How can you tell if you broke your finger?

I think i broke my pinky finger but i can't really tell?

• i think i broke my finger but im not positive and theres no point in getting xrays for a finger. my pinky finger is purple/red on the knuckle bone and red near the nail. its also swollen. i can bend my finger to a point if i force it but it is reaallyyy stiff. it does hurt to touch but not a lot, it hurt more to touch at the time i hurt it. its also a little swollen below the pinky where that knuckle is. Lately my finger has been throbbing but it could be irritated. i also feel like my pinky is sticking out from my hand but im pretty sure its not should i just buddy tape it for a few days or go to the doctors? http://www.flickr.com/photos/55800025@N04/5167242975/in/photostream/ <---pinky i hurt http://www.flickr.com/photos/55800025@N04/5167841312/in/photostream/ <---pinky i didnt hurt

• Answer:

  Go to the doctor. Now. There is a point to x-raying it. It will tell you if it's broken. If it is, and you don't set it properly, it will heal wrong, which can cause many more problems down the line. If you wait too long, the doctor may have to re break it in order to set it right and prevent permanent damage.