It is normal to have finger pain at some point in our life. It can be caused due to injury or due to tingling sensation or obstructed blood flow. Many elderly persons will have finger pain and joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. Even diabetic patients get some extent of finger pain due to diabetic neuropathy. Unless there is fracture or sprain in the finger, finger pain can be treated and cured completely by taking anti-inflammatory medicines.
Finger Pain Causes :
Minor injury or blow to the finger can cause finger pain. You can get pain on your finger when you hurt it badly in an accident. Finger pain can be caused due to osteoarthritis or nerve problems or due to rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, finger pain is caused when the normal flow of blood is disrupted due to health issues. Inflammation in the joints and wearing tissues of the fingers can also produce finger pain.
The pain can be from mild to moderate if it is caused due to wound or injury. Most of the finger pain will heal after a day or two and you may not feel any pain when keeping your fingers at rest. Underlying medical conditions and diseases can also cause finger pain. If you find it difficult to move your finger or if there is temporary loss of function or if you feel numbness of tingling sensation in your finger, then you need to consult your doctor.
Nervous disorder can trigger finger pain. Reynaud’s syndrome can block the blood flow and cause finger pain. You can get pain in the finger if there are spasms in the blood vessels of your finger. Lastly, finger pain can also occur due to nail infection caused by bacteria or virus. The affected nail will change in color and there can be itchiness and swelling.
Symptoms :
Occasional pain or continuous pain in the finger can be felt. You may not be able to straighten your fingers. The pain will increase if you are involved in tasks that involve your finger. Some people may feel tingling sensation in the fingers or sudden numbness which is indicative of nerve problem.
Before visiting your doctor, you should analyze how long you are feeling finger pain and whether you are getting finger pain without any injury. When there is fracture in any of the three bones of your finger it becomes inflamed and there can be extreme pain and bruising. You will have difficulty in moving your fingers. Even an airline crack on your finger can take several months to cure.
Diagnoses :
In case there is swelling or stiffness in the finger, your doctor may examine the X-ray of affected finger.
Read more on Tingling Fingers
Treatment :
Most of the finger pain will get settled on its own within few days by taking anti-inflammatory medications. You can take over the counter pain killers or apply ice compression on the affected finger for treating minor injury.
However your doctor can help you if you have broken the bone inside the finger. You need to seek medical advice in case the finger pain is caused due infection. If the finger pain is due to fracture then your doctor may ask you to wear split or a brace for few days. Do not ignore airline crack since it can restrict the movement of your finger for your entire life.
If there is finger pain due to arthritis anti-inflammatory drugs are given. Pain caused by osteoarthritis or tendinitis will be treated by aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In most of the case, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for treating finger pain. For some cases, wax therapy is given for getting immediate relief from pain and stiffness.