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Suggest Remedies For Swollen And Tender Knuckle In The Index Finger

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Posted on Sat, 6 Aug 2016
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?
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Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (55 minutes later)
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.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19780 Questions

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Suggest Remedies For Swollen And Tender Knuckle In The Index Finger

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.