Weakness in the First Finger Joint: Causes and Concerns

Q: Weakness in the First Finger Joint: Causes and Concerns

Hello： Your symptoms seem to be located in the joints of your hand. <br>It may be necessary to consider issues related to the muscles and tendons. <br>I recommend discussing further examinations with your attending physician, as many tests may not provide definitive answers. <br>

Weakness in the first phalanx of the left hand?

Hello, I sometimes feel weakness in the first phalanx of my left index finger when pressing down, usually occurring at night, and it feels better after I wake up.
My left thumb and middle finger have also experienced this once; my right index finger had a similar episode, all affecting the first phalanx.
The issue with my left index finger has been more persistent, especially when I bend my wrist forward, which makes it harder to press down, while bending it upward feels easier.
Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my hands and feet, and due to my concerns about various conditions, I asked my doctor to conduct numerous tests.
I have undergone nerve conduction studies and electromyography on the right side of my body (as both hands and feet were affected, so only one side was tested), which showed no issues.
Afterward, worried about potential immune system problems, I visited a rheumatologist for two immune tests.
I began to fear that I might have multiple sclerosis and underwent evoked potentials for the upper limbs (both hands), as well as visual and auditory tests, along with awake EEG, all of which returned normal results.
I feel exhausted from constantly worrying about my health.
I am unsure if the issues with my fingertips will worsen, leading to paralysis or disability.
I often find myself in a state of physical panic.
This semester, I have spent all my money on doctor visits, and I don’t want to tell my mother as it would upset her.
What is your opinion, doctor? Am I at risk of a serious illness?

Daxuesheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/15

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Your symptoms seem to be located in the joints of your hand.
It may be necessary to consider issues related to the muscles and tendons.
I recommend discussing further examinations with your attending physician, as many tests may not provide definitive answers.
It might be beneficial to evaluate from a functional rehabilitation perspective.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Medical Center, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/01/15

More Info

Understanding the symptoms you are experiencing, particularly the weakness in your first finger joint, can be quite complex and multifaceted. The symptoms you describe, such as weakness during downward pressure, particularly at night, and the variations in strength depending on wrist positioning, can be indicative of several underlying issues.

Possible Causes of Weakness in the First Finger Joint
1. Nerve Compression or Entrapment: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome can lead to weakness in the fingers. These syndromes occur when nerves in the wrist or elbow become compressed, leading to symptoms like weakness, numbness, or tingling in the fingers. The fact that your symptoms improve after a night's rest suggests that they may be related to nerve compression, which can be exacerbated by certain positions during sleep.

2. Tendon Issues: The tendons that control finger movement can become inflamed or injured, leading to weakness. Conditions such as tendinitis or tenosynovitis can cause pain and weakness in the fingers, especially during specific movements.

3. Joint Problems: Arthritis or other joint-related issues can lead to weakness and discomfort in the fingers. If there is inflammation in the joints of the fingers, it can affect your ability to apply pressure or perform tasks that require grip strength.

4. Muscle Weakness: Generalized muscle weakness can stem from various causes, including disuse, neurological conditions, or systemic diseases. Given your history of anxiety and health concerns, it’s also possible that psychological factors could contribute to your perception of weakness.

5. Psychological Factors: Anxiety and stress can manifest physically, leading to muscle tension and perceived weakness. Your concerns about serious health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, can exacerbate feelings of weakness and discomfort.

Concerns and Recommendations
Given your extensive medical history and the various tests you have undergone, it is understandable to feel anxious about your symptoms. However, it is important to remember that many conditions can cause temporary weakness or discomfort in the fingers, and not all of them indicate a severe underlying disease.

1. Follow-Up with a Specialist: Since you have already undergone several tests, it may be beneficial to follow up with a neurologist or a rheumatologist who can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms. They may recommend additional tests, such as imaging studies or further nerve conduction studies, to rule out specific conditions.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around your fingers and improve your range of motion. A physical therapist can provide exercises tailored to your specific needs and help alleviate some of the discomfort you are experiencing.

3. Stress Management: Given the psychological component of your symptoms, it may be helpful to explore stress management techniques. Practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall well-being.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Pay attention to your posture and hand positioning during activities. Ergonomic adjustments to your workspace or daily activities can help reduce strain on your hands and wrists.

5. Regular Monitoring: Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting when they occur and any potential triggers. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in determining the best course of action.

Conclusion
While it is natural to worry about your health, especially when experiencing unexplained symptoms, it is essential to approach the situation with a balanced perspective. Many factors can contribute to the weakness in your first finger joint, and with appropriate medical guidance and self-care strategies, you can work towards improving your symptoms and overall quality of life. If you continue to experience significant anxiety about your health, consider discussing these feelings with a mental health professional who can provide support and coping strategies.

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