What causes finger pain?

Finger pain may be caused by trauma, inflammation, blood circulation problems or joint diseases, and needs to be treated according to the specific cause. You can analyze and deal with it from the following aspects.

1. Swelling caused by trauma

Trauma is a common cause of finger pain, including impact, sprain or crush. In this case, soft tissue may be damaged and inflammatory, causing pain and swelling.

Treatment method:

-Ice: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes each time within 48 hours after injury to help relieve swelling and pain.

-Immobilization and rest: Use a medical bandage to lightly immobilize the injured finger and avoid frequent activities.

- Medication: If the pain is severe, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen under the guidance of a doctor.

2. Impact of inflammatory diseases

Tenosynovitis, bursitis or infection may cause pain and swelling in the fingers. These diseases are often accompanied by local redness and heat and limited movement. It is necessary to pay attention to whether there is a history of long-term repetitive movements or infection.

Treatment method:

-Reduce stimulation: Avoid overuse of your fingers, such as excessive typing, swiping your phone, etc.

-Drug treatment: Under the doctor's advice, you can use anti-inflammatory ointment topically or take oral anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment.

-Infection treatment: If there is an infection, seek medical help as soon as possible and use antibiotics if necessary.

3. Blood circulation problems

Circulatory disorders, such as Raynaud's phenomenon or peripheral vascular abnormalities, can also cause swelling, numbness, and pain in the fingers, usually due to impaired blood flow in cold environments.

Treatment method:

-Keep warm: Wear gloves, especially in cold weather, to protect your hands from cold.

-Massage to promote blood circulation: Gently massaging your fingers several times a day can help relieve symptoms.

-Drug intervention: Use vasodilators such as nifedipine under the guidance of a doctor if necessary.

4. Caused by joint diseases

Common arthritis conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout may cause pain and swelling in the fingers, especially in the morning. In addition to the pain and swelling, the patient may also feel stiffness or deformity in the joints.

Treatment method:

-Accurate diagnosis: Go to the hospital for blood tests or imaging tests (such as X-rays, MRI) to determine the cause of the disease.

-Drug treatment: Use anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating drugs such as methotrexate or colchicine as recommended by your doctor.

-Dietary adjustment: Gout patients should pay attention to a low-purine diet, drink plenty of water, and reduce meat and alcohol intake.

5. Other possible reasons

Temporary swelling and discomfort in the fingers may also occur due to edema, allergic reactions, or simple fatigue.

Treatment method:

-Adjust diet and lifestyle: reduce high-salt diet, maintain moderate exercise, and improve metabolism and blood circulation.

- Use hand cream and other products correctly: avoid local reactions due to allergies.

-Observe changes: If symptoms improve quickly, no special treatment is usually required; if symptoms continue to worsen, see a doctor to check for other underlying diseases.

The causes of finger swelling and pain are complex, but most of them can be improved by adjusting lifestyle habits, taking medication or seeking medical treatment in time. If the symptoms persist or are accompanied by severe pain, increased redness and swelling, etc., it is recommended to consult a professional doctor for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.