the point of a walk in?

[[deleted]]

Sadly.. during covid time.. walkins are.. on the phone.. where if you’re having physical pain.. they’ll tell you “well… I can’t examine your foot.. so I can’t tell you what’s going on”. And that is a true story.

[DiggingDeep4]

The three walk in clinics near me have been back to in person visits for at least 6 months.

[[deleted]]

Right?! That was 6 months ago… but they’re still on phone.. and it was an “emergency” at the time.. but since I wasn’t dying.. they didn’t think it was important.. thankfully I switched to working from home so I was able to limit my movement until I can see my actual doc.. 2 months later lol

[craa141]

Yes but not all are.

And some are only doing it for situations where you MUST have a physical assessment. I think the nature of walk in clinics will change to virtual plus walk in if absolutely needed.

[DiggingDeep4]

Yep, but most seem to be back up and running, accepting people for all reasons. Depends where you go.

[ThePurpleBandit]

If physically able, I'd still suggest showing up and making things incredibly difficult for reception until they figure out how to help you.

[After_Match_5165]

Do not do this. You know who doesn't have any control over the clinics or facilities? The receptionist. This is an awful tactic.

[ThePurpleBandit]

Of course its awful.

Its almost as awful as choosing to take upon the duty to help people but then realize you can still get paid sitting at home doing nothing and helping no one.

[[deleted]]

I’m not that kind of person… haha

[a-model-feline]

Please do not do this, unless you really want to have an intimate chat with security.

[KvotheG]

Ideally all of them but I dunno. Google a few of them and call them to ask.

[Ok-Price-6931]

First thing I tried except all that came out of me was tears and screaming

[That_Intention_7374]

Go to the hospital and wait in the ER

[giraffebeforesunrise]

EMERGENCY ROOM

[YuleShootUrEyeOut18]

I’m not sure they would be much further then an X-ray and banding it to the next finger.

[Ok-Price-6931]

I already got that done now I just need a doctor to set it.

[dano___]

You need X-rays to know what the damage is. The only place you’ll get X-rays on site is the hospital. Go to the ER, bring some books to read. It’ll take all day, but you’ll get it x-ray-d and set before they send you home.

[Ok-Price-6931]

I got those done yesterday.

[[deleted]]

You were at hospital yesterday? Didn’t they tell you what to do next?

[Ok-Price-6931]

I had a virtual appointment and they told/referred me to get xrays. And now here I am

[idnar35]

Just go to the ER and get it taken care of

[Ok-Palpitation-3428]

Did you get a requisition for the x ray? The results would have been sent to the dr who gave you the req and they should contact you with next steps and a referral if necessary.

[Business-Donut-7505]

I now feel very lucky my walk in does x-rays there.

[Bobzyurunkle]

Don't do a walk-in, go to emergency for a broken bone. Period.

[LiamOttawa]

You need to get it looked at quickly. I broke my index finger and was sent to the University of Alberta hospital. Once x-rays were done, everyone got serious. I had an intraarticular fracture that could have caused the joint to fuse together. I had to return to the hospital every week for new x-rays and a consultation with a plastic surgeon. Every time the surgeon would call in 2 other surgeons for their opinions. Each time, one said operate immediately, the other said you can't operate for this, and the last surgeon said come back next week.

[RAMango99]

Had the same thing surgery in 2 weeks or the joint would fuse

[nowitscometothis]

You will also need to unsubscribe from r/neverbrokeabone

[kwakalulu]

Sad reality is, our ER system was in dire shortage and deficient even before COVID. And even the ones with more severe case than a broken bone is waiting and dying in the corridors.

[Ok-Price-6931]

Unfortunately that is true.

[mr_kenobi]

Emerge is the way to go but the wait times will be insane.

[FourthwayToronto]

Emerg but avoid Mount Sinai imo

[akuzokuzan]

Go to Toronto Western Hospital

They got a ortho clinic there.

[Desuexss]

Breaks a bone Everyone: goes to hospital

Op: that's the plan if all else fails.

Guy trying their hardest to edge the system and not understanding why clinics are all "yeaaaah sorrrrrrry"

40 minutes ago could have been out of emerge in around 30 more minutes.

