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Suggest Treatment For Red Swollen Finger

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Posted on Wed, 23 Mar 2016
Question: I have a very red, hot swollen right index finger and hand top across 2 1/2 fingers?
Began with puffy first knuckle on Monday
Was at Dr Wednesday and she said sausage finger beginning of arthritis but it was now very painful, red and top of hand swollen. Should I go to Urgent Care? I am 71 yr old diabetic

YYYY@YYYY
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, please go have this looked at now.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Arthritis does not spread the way you are describing. This could be a soft tissue infection such as cellulitis or joint infection and should be looked at quickly. Especially as you have diabetes, but regardless, it should be seen again now as it has gotten worse.

So yes, go to the urgent care tonight.

They may prescribe antibiotics if it is an infection. If it is a soft tissue infection, you should also use heat (such as warm soaks) as this can help an infection clear faster.

If possible, please let me know how you are doing after you are evaluated.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Red Swollen Finger

Brief Answer: Yes, please go have this looked at now. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Arthritis does not spread the way you are describing. This could be a soft tissue infection such as cellulitis or joint infection and should be looked at quickly. Especially as you have diabetes, but regardless, it should be seen again now as it has gotten worse. So yes, go to the urgent care tonight. They may prescribe antibiotics if it is an infection. If it is a soft tissue infection, you should also use heat (such as warm soaks) as this can help an infection clear faster. If possible, please let me know how you are doing after you are evaluated.