Finger pain: Introduction
Pain can arise from a variety of causes ranging from accidental trauma to nerve conditions. Pain-like sensations often described as pins-and-needles, prickling or burning sensations are called paresthesias; see finger paresthesias. All pain or pain-like sensations need prompt medical investigation.
Causes of Finger pain:
The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Finger pain. There are likely to be other possible causes, so ask your doctor about your symptoms.
Finger trauma
Broken finger
Subungal hematoma
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Ulnar nerve disorder
Knuckle disorder
Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Gout
Bone tumor
Raynaud's disease
Scleroderma
Vasculitis
Peripheral vascular disease
Embolism
Nail disorders
Paronychia
Tendon sheath infection
Pulp space infection
Cervical spondylosis.
Pain Referral
It may surprise you to learn that these abnormal sensations rarely originate in the fingers and hands but are almost always the effects of trigger points in muscles of the neck, chest, upper back, shoulders, upper arms, and forearms. This is called “referred pain.” Trigger points typically send their pain elsewhere.
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.