Suggest Treatment For Lump On Finger While Having Arthritis

Posted on Wed, 8 Jun 2016

Question: I have a lump/swelling on left little finger near the 2nd joint from the tip. Not red and doesn't seem to be a boil. Doesn't hurt unless bumped and sometimes itches. It developed gradually, over several days, even more than a week. It feels soft, as though there is liquid under the surface. I do have arthritis and other joints have slight lumps but they are hard and smaller, and this lump is actually along the surface of the bone between this joint and the outer joint. I have a photograph. What might this be?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
As explained

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, an elucidate history and clear photographs.
To recapitulate: Male/69 - swelling left little finger as explained and depicted in the photographs - not red - does not hurt unless bumped - sometimes itches - developed over a week - feels soft as though liquid under the surface - do have arthritis - other joints have small, hard and slight bumps ...
The most probable causes are:
- Looks to be a synovial swelling that has traversed and has a classical appearance. This may most probably be secondary to arthritis.
- Can be tenosynovitis.
- Rare chance that this may be secondary to insect bite or can be an allergic reaction to something that is difficult to predict.

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.

Please post a photograph with straight finger too.

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

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

What can I do about this? Is it treatable without visiting a physician? Will it clear up with time?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs a Doctor to do clinical evaluation and for you to get a prescription

Detailed Answer:
You can give complete rest to this finger by strapping it straight with a splint.
Continue the medicines of Arthritis if you have been taking already.
This way it is treatable without visiting a Physician.
But since this is a new one, it is always better that your Physician be aware of the new development and he/she may prescribe you an additional treatment according to the findings and experience/wisdom.
It may not clear up without additional treatment.

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

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