broken/sprained thumb... need to see the doctor?

[yawn]

My father, a week ago, was about to lift something up but he didn't do it right or did it too fast... maybe he jammed it too hard. He, himself, didn't know how it happened... but a few minutes after he did so, he complained about the pain... the next day, the thumb was swollen, red, and he had difficulty moving it... are these signs of a fracture... perhaps a sprain? Now, he says it still hurts but he can "tolerate" it and he manages to use his thumb. He is scared to go see the doctor because it might mean he'll have to go off work and he really needs his thumb. I keep telling him to go to the doctor but he won't listen to me. And if I manage to make him do so, what kind of doctor should he see? Can he simply see a family doctor? And what happens if he doesn't get treatment.... can it heal on its own. Im not even sure if the bone is broken, or if it's the ligament... or what not... I'm worry for him. Sorry, Im not even sure if I'm allow to post this in the nsg forum. Any feedback would be appreciate. Thank you.

[prmenrs, RN]

We cannot offer medical advice to you. Please refer to the Terms of Service. https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/allnurses-com-terms-service-welcome-all-members-please-read-31788.html

He needs to see a doctor. I must close this thread.