Finger Pain Causes

Introduction

Finger pain is a sensation of discomfort or soreness, in one or more fingers. It can affect any portion of the finger, including the joints, muscles, tendons, or nerves, and its effects range in severity from minor to severe. Finger discomfort can be chronic or acute, and it can appear suddenly or gradually over time. Many different underlying illnesses, traumas, and activities can cause finger pain.

Wrist, hand, and finger issues are frequent and can be brought on by everyday activities including repetitive tasks, suffering an injury during sports, or even whilst stumbling. Wrist, hand, or finger conditions can occasionally, often for no apparent reason, intensify as you age as an outcome of typical ageing-related changes.¹

It is important to outline the causes of finger pain as intense cases can disrupt an individual’s joint mobility and hinder daily activities. This article aims to explain the types of pain in the fingers, their causes and how to best go about them.

Underlying causes

Pointing out the anatomy of the finger is relevant to this article as it comprises the bone structure, muscle attachments, blood vessels and innervation, all of which finger pain could stem from, as a result of damage to these areas.

The set of tiny bones that make up the bony centre of the hand's digits (fingers) are known as the phalanges.² Five digits (four fingers and one thumb) make up the portion of our hand that is freely mobile. The thumb only contains two distinct bones, whereas each other digit has three. Each of the three joints found in the finger can only bend and stretch in one way, due to the saddle-shaped carpometacarpal joint, the thumb is the only finger that can twist.³

Numerous factors, ranging from small traumas to underlying medical disorders, can lead to finger pain. However, bruising or injuries to the finger are frequently the cause. It is often possible to determine the source of discomfort based on the underlying symptoms).⁴

General symptoms may include

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Limited finger mobility
• Loss of grip
• Stiffness
• Lump
• Tenderness
• Clicking sounds
• Aches
• Numbness
• Sharp pain
• Popping sound during injury

Causes of pain in finger

An underlying illness is not necessarily the cause of finger pain. It might result from:

• Injuries such as cuts and burns
• Ingrown or broken nails
• Excessive finger use
• Improper grip and lifting of large objects with the fingers⁸

Types of finger pain

Trauma and injuries

These include cases like fractures, sprains, strains and dislocations.

Fractures

The entire hand may become dysfunctional in the occurrence of a broken finger. The fractured finger may become crooked, stiff, or painful if it is not treated properly.

Symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Limited mobility and
• Deformity of the injured finger

The diagnosis is confirmed after an x-ray and can be treated via non-surgical procedures utilising splints or casts or in more severe cases surgical interventions.⁶

Sprains and strains

Usually suspected if the wounded area is swollen or bruised and unable to put weight on the affected area or use it normally. 

Additional symptoms may include experiencing muscular cramps or spasms. These are often not a medical emergency and can be remedied at home by means of resting, utilising ice packs, keeping the fingers elevated or in some cases a quick visit to the pharmacy.⁵

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)

Pain that results from repeatedly moving a particular body component is commonly referred to as a repetitive strain injury, or RSI. Although it frequently gets better on its own, there are things you may take to hasten the process.⁷ Examples of which include cases such as:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure is applied to the nerves of the wrist and usually presents as tingling, numbness and pain in the fingers which can be treated without intervention from medical professionals except in advanced cases.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis occurs when an injured tendon expands (becomes inflamed). It may impair a tendon's range of motion and result in joint pain and stiffness. A minor tendon injury is self-treatable, and the ordinary recovery time is 2 to 3 weeks. The symptoms may include pain that intensifies when moving the tendon, difficulty moving the joint, crackling sensation on moving the tendon and swelling with redness or heat at times.¹⁰

Arthritis

A well know ailment causing pain and inflammation in joints and is comprised of mainly two types:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common condition in the UK and often develops in people in their mid-40s or in individuals assigned female at birth, likewise individuals with a family history. These however are not limitations as it can occur at any point as a result of injury or a resultant effect of other joint related ailments.¹³

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis mostly develops in individuals between ages 30-50 with individuals assigned female at birth being at a higher risk statistically. It is a long-term condition that often presents as pain and stiffness in joints and occurs as a result of the body’s immune system attacking the target joints resulting in inflammatory responses.¹³

Nerve compression

Cubital tunnel syndrome

The compression of the ulnar nerve in a tunnel on the inside of the elbow results in a condition known as cubital tunnel syndrome characterised by irritation of the nerve. The little finger and a portion of the ring finger receive sensation through the ulnar nerve, which also supplies power to the hand's small muscles.¹²

Radial tunnel syndrome

A compressive neuropathy of the posterior interosseus nerve (PIN) in the radial tunnel is referred to as "radial tunnel syndrome." Pain without motor or sensory pathology is one of its many symptoms. Most patients receive conservative care, with surgical radial tunnel release saved for cases that are particularly persistent.¹¹

Less common causes of finger pain

Infections

Abscesses

A build-up of pus on the finger is known as a finger abscess, and it is typically brought on by a bacterial infection. It can be treated by drainage of the pus or antibacterial medication or in other cases the use of a splint.¹⁶

Cellulitis

Resultant of a bacterial infection which presents as red, blistered, swollen or painful glands on the surface of the finger. It is often treated with antibiotics but in chronic cases, requires a medical emergency intervention.¹⁷

Tumours and growths

Ganglion cysts

It is a fluid-filled swelling that forms near a joint or tendon composed of a thick jelly-like substance known as synovial fluid. It is remedied by either draining out the fluid using a needle or by surgical means of cutting the cyst out.¹⁸

Lipomas

They are soft lumps found on the surface of the skin which are not alarming but are advised to be checked by a GP.¹⁹

Vascular issues

These are problems in relation to blood flow.

Raynaud's disease

Occurs as a result of improper blood flow to the fingers which is not always a cause for concern and can be remedied by keeping warm. It is however, in very rare cases a result of an underlying health problem.¹⁴

Thrombosis

Thrombosis is a blood clot. Its occurrence in a finger could be indicative of an injury, ruptured blood vessels or even damaged cholesterol plaques in the blood vessels.

Blood can seep into the surrounding tissue when a blood clot develops in a broken finger. The blood that has leaked gathers and clots, which is known as a haematoma, however the flow of blood is significantly influenced if the clot forms.¹⁵

Finger pain risk factors

Some daily activities could result in the occurrence of finger pain, these include:

• Typing and computer use
• Playing musical instruments
• Manual labour
• Sports and physical activities

Diagnosis of finger pain

• Patient History and physical examinations
• Imaging studies (X-rays, MRI)
• Nerve conduction studies
• Blood tests (for arthritis or infections)

Treatment options

There is a wide range of treatment options dependent on the severity of the ailment which may include:

• Rest and activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Injections (e.g., corticosteroids)
• Surgery (for severe cases)
• Alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture)

Summary 

The effects of finger pain affect a wide range of individuals hindering their daily routine. There are several risk factors and causes ranging from simple injuries and diseases to more complicated medical conditions. For patients and medical professionals alike, it is crucial to comprehend the reasons for finger discomfort.

To effectively treat and relieve finger pain, the initial course of action is to determine its underlying cause. Individuals suffering from finger pain can greatly enhance their quality of life by regaining functionality and reducing pain with early diagnosis and suitable care.

Though most cases can be remedied at home without a need for medical attention, in the event of persistent or increased discomfort, it is crucial to seek an expert medical examination. Prompt intervention can stop future issues from arising and guarantee that the best treatment strategy is followed.