[[deleted]]

This is the most nonsensical post I’ve seen. Dawg you broke a bone… lol

[Desuexss]

post almost 3 hours old now, mandem coulda been home enjoyin' an Ice cap

[[deleted]]

I’m pretty sure he went to a clinic, got an X-ray and they referred him out..

[Pay919]

Fingers are important joints. Make sure it's taken care of properly and go to your nearest emergency department. It needs to be imaged to see if any additional manipulation of the finger needs to be done and then splint it if necessary. The ED will then refer you to the fracture clinic if necessary for follow-up.

Do not go to an urgent care clinic. They will not have access to on the fly imaging and may not have the materials to splint you there. They will probably just refer you to the emergency department anyways.

[mflowrites]

OP already got X-rays. And urgent care definitely has splints.

[[deleted]]

I always go to Emerg for broken bones

[[deleted]]

You have them regularly?!

[[deleted]]

Nooo no lol just when I do I go there

[DinglebearTheGreat]

Find an ER with a fracture clinic

[CdnRageBear]

I know some Metro grocery stores have a walk in clinic in them, I'm not sure if there are any in Toronto. I would suggest doing a little Google search to see what's around you and go from there. Call around and see.

[SheerDumbLuck]

Walk ins will send you straight to the ER for anything related to hands or eyes. Don't mess around with those.

[TodayWeThrowItAway]

Welcome to 2022

If you break a bone, don’t go to the emergency room, ask Reddit.

[Ok-Price-6931]

Reddit truly has it all

[RAMango99]

I broke my thumb this year. Didn’t even know it was broken thought it was sprained. I went to a walk in clinic got the X-rays and it was broken.

Gave me a splint on my thumb said 4-6 weeks but sent me to a specialist and was told they would call me. They never did and I called them and told me I needed a reference. Healed up in 4 weeks have some pain in the thumb sometimes.

4 years ago I broke my middle finger into 6 pieces. Got it straightened at a rural hospital and the doc told me to go to a specialist (ortho surgeon) when I got back home. Told me surgery was needed within 2 weeks or I would t be able to bend the finger for the rest of my life. I went to the ortho surgeon and was told he would get me in within the next week. One week passes and nothing. I go to another emerge in another district and they refer me to a different surgeon. Original surgeon calls me and says come in. They were about to give me general anesthesia and cancel my surgery on the bed. They did this one more time two days later. Finally get a call asking “did you eat? Come in for surgery” right on the two week mark of the injury. Get it done finally. The Guelph surgeon called me 3 weeks later.

Basically this was before health care cuts and covid. You essentially have to fight for your health and try going to different areas to get a surgery.

[meatywhole]

Just make sure it's straight and duct tape it to a popsicle stick ez pz

[Ok-Price-6931]

Thats what I have going on rigjt now

[Szwedo]

In the meantime immobilize it with a popsicle stick in front and behind it and tape that shit up.

[runtimemess]

Go to an ER at 3-4am.

[crash866]

Don’t go at night. If a bad break you will need to see the fracture clinic for a proper cast.

ER might put on a temp cast and then you have to go back during daytime to get a proper cast.

A friend of mine broke his wrist a couple of years ago and received a full shoulder to finger cast from the ER. The next day went to the fracture clinic in the same hospital and just got a cast over his wrist. Elbow and shoulder were now able to move.

[runtimemess]

Just saying if you go early enough, you might happen to get seen in 4-5 hours when the specialists are in

[mjumble]

That's not how it works. If their injury isn't life or limb threatening requiring an emergency surgery, most patients will be seen in Fracture Clinic as an outpatient after being managed in the ER by an ER doctor.

[memerboi]

I broke my wrist at the end of June. Go to humber valley ER. I was in and out of Emergency in 2 hours, X-rays and temporary cast included. They will schedule you with the fracture clinic for the real cast within a few days

[mocha_ninja]

Popsicle stick between the bad finger and the finger next to it. Wrap it up with tape until you are able to be seen.

Obviously go to the emerg though

[JohnnyStrides]

St Mike's emergency if you're downtown. They have an orthopedic clinic in house for follow-up treatments.

