Hand Pain: Symptoms and Causes of Finger Stiffness

Q: Hand Pain: Symptoms and Causes of Finger Stiffness

Hello： Many conditions can cause the above situation. <br>For your health, please schedule a follow-up examination at the outpatient clinic. <br>Thank you!

The palm is slightly bent, the fingers are together and cannot bend, there is a sensation of being tightly gripped by the fingers, along with a crushing pain sensation?

Last winter, I woke up one morning with my palms slightly bent, my fingers together and unable to bend, feeling as if someone was tightly gripping my fingers, accompanied by a crushing pain.
This condition persisted for two consecutive days until yesterday afternoon (August 4, 2015), when I experienced the same symptoms again.
Additionally, I had another episode this morning, during which I noticed swelling on the back of my hand that felt hard when pressed.
On July 31, 2015, I had a fall on the stairs and used my hands to brace myself, but at that time, I only felt pain in my wrist.

Li Zi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/06

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics

Hello: Many conditions can cause the above situation.
For your health, please schedule a follow-up examination at the outpatient clinic.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2015/08/06

More Info

Understanding hand pain, particularly in the fingers, can be complex due to the variety of potential causes and symptoms. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing significant discomfort and stiffness in your fingers, which may be linked to several underlying conditions.

Symptoms and Possible Causes
1. Stiffness and Pain: The symptoms you describe—stiffness in the fingers, a sensation of tightness, and pain—can be indicative of several conditions. One common cause is trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis), where the tendons in the fingers become inflamed, leading to difficulty in bending the fingers and pain. This condition often results in a locking or catching sensation when trying to move the affected finger.

2. Arthritis: Given your age and the symptoms, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis could also be potential culprits. Osteoarthritis typically affects the joints and can lead to stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity, while rheumatoid arthritis often presents with symmetrical joint pain and swelling.

3. Tendon Injuries: The incident where you fell and used your hand to brace yourself could have led to a tendon injury or sprain. Even if you did not feel immediate pain, the trauma could have caused micro-tears in the tendons or ligaments, leading to delayed symptoms.

4. Nerve Compression: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome can also cause pain and stiffness in the fingers. This occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, leading to symptoms that can include pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

5. Inflammation: The swelling you observed on the back of your hand could indicate inflammation, possibly due to a localized injury or a systemic condition like arthritis.

Recommended Actions
1. Seek Medical Evaluation: It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a rheumatologist or an orthopedic specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, including physical assessments and imaging studies (like X-rays or MRIs), to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

2. Physical Therapy: If diagnosed with a condition like trigger finger or arthritis, physical therapy may be beneficial. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to improve flexibility and strength in your fingers and hands.

3. Medication: Depending on the diagnosis, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may help reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to alleviate severe inflammation.

4. Rest and Ice: If you experience acute pain, resting the affected hand and applying ice can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

5. Splinting: For conditions like trigger finger or carpal tunnel syndrome, wearing a splint may help immobilize the fingers and reduce strain on the tendons and nerves.

Prevention Strategies
To prevent future occurrences of hand pain and stiffness, consider the following:
- Ergonomic Adjustments: If you engage in repetitive activities (like typing or crafting), ensure your workspace is ergonomically designed to minimize strain on your hands.

- Regular Breaks: Take frequent breaks during activities that require prolonged use of your hands to reduce fatigue and stiffness.

- Gentle Stretching: Incorporate gentle stretching exercises for your fingers and hands into your daily routine to maintain flexibility and strength.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may stem from various causes, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Early intervention can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent further complications.

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