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Suggest Treatment For Joint Pain

Posted on Wed, 13 May 2015

Question: Ok I have been having this weird thing in my pinky finger for a few days. It does not hurt all the time. I have stretched it every which way, and no pain, but if I brush my hand along my leg I get a sharp pain in the pinky finger, but when I try and push on it and find the pain again I can't? Sometimes if I bend it a certain way or pick something up a certain way it hurts, but mostly if I brush up on something. How do you tell the difference between muscular pain, joint paint, or nerve ending pain, because of course my mind jumps to the worst possible scenario, like ALS or something.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following explanations regarding muscle,joint and nerve pain...

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

You are saying that you have a weird thing in your pinky finger for a few days. Can you provide a photo of the pinky finger so, I can notice myself the changes there.

Usually, the joint pain is associated with muscular pain. You have pain when moving your finger and touching it. You might also notice swelling, redness around the joints that is a sign of inflammation.

With regards to nerve pain, it is mostly like burning, tingling, pins and needles, electric sensation.

At your age, the very first thing that comes in mind include:
- trauma (typing, or other types of trauma)
- arthritis (especially if you suffered of strep throat in your childhood)

Usually, such pain can disappear within a few days. Taking oral pain-killers and applying local analgesic cream can also help.

Let me know if you have further queries!
Dr.Albana

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (25 minutes later)

OK thank you. It started to feel like a very slightly and dull tight muscle going up to my elbow, but I think that is just because I have been messing with it so much. I could take a picture for you, but it wouldn't matter. The finger looks completely normal. It actually started when I put on a XXXXXXX silver ring on my ring finger next to it. We also have been in the process of moving, so I am sure I just did something to it while packing, but it was just strange. The only time it really hurts is when i rub it against my leg up and down. Like if I lay my palm flat on my thigh and slide my hand toward my knee and back I get sharp pain in the finger, but I can move it flex it and all that with no pain. I don't remember having strep often as a child. No ALS connections correct?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

Thank you for providing additional information. From what you are describing, no ALS connections. If the silver ring on finger next to the one which is hurting, then, this explains the pain you are feeling especially if the ring is smaller than your actual size.

Try to remove the ring from there, and avoid wearing ring on the part that is causing pain. Continue with pain killers orally and locally and observe changes for a few more days.

If no improvement, then, should follow up with orthopedist.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

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