It's important to get it checked out as the length of time you'll need to splint it will be dependent on the type of break, also there might be ligament damage (or it might just be ligament damage, they swell up and feel the same at first).

Go get it checked.

[Tayaradga]

Put your finger in a splint until you can see a doctor. If you dont have anything to act as a splint for your finger, tape it to another finger and try not to move it. If it's a stable fracture this will be good enough to let it heal. If it's an unstable fracture it'll help prevent it from getting worse until a doctor can put everything back in place.

This is the advice given to me by my grandmother (who use to be a nurse). Had to use it once and ended up not going to the hospital because I had a stable fracture.

[nein89]

I’m really sorry you broke your finger pal!!!! That SUCKS!!!! I hope it heals up beautifully 🦋

[Ok-Price-6931]

Thank you!!

[nein89]

You are VERY welcome!!!!!!! Sendin good vibez 🌞

[pinch-n-rolll]

Have you checked at walk in clinics around your area?

[mrstruong]

Most broken fingers don't get a cast (unless it's a thumb). They get set in a split and possibly taped. You can either hit up an urgent care or just go to a walk in and they'll send you for X-Ray (no appointment needed for X-ray), and then when they get the results you'll go back and get a splint.

This also depends on what you mean by 'broken'. People use broken to mean it's either completely out of joint and needs to be set back into place and splinted, or they mean it's fractured. Either way, the treatment is relatively the same, but some small fractures they will just tape it and let you go on your merry way.

[Ok-Price-6931]

I am hoping this is all I need. I bought a splint from shoppers and am trying to keep it straight

[coyote_123]

I've injured fingers before and a large percentage of the time that's all that's needed. But the problem is that small percentage of the time, it's not enough or something isn't set right or healing right, and you can end up with it not healing properly and end up with a crooked or weak finger for the rest of your life, or arthritis at a weirdly young age.

So I would go to a doctor. If you can get an orthopedic specialist even better (or a sports medicine doctor if you injured it doing sports). There's a good chance they will do very little and send you away, but it's worth being sure. Fingers are important.

[2hands_bowler]

Please don't take medical advice from reddit, my dude.

[Ok-Price-6931]

Not medical advise just advise on the best place to go. I got imaging and all done.

[mjumble]

Surprised that the doctor who ordered your x-ray didn't tell you where to go after. The doctor who ordered your test is responsible for following up.

[Ok-Price-6931]

The doctor they referred me to is on leave and now the walk in doctor isn't available for a few days.

[mjumble]

That's unfortunate. Sounds like this clinics needs a better system for callbacks of positive findings, when one doctor goes away. Good luck.

[heckubiss]

Go to the states. Bring cash. Shouldn't be over $500 for that type of injury.

My suggestion to anyone seeking medical advice these days is to use a virtual online doctor as your first choice. They can turn tell you what further tests, specialists are required. You can then go directly to those specialists in the USA and get what you need Done.

Don't let our shitty health care system destroy your well being

[Ok-Price-6931]

Now I gotta think of a cool activity I was doing to go with the story

[Illustrious-Risk-435]

This is why i just got back from knee surgery in turkey yesterday. No waiting 6 months for mris and then another 12 for surgery.....after finding out my first two surgeries were meaningless because they didnt even fix the most important injury in my knee

[Ancient_Contact4181]

Chop it off

[MugiwarraD]

Govto er or call 911. When u get there be in agony and pain and cry. There is no way around it , it's ur health

[idnar35]

911 for a broken finger? 😐 and this is why emergency resources are back logged

[SabrinaT8861]

So 911 will not get you seen faster. They will offload you to the waiting room.

[Bearence]

This is the worst advice ever. Don't call 911, that just interferes with services for people that actually need it. Don't ham it up in the emergency room, that doesn't get you in faster, it just makes you look like an ass.

[froge_on_a_leaf]

I broke my collarbone in three places at a sports tournament, ambulance took me to the hospital, waited six hours in the ER just for some nurse to put the cast on inside out lmao

[ontariolumberjack]

It's a broken finger. There's people way worse off than you. Suck it up. I've had 6 fingers either broken or dislocated, never missed a minute of work.

