Finger painDefinition Finger pain is defined as pain in one or more fingers. Considerations Nearly everyone has had finger injuries during their lifetime. As a result, the fingers can remain a bit crooked or stiff. The hand functions quite well with these minor deformities. Fingers need not open fully or close completely to be functional. Osteoarthritis causes knobby swelling of finger joints and can also cause problems at the base of the thumb. Expect some pain and stiffness. Specific treatment, other than exercise, is not required. Numbness or tingling may indicate a problem with nerves or circulation. Common Causes
Home Care Avoid activities that cause or aggravate pain. After injury, rest the finger joints so that they can heal, but use mild stretching exercises to keep them limber and maintain motion. Stretch the joints gently, not forcefully, twice a day. Stretch just to the point of discomfort, but not enough to cause pain. Use common sense in thinking of ways to perform activities that are less stressful to the joints. For example, a big handle can be gripped with less strain than a small handle. Avoid strong pain medicines that tend to mask the pain and may lead to excessive activity or exercise. Anti-inflammatory medication can help. Any prescribed medication for inflammation should be taken only as directed. Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Medical history questions documenting finger pain in detail may include:
The physical examination will include examination of the hand and finger movement. Diagnostic tests: X-ray of the hand may be recommended Intervention: Cortisone injections into a particularly affected finger joint may be recommended. Surgery may be indicated. After seeing your health care provider: You may want to add a diagnosis related to finger pain to your personal medical record. Page Content: Pain - finger(s) |