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Stiff Index Finger With Swelling. Taking Advil. Arthritis?
My left index finger started stiffening on Sunday and is now swollen at the base. My husband thinks it's sprained but I don't recall doing anything to it, other than planks in yoga. I'm icing it, taking Advil, and today taped it to the 3rd finger. Trying to decide if I should go to a dr and if so, what type so I don't have to go twice. Any possibility it could be arthritis with this much swelling? I have osteo on my right hand near my thumb joint but it's never felt or swollen up like this.
Thu, 2 May 2013
Hi
Thanx for you query.
Whenever arthritis is there generally the swelling is accompanied by pain during movements of joint along with redness and tenderness .You have not mentioned your age because that is useful to determine type of arthritis if any existing . It could be due to sprain as the history you are giving is of short duration just 4 days but we cant be sure for this unless you are investigated. osteoarthritis generally does not lead to swelling on base of fingers . You should consult a rheumatologist , get your inflammatory markers like ESR,CRP, routine tests and other specialised tests if required to rule out arthritis . If they all turn out to be negative see an orthopaedician for any injury related stiffness and swelling of finger.You are advised to consult a doctor early for your problem.
Take care.
Wishing you good health.
Dr. Shruti
Thanx for you query.
Whenever arthritis is there generally the swelling is accompanied by pain during movements of joint along with redness and tenderness .You have not mentioned your age because that is useful to determine type of arthritis if any existing . It could be due to sprain as the history you are giving is of short duration just 4 days but we cant be sure for this unless you are investigated. osteoarthritis generally does not lead to swelling on base of fingers . You should consult a rheumatologist , get your inflammatory markers like ESR,CRP, routine tests and other specialised tests if required to rule out arthritis . If they all turn out to be negative see an orthopaedician for any injury related stiffness and swelling of finger.You are advised to consult a doctor early for your problem.
Take care.
Wishing you good health.
Dr. Shruti
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