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Having Pain In Knuckle Of The Middle Finger. Finger Swollen, Bruised And Feel Sensitive. What To Do?

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Posted on Tue, 20 Aug 2013
Question: During a tennis match yesterday my middle finger at the knuckle had a sharp numbing pain.... on inspection it looked like a vain in my hand was 'plumbed up'. After the match the knuckle on that finger is slightly swollen, bruised and sensitive....any thoughts on what caused this and the best thing to do today - as I have another two tennis matches to get through this evening...with more to follow this week.
doctor
Answered by Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad (23 minutes later)
Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX

From the given description, I feel that you could have sustained a SPRAIN of the Metacarpophalageal joint (MCP joint) of your middle finger. Either the capsule of the joint or the ligaments might have suffered injury due to overstretch.

The Acute management of this condition is as follows -

* Rest to the local part - by avoiding any further movements that puts strain over the MCP joint.
* Ice packing - to instantly reduce the pain & swelling. Cold compressions should be kept for atleast 15 minutes and should be repeated every 2 hours.

I think the above measures will temporarily take care of your symptoms. For definitive diagnosis and management, you have to consult an orthopedic surgeon.

Hope I have addressed your issues. Happy to help for any more clarifications.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad (7 minutes later)
As I have to play two more tennis matches tonight - would it be advisable to strap the knuckle up?
doctor
Answered by Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad (24 minutes later)
Hi, If your fingers are not hurting too much during your play, I think there is no harm in applying a strapping.

But beware, any more strain on the joint may worsen your symptoms. As a safe side measure, take some analgesic antiinflammatory medication before you attend the match.

Good luck
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad (43 minutes later)
Thank you very much!
doctor
Answered by Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad (12 minutes later)
You are welcome.

Best of luck and have a great day.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :1996

Answered : 2148 Questions

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Having Pain In Knuckle Of The Middle Finger. Finger Swollen, Bruised And Feel Sensitive. What To Do?

Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX

From the given description, I feel that you could have sustained a SPRAIN of the Metacarpophalageal joint (MCP joint) of your middle finger. Either the capsule of the joint or the ligaments might have suffered injury due to overstretch.

The Acute management of this condition is as follows -

* Rest to the local part - by avoiding any further movements that puts strain over the MCP joint.
* Ice packing - to instantly reduce the pain & swelling. Cold compressions should be kept for atleast 15 minutes and should be repeated every 2 hours.

I think the above measures will temporarily take care of your symptoms. For definitive diagnosis and management, you have to consult an orthopedic surgeon.

Hope I have addressed your issues. Happy to help for any more clarifications.

Regards