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Suggest Treatment For Swollen And Painful Finger
Question: Hi There,
So my concern is that about a month ago my index finger started to hurt - it felt like I sprained it but it came out of nowhere. It's been getting worse and then 3 days ago my index finger on my other hand started to hurt. Now they both hurt quite badly - its becoming hard to squeeze things, open doors....the pain is moving into my hand and tonight I noticed the veins in my hands are becoming dark purple and a little swollen......I also feel the pain a little more going up my arms - but I could just be getting scared. I was having numbness episodes in my arms and legs about 6 months ago but those stopped......I hope you can help me! I'm 38, female and have been really healthy my whole life.
So my concern is that about a month ago my index finger started to hurt - it felt like I sprained it but it came out of nowhere. It's been getting worse and then 3 days ago my index finger on my other hand started to hurt. Now they both hurt quite badly - its becoming hard to squeeze things, open doors....the pain is moving into my hand and tonight I noticed the veins in my hands are becoming dark purple and a little swollen......I also feel the pain a little more going up my arms - but I could just be getting scared. I was having numbness episodes in my arms and legs about 6 months ago but those stopped......I hope you can help me! I'm 38, female and have been really healthy my whole life.
Brief Answer:
It can be trigger finger
Detailed Answer:
Hello madam,
I have studied your case and I think that you are having two conditions at the same time.
1. Trigger finger - Pain in both hand can be due to trigger finger. In this condition tendon sheath of the finger becomes tight, and gliding movement of tendon becomes restricted. This causes pain in the hand and difficulty in gripping objects. You can also feel nodule at base of finger.
treatment of this condition is physiotherapy in the form of hot water fomentation. Also you will need steroid injection in the sheath. This injection will give you good pain relief. This injection can be repeated after 6 -12 weeks.
Patients who do not get relief with steroid injection might need a surgery . It is a minor procedure and in this tendon sheath is splited. This causes release of pressure. You can start work after two weeks of surgery.
2. You have also described about pain in whole arm and tingling and numbness. I think this can be due to cervical spondylitis . In this condition there is nerve compression in the spine due to disc herniation. For confirmation you will need x ray of the neck. After confirming he diagnosis you should follow these steps.
1. Avoid keeping neck in same position for long time.
2. Avoid using very big pillow.
3. Tablet Pregabalin and Methylcobalamine daily.
Discuss about aforementioned medication with your doctor.
I hope these measures will be helpful for you. Let me know If there is any other follow up questions.
thanks.
It can be trigger finger
Detailed Answer:
Hello madam,
I have studied your case and I think that you are having two conditions at the same time.
1. Trigger finger - Pain in both hand can be due to trigger finger. In this condition tendon sheath of the finger becomes tight, and gliding movement of tendon becomes restricted. This causes pain in the hand and difficulty in gripping objects. You can also feel nodule at base of finger.
treatment of this condition is physiotherapy in the form of hot water fomentation. Also you will need steroid injection in the sheath. This injection will give you good pain relief. This injection can be repeated after 6 -12 weeks.
Patients who do not get relief with steroid injection might need a surgery . It is a minor procedure and in this tendon sheath is splited. This causes release of pressure. You can start work after two weeks of surgery.
2. You have also described about pain in whole arm and tingling and numbness. I think this can be due to cervical spondylitis . In this condition there is nerve compression in the spine due to disc herniation. For confirmation you will need x ray of the neck. After confirming he diagnosis you should follow these steps.
1. Avoid keeping neck in same position for long time.
2. Avoid using very big pillow.
3. Tablet Pregabalin and Methylcobalamine daily.
Discuss about aforementioned medication with your doctor.
I hope these measures will be helpful for you. Let me know If there is any other follow up questions.
thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Thank you : ) The pain started in my top index finger knuckle under my nail then moved to second knuckle and hurts more in the knuckles than at the base so I'm thinking your second option may be it. I had a bad massage about 9 months ago and ever since I have pain in the mid/lower part of my back and my shoulders are always super tight and it hurts to turn my head ...... could this back pain start the pain in my fingers?? Do you think I should go to a chiropractor first?
Another thought I has was that this was the start of Arthritis....it runs in my family. Is this how it can feel and start?
Another thought I has was that this was the start of Arthritis....it runs in my family. Is this how it can feel and start?
Brief Answer:
Get MRI and few other investigations
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I would suggest you to get few investigations like .
ESR, CRP and Ra factor
Also get MRI of the cervical spine. This MRI will show nerve compression or disc herniation. As you said that joint pain is present in family so it can be arthritis. After these investigations we will get clear picture of your disease.
I hope this answer will be helpful for you. Let me know if there is any other follow up questions.
Thanks
Get MRI and few other investigations
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I would suggest you to get few investigations like .
ESR, CRP and Ra factor
Also get MRI of the cervical spine. This MRI will show nerve compression or disc herniation. As you said that joint pain is present in family so it can be arthritis. After these investigations we will get clear picture of your disease.
I hope this answer will be helpful for you. Let me know if there is any other follow up questions.
Thanks
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :2002
Answered : 4486 Questions
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