Pain in the little finger
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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What causes pain in the little finger?
The main cause of pain is most often an ulnar or radial tunnel syndrome.
Elbow 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, resting on the elbow joint while working behind the monitor).
- Prolonged elbow position in a curved position, for example, during a conversation on a mobile phone.
- Long stay in uncomfortable position during sleep.
- Excessive physical activity.
- Abnormal development of bone tissue in the elbow.
- Damage to ligament ligaments, nerve injury.
The main symptom of the disease is pain in the elbow, accompanied by colic, burning, as well as pain in the little finger and in the ring finger. With a neglected form of the disease in the little finger and ring finger, weakness may occur, accompanied by the inability to squeeze fingers, as well as muscle atrophy or deformation of the hand.
For diagnostics use methods of electromyography - an apparatus study, with which it is possible to establish the degree of conduction of nerve endings and bioelectrical muscle activity. Electromyography can be performed using needle electrodes inserted into the muscle, or by using electrodes placed on the surface of the skin and attached directly to the area under investigation. Electromyography is a painless and safe procedure, it allows you to get 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 can be associated with an increase in compression on the radial nerve, passing forearms and elbows. The causes of this pathology include injuries and injuries, lipomas, tumors, inflammatory processes in surrounding tissues. The main symptoms are: sharp, intense pain in the upper region of the forearm, in the hand, especially when trying to hold fingers evenly. Diagnosis of the disease using EMG methods.
Treatment: anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling of soft tissues, injections of corticosteroids, which remove inflammation and reduce compression on the radial nerve. Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment and special therapeutic gymnastics are also practiced. Surgical intervention is indicated if the 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 can be associated with the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Patients with this diagnosis often have pain in the back of the neck, as well as in the head and neck. In some cases, such pain radiates into 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 stress of the stair muscles. For the prevention of this disease, it is strongly recommended that you visit an orthopedist, beginning at an early age. It is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise, eat more foods rich in calcium and magnesium, and also vitamins, maintain normal body weight, avoid stressful situations and physical overload.
Whiplash of the little finger
Mechanical damage to the little finger, which occurs due to impact or fall, is characterized by the appearance of swelling, hyperemia, often a pain in the little finger. In the place of a bruise, hematoma may occur, the mobility of the finger is disturbed, sometimes with damage to the nail. Immediately after getting injured, 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 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 covered with adhesive tape. On the little finger, you can also put a chopped onion mixed with one teaspoon of sugar.