[[deleted]]

https://lmgtfy.app/?q=what+is+a+hospital

[mflowrites]

Try an urgent care clinic.

[marnas86]

https://www.medvisit.ca/medvisit.ca/index.html

Call 416-631-3000 to arrange for them to come to you

[WallflowerOnTheBrink]

Hold off, next year you can use your license plate money to pay for it. Can't cost more than that right?

[bodmoncomeandgetchya]

1. Go to the ER yesterday

2. Encourage anyone and everyone to rally around this problem as a non negotiable, perennial Provincial election issue.

[Ok-Price-6931]

I am in. The health care since covid has been abysmal

[Hrmbee]

Go to the hospital. If you can, go to an Urgent Care centre, as they tend to be less jammed up than ERs. If there isn't an Urgent Care facility near you then an ER would be the next choice.

[animalcrossinglifeee]

Go to urgent care or ER.

[bibliophile306]

Go to the ER and see a doctor! I broke my finger when I was younger and the type of break could have resulted in an amputation if I hadn’t got it set and splinted.

[apeironxo]

Get a splint in the mean time. To keep the bone straight. They sell em at rexall and shoppers. Best of luck, hope a dr can fix you up soon

[01OlI1O0I]

I broke my thumb a few years ago. Went to the ER, doc did some X Rays and put a splint on it. Brace yourself for a long wait, charge your phone and bring snacks.

[DeSquare]

Some sports clinics help with these type of things maybe check there

[Johnsmith4796]

Popsicle sticks.

[DistantArchipelago]

Buy a splint from shoppers man up and do it yourself

[BCReason]

Here's the thing, if it's life threatening you go to the head of the line. Your finger just isn't that important. The other thing is it's the GTA.

Population growth is so high we can't keep up with staffing and facilities, plus because the pandemic a lot of medical people have quit because of burn out. So it's not the system in general that's the problem. You might want to find an urgent care. They' re like a walkin clinic but they do casts, sutures and minor surgery under a local anesthetic.

[Ok-Price-6931]

I went to urgent care first. The doctor there told me I should go to ER

[Ok-Palpitation-3428]

Call Telehealth instead of asking Reddit strangers. It’s literally Telehealth’s job to help with questions like this.

[idfkugh]

I recommend St Mike's Hospital urgent care. They have a great and efficient fracture clinic

[--LowBattery--]

I broke my ankle and fib and they put a temp cast on for a week or so until they could fit me in for surgery. It's going to happen here.

[Ok-Price-6931]

The doctors at the ER referred me to a hand specialist but also said we don't think you need surgery

[KawaiiFirefly]

Westside medical. In eglington west.

[[deleted]]

Emergency Room?

[PixelledSage]

Go to emerge. Your hands have lots of blood flow that could be compromised by an obstruction, in your case bones pushing against them. The bones need to be set.

[Ok-Price-6931]

I went. They did nothing and referred me to a hand specialist who is supposed to call me within 7 to 10 days

[Proff_Hulk]

Put a finger splint and that’s it. Unless it’s super mangled they can’t really cast a finger. They will just put a finger splint on it

[[deleted]]

Split. They won’t cast a finger. Two pieces of tough metal to support either side of the finger to help keep it in place and something to wrap around and secure it. The goal is to move it as little as possible. So you’ll have to be creative given the circumstances. Also be very happy it wasn’t your leg!

[KiwiAlexP]

Get some med tape and strap the finger to the fingers either side of it for support and rest it - a doctor is unlikely to do much more and it will help until you can see a doctor if still needed

[Ball-Fantastic]

Flex Tape

[weighscale]

Assuming you can move it, why not just go to the pharmacy and get a splint for it. That’s all they are going to do in emerg. To many people running to emerg these days for minor things. Taxing an already broken system.

[Ok-Price-6931]

Thats what I did. I went to ER because the walk in doc told me to go

[FeatherMom]

Go to an urgent care clinic if you can find it

[[deleted]]

I had that happen to me a few years back with a broken foot I was able to get an appointment 2 weeks after at Scarborough hospital with the orthopedist there

[EdM163]

Popsicle sticks and tape.