Pain and swelling of one or more fingers is often caused by a trauma or by an inflammation. Depending on the source, the pain may be pulsating, sharp, like cramps or soreness, or redness, burning and itching.
The swelling can sometimes prevent movement and functionality. The pain in the finger can also be a reflection of carpal tunnel syndrome or inflammation and infection of the flexor tendons. Other very common causes are infection and inflammatory diseases such as: arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, peripheral circulatory disturbance, deficiency of the lymphatic system, arthrosis. Sometimes the swelling can be triggered by allergies.
What kind of diseases can be associated with pain and swollen fingers?
The following diseases may be related to the problem:
- Contact allergy
- Arthritis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Herpes simplex
- Fractures
- Infections
- Dislocations
- Onicofagia
- Osteoporosis
- Whitlow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Tenosynovitis
- Trauma
- Tumors
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for pain and swollen fingers?
To ease the pain, we recommend using cold compresses. In the case where the pain is more intense use, it can be helpful to use not-prolonged, anti-inflammatory medications.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of pain and swollen fingers?
In cases where the pain happens after a trauma, it is necessary to seek medical treatment in an emergency room, in order to determine whether there is a fracture. If the swelling lasts long and does not disappear and is associated with symptom like: fever, acute pain, fogged view or the swelling is sudden, you should promptly contact your doctor or an emergency room.
