Finger and Wrist Pain: Causes and Concerns

Q: Finger and Wrist Pain: Causes and Concerns

Ms. <br>Pauline： Hello, based on your description, it does indicate arthritis. <br>It is indeed possible to rule out rheumatoid arthritis, especially in the proximal interphalangeal joints. <br>The characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis include severe pain lasting more than 15 m

Pain in the base of the fingers and wrist?

Hello Dr.
Lin: Four days ago, I suddenly experienced stiffness and pain in the base of my fourth finger.
I have reduced heavy lifting but still do simple household chores like cooking.
The next day, my little finger also became painful and swollen.
On the third day, I felt pain in the wrist on the side of my little finger.
By the fourth day, the fourth and little fingers were still swollen and painful, and now the wrist on the side of my thumb also hurts.
The pain is not sharp or tingling; it feels more like inflammatory redness and swelling.
I have applied a cloth and taken pain relievers.
The pain has increased and shifted, and I am very worried it might be a rheumatic or autoimmune disease.
I couldn't find any answers online and am anxious.
Could you please advise me on what this condition might be? Thank you!

Pauline, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/11

Dr. Lin Ruixiang reply Rehabilitation

Ms.
Pauline: Hello, based on your description, it does indicate arthritis.
It is indeed possible to rule out rheumatoid arthritis, especially in the proximal interphalangeal joints.
The characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis include severe pain lasting more than 15 minutes in the morning and poor response to analgesics.
Generally, if there is no significant improvement after two weeks of analgesic treatment, further examination is necessary.
The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2021/07/11

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the pain and swelling in your fingers and wrist. Based on your description, it sounds like you are experiencing a complex set of symptoms that could be related to several underlying conditions. Let's explore some potential causes and considerations.

Firstly, the sudden onset of stiffness and pain in the base of your fourth finger, followed by swelling and pain in the little finger and wrist, raises the possibility of inflammatory conditions. One common condition that could explain your symptoms is tenosynovitis, which is inflammation of the sheath surrounding a tendon. This can occur due to repetitive use or strain, especially if you have been engaging in activities that require gripping or lifting.

Another possibility is a form of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, which can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. These conditions are autoimmune in nature, meaning that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Given that your symptoms have progressed to involve multiple fingers and the wrist, it may be worth considering this as a potential cause.

You also mentioned concerns about rheumatological or autoimmune diseases. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis often present with symmetrical joint pain and swelling, and they can affect the small joints of the hands. If you have a family history of autoimmune diseases or if you are experiencing other systemic symptoms (like fatigue, fever, or weight loss), it would be prudent to consult a rheumatologist for a thorough evaluation.

In addition to inflammatory conditions, consider the possibility of repetitive strain injuries, especially if your daily activities involve repetitive motions. This could lead to conditions like De Quervain's tenosynovitis, which affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, or carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause pain and numbness in the fingers.

You mentioned that you have been taking pain medication and using a cloth wrap for support. While these measures can provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying cause of your symptoms. It is essential to rest the affected area and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. Applying ice to the swollen areas can help reduce inflammation, and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can assist with pain management.

Given the complexity of your symptoms and the potential for various underlying conditions, I strongly recommend that you seek a medical evaluation. A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination, order necessary imaging studies (like X-rays or an MRI), and possibly run blood tests to check for markers of inflammation or autoimmune activity. This comprehensive approach will help pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.

In summary, while your symptoms could be related to several conditions, including tenosynovitis, arthritis, or repetitive strain injuries, a thorough medical evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and help prevent further complications. Please take care of yourself, and I hope you find relief soon!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Wrist, Elbow, and Finger Pain: Causes and Solutions

Dear Dr. Yeh, My left wrist, elbow, and fingers hurt all the time when I cook, crochet, knit, write letters, or clean the house. I always used cold water to wash my hands when I was in Taiwan. I wonder if it is arthritis or osteoporosis! I’m married and live in Arizona, USA. Hav...

Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics
Pain in the left wrist, elbow, and fingers during work in middle-aged women with multiple joint pain should raise suspicion for rheumatoid arthritis. The primary symptoms include symmetrical involvement of both hands, swelling and pain in the distal finger joints, and stiffness. ...

Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Solutions for Nerve Issues

Good evening, Dr. Yeh. 1. Whenever I use the mouse, my index finger goes from numb to painful, and the pain increases. 2. When I water the plants and hold the hose for too long, all five fingers also hurt. Holding objects for an extended period causes pain in my fingers as wel...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
It may be wrist tendonitis. Taking breaks while using the computer and applying heat should be effective.

Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes and Solutions for Computer Users

Hello, doctor. I have a few questions to ask. When I use the computer, I use my right hand for the mouse, and after a while, the outer side of my right wrist (the area where the little finger connects to the palm and wrist) starts to feel numb and painful. Additionally, when I do...

Dr. Lin Jingwei reply Orthopedics
Hello, regarding your wrist issue, if you have been using the computer for long periods of time consistently, it could be a possible cause of your current numbness and pain. I recommend that you visit an orthopedic clinic for a personal consultation with a physician.

Understanding Mom's Hand Syndrome: Common Hand and Wrist Issues

Hello, Doctor. I am an extreme sports athlete specializing in hand-based activities, and I have been practicing this sport for over six years. Over the past couple of years, I have been experiencing increasingly noticeable pain in my hands, especially at night. Both hands exhibit...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
The symptoms you described can be easily identified by an orthopedic physician for a differential diagnosis. It is recommended to seek medical attention for treatment by a doctor.