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Finger Pain: Symptoms, Signs, Causes And Treatment
What Is Finger Pain?
Pain in the fingers is a common problem. Typically, it results from a hand injury like a cut, broken finger, or broken fingernail. Additionally, it might be a sign of underlying illnesses like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Any finger, including the thumb, can experience finger pain[3], which can be throbbing, cramp-like, or achy. It frequently follows an incident or a health issue. Finger pain typically doesn't require medical attention and will go away eventually. Unknown finger pain, however, may indicate a more serious medical condition. If you have persistent or unexplained pain in your fingers, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.
What Is Finger Joint Pain?
Everyone of all ages and genders can suffer from finger joint pain. While some patients feel tightness in one or more fingers or even their entire hand, others experience pain when moving the finger or when the pressure gets applied. Though some cases can involve severe pain and joint stiffness, the condition is most noticeable in the mornings, with patients frequently unable to make a fist due to discomfort. There are numerous causes of finger joint pain.
Rarely, metastasized cancer cells, or cancerous cells that have left their organ of origin and settled elsewhere in the body, may be the source of finger joint pain[2]. Except for those with cancer that are in an advanced stage, such possibilities get ruled out.
If none of the listed causes of the pain apply, arthritis is most likely to blame. The symptoms of arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, frequently include pain, swelling, stiffness, and a loss of range of motion. Women are more likely than men to experience it.
Finger Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Finger pain can be a common complaint that affects people of all ages and can arise from various causes. Whether it's a sharp, throbbing, or dull ache, finger pain can significantly impact daily activities, making it essential to understand its causes, recognize its symptoms, and explore the available treatments. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis[3] and appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. Proper management can help alleviate finger pain, improve functionality, and enhance overall quality of life.
1. Injury
Hand and finger injuries[2] are frequent. It is especially true for those who play sports or frequently use heavy machinery or tools. Finger injuries can result in discomfort, edema, and restricted motion. In more grave situations, a person might fracture or dislocate a finger bone, injure a tendon, or injure a ligament.
Treatment:
RICE therapy can typically treat a minor finger injury:
- Rest:- As much as possible, do not use the finger until it has healed. Additionally, buddy-taping the finger to a nearby finger or using a splint to immobilize it may be helpful.
- Ice:- Several times a day, apply an ice pack to the hurt finger for up to 20 minutes each time. Ice cubes can help with swelling and pain relief.
– Compression:- Wrap a soft dressing or bandage snugly around the injured finger, careful not to squeeze it so much that the blood vessels become constricted.
- Elevation:- Swelling may lessen by keeping the finger elevated.
You can even lessen the pain and swelling by taking over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. When a finger appears broken or dislocated, the person should stop moving it and get help immediately. Ensure proper healing and lower the risk of secondary complications by consulting a qualified healthcare professional who will realign the bone and immobilize the finger.
2. Trigger Finger
The medical term for the condition known as stenosing tenosynovitis is "trigger finger." When someone tries to move their finger, it may lock or catch due to tendon sheath inflammation at the finger base. There may be pain and swelling, difficulty bending or straightening the finger, popping or catching sensation when moving the finger, and stiffness.
Treatment:
A trigger finger[1] is typically treated by resting and immobilizing the finger, perhaps with the aid of a splint. The doctor might also advise performing some gentle finger stretching exercises to increase mobility and lessen stiffness. They also might recommend steroid injections to help people with more severe symptoms by reducing pain and inflammation. One might require surgery to release the tendon sheath if other treatments are deemed unsuccessful.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The median nerve, which passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, is impacted by carpal tunnel syndrome. The hand and fingers can experience pain[2], tingling, and numbness if the nerve within the tunnel becomes compressed or swollen. The pain can begin in the fingers and move up the arm. The symptoms might appear gradually and get worse with time. Some people may also start having hand tremors, making it difficult to grip things or make precise movements.
Treatment:
A person needs to see a doctor because carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms frequently worsen over time. Depending on how severe a person's symptoms are, they may receive the following treatment:
- putting on a brace or splint
- altering one's lifestyle by avoiding activities that make symptoms worse and rearranging one's workspace
- physical therapy
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen
- steroid injections
A doctor might advise surgery to release pressure on the median nerve if symptoms do not improve.
4. Ganglion Cysts
In the wrists and hands, particularly at the base of the fingers, ganglion cysts - fluid-filled lumps - can form close to tendons or joints. These lumps may be different sizes and have a soft or firm texture. Although ganglion cysts are typically painless, some people may experience tingling or pain[2]. Ganglion cysts can appear at any age, but the cause is unknown to medical professionals.
Treatment:
Treatment is typically only required if ganglion cysts are causing pain or limiting finger mobility because they usually go away on their own. If ganglion cysts are problematic, a doctor might suggest the following:
- aspiration, a procedure for draining the cyst
- removing the cyst surgically
5. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is indeed "the most common form of arthritis." When the cartilage that covers the ends of bones wears down, osteoarthritis can happen[2]. Although osteoarthritis can affect any joint, the hands and fingers are the most frequently affected. Having osteoarthritis in the fingers can lead to the following:
- discomfort that activity could aggravate
- swelling
- flushing and tenderness of the skin
- bony knots close to the finger joints
- stiffness and decreased range of motion
Osteoarthritis typically develops over time and has the potential to get worse. Older people and those with prior joint injuries tend to it.
