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Suggest Remedies For Swollen And Tender Knuckle In The Index Finger
Question: My ind x finger is swollen from the first knuckle to the tip and is very tender to the touch. The end of my finger is reddish-purple and I can't bend it as much as usual. I have iced it and taken an ibuprofen. I did not injure it that I'm aware of - my finger was fine when I went to sleep & this morning it started to hurt and swell. The pain has increased gradually throughout the day. Any other suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Infection- antibiotics at the earliest may help to resolve the condition.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
To recapitulate: Female/43 - swollen index finger - overnight - first knuckle to tip - tender - pain increasing gradually throughout the day - end is reddish purple - can not bend - iced and took Ibuprofen - unaware of any injury...
My suggestions:
This is an infection, wherein cause can not be ascertained every time.
I would advise you the following:
- Ibuprofen thrice daily.
- Need a prescription based antibiotic, earlier the better - will be more effective.
- Elevation of the hand above the heart level helps reduce the edema and pain.
- Apply Solution povidone iodine locally to keep the area sterile.
- This may resolve the infection without the need for an incision as this is below 24 hours.
- Watch what happens after a few days, if the infection turns into an abscess, you may need a small surgery of incision and drainage.
- Blood: CBC and sugar to rule out diabetes.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Infection- antibiotics at the earliest may help to resolve the condition.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
To recapitulate: Female/43 - swollen index finger - overnight - first knuckle to tip - tender - pain increasing gradually throughout the day - end is reddish purple - can not bend - iced and took Ibuprofen - unaware of any injury...
My suggestions:
This is an infection, wherein cause can not be ascertained every time.
I would advise you the following:
- Ibuprofen thrice daily.
- Need a prescription based antibiotic, earlier the better - will be more effective.
- Elevation of the hand above the heart level helps reduce the edema and pain.
- Apply Solution povidone iodine locally to keep the area sterile.
- This may resolve the infection without the need for an incision as this is below 24 hours.
- Watch what happens after a few days, if the infection turns into an abscess, you may need a small surgery of incision and drainage.
- Blood: CBC and sugar to rule out diabetes.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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