Summarize this article in one sentence.
If you suspect a finger fracture, seek medical attention. During a physical exam, your doctor evaluates your injury and determines the severity of your fracture. Your doctor will take a note of your finger's range of motion by asking you to make a fist. She will also look for visual signs, such as swelling, bruising, and bone deformities. Your doctor will also manually examine your finger to look for signs of reduced blood flow to the area and nerve impingement. If your doctor cannot determine during a physical exam whether you have a fractured finger, she may recommend an imaging test to diagnose the fracture. These include X-ray, CT scan or an MRI. X-rays are often the first imaging tests used to diagnose a fracture. Your doctor places your fractured finger between an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, then sends low-level radiation waves through your finger to create the image. This process is completed within a few minutes and is painless. A CT or computed tomography scan is constructed by putting together X-rays that scan different angles of an injury. Your doctor may decide to use a CT to create an image of your fracture if the initial X-ray's results are inconclusive or if your doctor suspects that there are also soft tissue injuries related to the fracture. An MRI may be needed if your doctor suspects that you have a hairline or stress fracture, the kind of fracture that is produced after repeated injuries over time. MRIs produce finer details and can also help your doctor differentiate between soft tissue injuries and hairline fractures in your finger. Surgical consultations may be required if you have a severe fracture, such as a compound fracture. Some fractures are unstable and require surgery in order to put bone fragments back into place with aids (such as wires and screws) so that the bone can heal properly. Any fracture that seriously hinders mobility and puts the hand far out of alignment likely requires surgery in order for the finger to regain articulate movement. You may be surprised at how difficult it is to execute everyday tasks without full use of all of your fingers. Professionals such as chiropractors, surgeons, artists, and mechanics require full use of their fine motor skills in order to accurately perform their jobs. Thus, caring for finger fractures is vital.

Summary:
Get a physical exam. Ask for an imaging test. Ask if you need a surgical consultation.