Treatment:
People with symptoms of osteoarthritis should visit a doctor for a diagnosis. You cannot cure osteoarthritis, but treatment can ease symptoms and increase mobility. Osteoarthritis treatments include:
- consistent stretching and exercise
- weight management
- receiving occupational and physical therapy
- using steroids and ibuprofen to treat inflammation
- undergoing surgery
6. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chronic rheumatoid arthritis[4] is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint lining tissue. Pain, edema, deformity, and stiffness may result from this. The middle joints of the fingers and wrists are frequently affected by rheumatoid arthritis, which can also affect other body parts. Other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can include:
- warm or tender to the touch joints
- misshapen joints that could bend the fingers
- tingling and numbness in the fingers
- weakness and low energy
- fever
Rheumatoid arthritis has no known cause, but it affects women more frequently than men and can occasionally run in families.
Treatment:
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms should get evaluated by a medical professional. The goal of treatment for this condition is to reduce symptoms and stop joint damage because there is no known cure. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment options may consist of the following:
- utilizing anti-inflammatory drugs
- using immunosuppressive drugs
- undergoing physical and occupational therapy
- experimenting with alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage, and yoga
- undergoing surgery
What Are The Complications Of Finger Pain?
It is important to seek timely medical attention and appropriate treatment for finger pain to minimize the risk of complications[3] and maximize the chances of recovery and improved hand function. These complications include:
- Decreased functionality
- Reduced range of motion
- Loss of grip strength
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Impaired performance in sports and hobbies
- Psychological impact
- Development of secondary conditions
How To Get Rid Of Finger Pain?
Several factors can contribute to finger pain. However, there are methods[3] to get rid of finger pain, and they are:
- Rest: Give your fingers a break from activities that exacerbate the pain, allowing them time to heal and recover.
- Immobilization: Use splints or braces to immobilize the affected finger(s) and provide support, reducing strain and promoting healing.
- Hot and Cold Therapy: Apply heat (e.g., warm compresses) or cold (e.g., ice packs) to the affected area. Heat can help relax muscles and improve blood circulation, while cold can reduce inflammation and numb pain.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-prescription pain medications[4] like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate mild to moderate finger pain.
- Finger Exercises: Perform gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises to improve finger flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Topical Analgesics: Apply topical pain-relieving creams or gels that contain ingredients like menthol or capsaicin to provide localized relief.
- Ergonomic Modifications: Make ergonomic adjustments to your workspace or daily activities to reduce strain on your fingers.
- Hand Therapy: Seek guidance from a certified hand therapist who can provide specialized exercises, techniques, and modalities to alleviate finger pain and improve hand function.
- Corticosteroid Injections[4]: In some cases, healthcare professionals may administer corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve finger pain.
- Prescription Medications: For severe or persistent finger pain, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger pain medications, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage the discomfort.
- Surgery: In cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical interventions may be necessary.
It is vital to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan based on the underlying cause of your finger pain. They can guide the most suitable approaches to alleviate pain and improve hand function.
FAQs about Finger Pain
Finger pain can cause a lot of discomforts and disrupt everyday life. Therefore, getting the appropriate treatment on time and the necessary answers becomes paramount. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about finger pain.
Q1. What could be the cause of the pain in my little finger?
Numerous conditions, including arthritis, can cause pain in the fingers. Finger numbness or tingling could indicate a nerve problem or blood circulation. Swelling and redness may be symptoms of an infection or inflammation.
Q2. What are the possible reasons for experiencing pain in the fingers and toes?
These types of hand and foot pain get frequently brought on by autoimmune diseases like lupus or conditions related to arthritis. The nervous system disorder fibromyalgia can hurt the hands and feet. The same goes for infections and other conditions like diabetes and PVD.
Q3. How can I alleviate the pain associated with trigger finger?
Liquid corticosteroids get injected into the base of the affected finger or thumb in trigger finger cases. Corticosteroids reduce swelling, restoring the tendon's ability to move freely. It occasionally occurs shortly after the injection but typically takes a few weeks.
Q4. Is it possible for elbow pain to result in numbness in the fingers?
In cubital tunnel syndrome, the ulnar nerve gets compressed at the elbow. One of the most typical cubital tunnel syndrome symptoms is numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers. Most of the time, nonsurgical treatments like activity modifications and bracing can manage symptoms.
Q5. What is the definition of trigger finger pain?
Trigger finger pain, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis or trigger digit, get characterized by the inflammation and irritation of the flexor tendons that control finger movement. In trigger finger pain, the affected tendon becomes thickened or swollen, making it difficult to glide smoothly through the tendon sheath. The condition typically affects the ring finger or thumb or can occur on any finger.
Q6. Does diabetes have the potential to cause pain in the fingers?
Yes, diabetes can potentially cause pain in the fingers. Diabetes is a systemic condition affecting various body parts, including the nerves and blood vessels. In finger pain, there are a few ways diabetes can contribute to the symptoms.
When To See A Doctor For Finger Pain?
Any pain that interferes with a person's ability to perform their daily tasks or job should get treated by a doctor. People should seek immediate medical attention if they suspect fractures, dislocations, or wound infections. A doctor will typically review a patient's symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination of the affected finger, to determine the cause of finger pain. They may also request blood and imaging tests to aid in their diagnosis.
It is advisable to consult a doctor for finger pain in the following situations:
- Severe pain
- Traumatic injury
- Inability to move the finger
- Swelling and redness
- Numbness or tingling
- Worsening symptoms
- Known underlying conditions
- Recurring or chronic pain
- Occupational or sports-related
- Concerns or uncertainty
Get The Best Treatment And Care At DPU Hospital
Our expert team is skilled in addressing your health needs. To learn more about finger pain treatment or other joint pain treatments, contact DPU Hospital or request an appointment with the doctor today.
References:
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7080-trigger-finger
[2] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hand-pain/finger-pain/
[4] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hand-pain-and-problems
