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What Causes Swelling, Redness And Pain In The Index Finger?

Posted on Fri, 3 Aug 2018

Question: My index finger on the right hand in swollen, stiff, red and very painful. It is the joint closest to the fingernail. Is this old age or something to be concerned about?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
inflammation of different possible origin .

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear

Warm welcome to Healthcaremagic.com
I have evaluated your query thoroughly .

* This seems more likely to be inflammation involving distal interphalangeal joint,
which can be from some trauma , arthritis related or else .

Kindly provide further details so that I can answer your query completely .

1. Swelling - duration , progress .
2. Pain - type , frequency , relieving factors .
3. Joint movements are normal , painful or restricted .
4. Is there any other joint in the body has similar swelling , stiffness .
5. Systemic features as fever or else .
6. Any history of injury if any .
7. If possible , kindly provide a photo picture of the swelling for better assistance .

* Till you answer these , local application of ice pack would help great .

Awaiting for your details .

Regards .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (28 minutes later)

It has been bothering me a few days, but this morning was the worst. Pain is constant. Do not want to touch it against anything. Some joint movement but minimal. No other joints problems. I have arthritis in both feet, my wrists, hip and knees. But never had an issue with the finger. Also the pain from arthritis isn’t as severe. No fever, but as stated have been dealing wit pneumonia since October. Was told two weeks ago, the pneumonia was cleared up, but still coughing and sneezing. Had two ct scan at the cancer center in November and the found a node that is growing on my lung and cysts all over the left breast. Going back in May to see if they are still growing. Don’t think it involves the finger, but letting you know some of the issues. I broke the finger nail on a piece of firewood while stacking the fireplace on Tuesday but don’t think I injured the finger. Not sure how to send picture. Working on it

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Welcome for follow up .
Thanks for the details .

* This is inflammation following finger nail breaking event .
* Primary guidelines at present

- Keep the part clean with antiseptic liquid .
- Ice pack application 5 minutes each 4 times a day .
- Tab. ibuprofen ( 400 mg ) 3 times a day after meals preferably with antacid as
ranitidine if no history of drug sensitivity .
- Antibiotics assistance with your family doctor ( to resolve early and avoid future
possibility of any surgical intervention ) .
- Once need to get blood sugar checked .

* For sending image , you can go for attachment options in your question or send
it to customer care who will manage to post me or simply drop in email at
YYYY@YYYY whatever is easier for you .

Wishing you fine recovery .

Welcome for any further guidance .
Regards take care .

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana