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Finger pain
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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There are many diseases that can cause pain in the fingers. Firstly, it is rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints. The exact causes of this disease are still not completely clear. There are assumptions about the presence of a connection with a hereditary predisposition or with infectious agents. The disease begins with inflammation of the inner layer of the bone-fibrous canal or joint capsule, as a result of which damage to the cartilage and bones occurs.
[ What causes finger pain?
Articular syndrome is the main manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. The patient experiences pain in the joints, accompanied by limited movement, morning stiffness of the joints. More often, women suffer from this disease. Age over 45 years, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases are also factors in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. This disease most often affects the knee and elbow joints, hands and wrists. Sometimes the shoulder and hip joints are affected, which can lead to pain in the fingers.
Pain in the fingers may occur in the presence of vascular diseases. In case of frostbite, complaints arise about swelling of the fingers - on the side and on the inside, the occurrence of pain and itching.
Sudden paleness of the fingers may be a symptom of Raynaud's disease - spasms of the blood vessels of the fingers or feet occur, redness and tingling appear. Pain in the fingers, accompanied by a burning sensation, may be a consequence of irradiation of pain from the cervical spine.
Local injuries are also undoubtedly frequent causes of pain in the fingers. A subungual hematoma is formed if a finger is pinched or if it is hit hard. A throbbing pain occurs in the finger, the nail takes on a blue tint due to the blood accumulated under it. In the case of such injuries, it is necessary to treat the finger with iodine, immerse it in cold water for some time, and you can apply a bandage to prevent infection.
When dense shiny areas form on the skin of the upper and lower extremities, it may be a diffuse form of scleroderma. The joints are affected, an inflammatory process occurs, and fibrous tissue grows. Morning stiffness, crunching in the joints, and pain in the fingers appear. Anti-inflammatory and restorative drugs are prescribed as treatment to restore the functions of the musculoskeletal system. It is also recommended to avoid prolonged overwork, stressful situations, give up smoking and alcohol, and protect your hands and feet from prolonged excessive exposure to cold. Weight normalization and a balanced diet are also part of the complex therapy of this disease. In no case should you attempt treatment on your own, as this can cause significant harm to your health.
Paronychia is a periungual inflammation. It is accompanied by swelling, redness, pain - from moderate to intense. This disease can occur as a result of traumatic injuries or be a symptom of a skin disease. Only an experienced dermatologist can make a correct diagnosis based on clinical data and other studies. In the acute stage, wet dressings with furacilin and ichthyol are applied as treatment. In the chronic form of the disease, ointments with antibiotics are used. Surgical intervention can be indicated only if conservative treatment is ineffective.
Pain in the fingers, and less often in the toes, can occur as a result of acute purulent inflammation, called panacirium. It occurs when an infection, mainly streptococcus and staphylococcus, gets into the wound. A decrease in the immune system, as well as other serious pathologies, such as diabetes, can be prerequisites for the development of this disease. Pain in the fingers in this case is sharp, piercing and intensifies over time, which indicates the spread of inflammation. Immediate contact with a specialist will help to start treatment on time and avoid serious complications. Panacirium is treated mainly surgically.
Tendinitis, or inflammation of the tendons, is also accompanied by pain in the fingers, and disruption of the musculoskeletal system. It occurs mainly as a result of physical overload, such as professional activity. Rheumatoid arthritis can trigger the development of tendinitis. Inflammation not in the tendon itself, but near it, is called tendovaginitis, and often occurs along with tendinitis. When treating tendon inflammation, complete rest of the hands or feet is recommended first of all, physiotherapy procedures are prescribed - warming up, UHF, therapeutic exercises, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs that improve blood circulation in the affected area and relieve swelling.
Pain in the fingers or toes can be a symptom of a variety of diseases. Never try to diagnose yourself; if you experience pain, see a doctor immediately.