How Do You Treat Curvature Of The Finger Along With Painful Swelling?

Posted on Thu, 27 Jul 2023

Question: My middle finger is slightly swollen, painful, curved to the left, and locks up after making a fist. Whaat can I do to help it get better. I use my hands a lot to crochet and make jewelry and cannot due to pain.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be trigger finger or finger arthritis.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

1. Trigger finger- There is a small nodule at the base of finger anteriorly which causes locking of the finger in flexion. Your symptoms match with this except swelling in the finger.

2. Swelling could be due to arthritis- called rheumatoid arthritis. Please get R A Factor and anti-CCP antibodies, X-ray of the hand to assess for arthritis.

I would start pain killers, local heat, local analgesic ointment for the time being.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Gopal Goel, Orthopaedic Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (41 minutes later)

Will trigger finger go away on it's oown or evenually need surgical intervention? Which over the counter medications are best?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
May require intervention

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Trigger finger may go on its own (with anti-inflammatory pain killers like ibuprofen) or may require intervention in the form of local steroid injection. Surgery is rarely required.

I am afraid, I do not know OTC brands in your country. You can buy any brand of Ibuprofen.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Gopal Goel, Orthopaedic Surgeon

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy