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Pain in the little finger
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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What causes pain in the little finger?
The main cause of pain is most often cubital or radial tunnel syndrome.
Cubital tunnel syndrome
It is associated with excessive compression on the ulnar nerve and can be triggered by the following factors:
- Frequent pressure on the elbow (for example, leaning on the elbow joint while working at a monitor).
- Keeping the elbow in a bent position for a long time, for example, while talking on a mobile phone.
- Staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time while sleeping.
- Excessive physical exertion.
- Abnormal development of bone tissue in the elbow.
- Elbow ligament injury, nerve injury.
The main symptom of the disease is pain in the elbow, accompanied by colic, burning, and pain in the little finger and ring finger. In advanced cases, weakness may occur in the little finger and ring finger, accompanied by the inability to squeeze the fingers, as well as muscle atrophy or deformation of the hand.
Electromyography methods are used for diagnostics - a hardware study that helps to establish the degree of conductivity of nerve endings and bioelectric muscle activity. Electromyography can be performed using needle electrodes inserted into the muscle, or using electrodes placed on the surface of the skin and attached directly to the area being examined. Electromyography is a painless and safe procedure that allows you to obtain the most complete information about the condition of the muscles. The duration of the procedure can be from thirty minutes to half an hour.
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Radial tunnel syndrome
Pain in the little finger may be associated with increased compression of the radial nerve, which runs through the forearms and elbows. The causes of this pathology include injuries and damage, lipomas, tumors, and inflammatory processes in the surrounding tissues. The main symptoms are sharp, intense pain in the upper forearm, in the hand, especially when trying to hold the fingers straight. The disease is diagnosed using EMG methods.
Treatment: anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling of soft tissues, corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation and reduce compression on the radial nerve. Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment and special therapeutic exercises are also practiced. Surgical intervention is indicated when conservative treatment is ineffective, as well as in cases of sagging of the wrist and a sharp decrease in strength in the fingers.
Osteochondrosis
Pain in the little finger and numbness in the fingers may be associated with the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Patients with this diagnosis often experience pain in the back of the head, as well as in the head and neck. In some cases, such pain radiates to the hand and leads to numbness of the fingers. The patient feels numbness and pain in the little finger and ring finger. This condition is associated with excessive tension of the scalene muscles. To prevent this disease, it is strongly recommended to visit an orthopedist, starting from an early age. It is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, play sports, eat more foods rich in calcium and magnesium, as well as vitamins, maintain normal body weight, avoid stressful situations and physical overload.
Bruised little finger
Mechanical damage to the little finger, caused by a blow or fall, is characterized by swelling, hyperemia, and pain in the little finger. A hematoma may form at the site of the injury, the mobility of the finger is impaired, sometimes with damage to the nail. Immediately after receiving an injury, ice should be applied to the damaged area, it is strictly contraindicated to warm the finger, as this contributes to the development of edema. After providing first aid, you can apply a bandage with heparin ointment to relieve swelling and inflammation. If the nail is damaged, it should be disinfected and sealed with a band-aid. You can also apply a crushed onion mixed with one teaspoon of sugar to the little finger.