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What Causes A Swollen Painful Finger Tip?

Posted on Mon, 5 May 2014

Question: Hi I have on my right hand, middle finger, on the tip is so sore. I have used hot and ice to relieve the pain. It has been a week now and it has not changed. The knuckle is fine but the tip is swollen and a lot of pain. Cam you tell me what I should do. XXXX 75 age

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Paronychia Detailed Answer: Hi, The commonest cause of a swollen painful finger tip is an infection next to the nail bed called a Paronychia. If this is the diagnosis you would see the swelling next to the nail. The treatment is antibiotics and sometimes you require minor surgery to incise and drain the abcess. I hope this information helps. Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (1 hour later)

Thank you, the swelling is below the nail. I can't bend that part of the finger. Thank you XXXX

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer: A picture of your finger may help Detailed Answer: If you could send a photograph of your finger it may help in the diagnosis. By below the nail do you mean under the nail, at the base of the nail, in the pulp of the finger or in the joint? You have an feature to upload reports / pictures on this page; please utilize it to upload them. Alternatively you can email a photo to YYYY@YYYY for my attention. The joint could be stiff because it is a primary problem with the joint such as osteoarthritis or gout or because the surrounding inflammation is making it sore and stiff. Best wishes

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad