Pain in the fingers
Having pain in the fingers and nearby structures can be extremely bothersome. Finger pain can be caused by several different factors, but some of the most common are congestion, trauma, wear and tear, Osteoarthrtitis, prolapse in the neck, muscular failure loads and mechanical dysfunction i joints - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (also known as carpal tunnel syndrome) is a possible diagnosis, but in most cases pain in the fingers is transient and often related to overuse / misuse in everyday life. Feel free to contact us via our Facebook page if you have any questions or comments.
Who gets hurt in the fingers?
Pain in the fingers is a musculoskeletal disorder that affects a larger proportion of the population over a lifetime, and that affects both men and women. Any bone or tendon injuries can in most cases be examined by a musculoskeletal expert (chiropractor or similar), and further confirmed by a diagnostic ultrasound, X-ray or MRI where necessary.
Possible symptoms of finger pain
- My fingers are lazy
- My fingers are burning
- My fingers fall asleep
- Cramps in the fingers
- Crackling sound in the fingers
- The fingers lock
Numbness in the fingers
- Sores between the fingers
- Tingling in the fingers
Itching on the fingers
- The fingers are weak
- Fingers stick and ants
Prepare before consulting with a clinician
These are all symptoms that a clinician may hear from patients. We recommend that you map your finger pain well before going to your clinician (which you should definitely do with lasting finger pain). Think about frequency (how often have you hurt your fingers?), Duration (how long does the pain last?), Intensity (on a pain scale of 1-10, how bad is it at worst? And how bad is it usually?).
Possible diagnoses of pain in the fingers
- Golf elbow / medial epicondylite
- Prolapse in the neck (can refer to pain in the fingers when affecting nerve root C6, C7, C8, T1)
- Radial bursitis (hand mucosal inflammation)
- Rotator cuff myalgia / dysfunction
- Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylite
- Why do I have pain in my fingers?
Pain in the fingers can be due to tendon injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome (narrow nerve passages), prolapse in the neck, muscular tension, joint dysfunction and / or irritation of nearby nerves. A chiropractor or other expert in muscle, skeletal and nerve disorders can diagnose your ailment and give you a thorough explanation of what can be done in terms of treatment and what you can do on your own.
Be careful not to get hurt on your wrist for any length of time, rather contact a chiropractor (or similar) and diagnose the cause of the pain. First, a mechanical assessment will be performed where the clinician looks at the wrist's movement pattern or any lack thereof. Here, muscle strength is also investigated, as well as specific tests that give the clinician an indication of what causes the person to hurt the wrist. In the case of prolonged hand ailments, an imaging diagnosis may be necessary.
Do I have to take an MRI picture of my hands?
A chiropractor has the right to refer such examinations in the form of X-rays, MRI, CT and ultrasound - if necessary. Conservative treatment in the form of muscle work, joint mobilization and rehabilitation training - is always worth trying on such ailments, before possibly considering more invasive interventions. The treatment you receive will vary, depending on what was found during the clinical examination.
rheumatism can hit the fingers as illustrated in the following image where the person is affected by advanced rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis of the hand - Photo Wikimedia
Hand. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Clinically proven effect on the relief of hand pain in carpal tunnel syndrome (KTS).
An RCT research study (Davis et al 1998) showed that chiropractic treatment had good symptom relief effect. Good improvement in nerve function, finger sensory and general comfort was reported. The methods chiropractors use to treat KTS include chiropractic adjustments of the wrist and elbow joints, muscle work / trigger point work, dry-needling, ultrasound therapy and / or wrist supports.
What does a chiropractor do?
Muscle, joint and nerve pain: These are things that a chiropractor can help prevent and treat. Chiropractic treatment is mainly about restoring movement and joint function that can be impaired by mechanical pain. This is done by so-called joint correction or manipulation techniques, as well as joint mobilization, stretching techniques, and muscular work (such as trigger point therapy and deep soft tissue work) on the involved muscles. With increased function and less pain, it may be easier for individuals to engage in physical activity, which in turn will have a positive effect on both energy, quality of life and health.
Exercises, training and ergonomic considerations.
An expert in muscle and skeletal disorders can, based on your diagnosis, inform you about the ergonomic considerations you must take to prevent further damage, thus ensuring the fastest possible healing time. After the acute part of the pain is over, in most cases you will also be assigned home exercises that also help reduce the chance of relapse. In the case of chronic ailments, it is necessary to go through the motor movements you do in everyday life, in order to weed out the cause of your pain occurring time and again.
Prevention
- Make stretching exercises of hands and fingers before starting work and repeat this throughout the work day.
- Map everyday life. Find the things that cause you pain, and make changes to their performance.
- Make the workplace ergonomic. Get a raise and lower desk, a better chair and wrist rest. Make sure your hands are not bent backwards for most of the day, for example if you have a computer keyboard that is not in the correct position in relation to your working position.
Exercises for sore fingers and hands
Wrist mobilization in flexion and extension: Bend your wrist into flexion (forward bend) and extension (back bend) as far as you can get. Do 2 sets of 15 repetitions.
- Wrist stretching: Press the back of your hand with your other hand to get a bend in your wrist. Hold with custom pressure for 15 to 30 seconds. Then change movement and stretch by pushing the front of the hand backwards. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Keep in mind that the arm should be straight when performing these stretching exercises. Perform 3 sets.
- Forearm pronation and supination: Bend the elbow on the aching arm 90 degrees while holding the elbow to the body. Turn the palm up and hold this position for 5 seconds. Then slowly lower your palm down and hold this position for 5 seconds. Do this in 2 sets of 15 repetitions in each set.
Research and sources
- Davis PT, Hulbert JR, Kassak KM, Meyer JJ. Comparative efficacy of conservative medical and chiropractic treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1998;21(5):317-326.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it dangerous to break your fingers? Can you get arthritis from it?
No, studies have shown that it is not dangerous to break your fingers. It is only a gas exchange in the joint that produces this characteristic cracking sound with subsequent improved movement, much like when you have a joint treated by a chiropractor or manual therapist. You can read more about what the studies say in our article called 'is it dangerous to break your fingers?'
Female, 53 years. Is it a disease that causes fingers to curl?
There are certain nerve disorders and tendon injuries that allow the fingers to become bent and chronically bent without being able to be completely straightened. One of these conditions is called Dupuytren's contracture (also called hook finger or Viking finger) - which is an inherited thickening and contraction of the affected tendon tissue.
Girl, 23 years. Has pain in the fingers, just as if it hurts, aches and radiates - what can it be?
Pain and pain in the fingers may be due to referenced pain from the elbow, wrist, shoulder or neck. In the latter case, there may be a nerve irritation on the same side of the neck that puts pressure on a nerve root belonging to that area of the fingers. Eg. The C7 nerve root may cause pain to the middle finger due to its dermatoma. It can also be blamed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome og / eller lateral epicondylitis and referred pain from the elbow.
Relevant questions with the same answer: 'It hurts in the fingers. What could be the cause? '
Why do you hurt your fingers and wrists?
Answer: As mentioned in the article above, there can be several causes of both finger and wrist pain. The most common causes are failure or overload, often in connection with repetitive movements and unilateral work. Other causes may be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or referred pain from nearby muscle-, joint or nerve dysfunction. Prolapse in the neck can also cause pain in the fingers.
Fingers hurt from the keyboard. Why do I get finger pain from computer use?
Answer: Overload is probably one of the main causes of finger pain when using the keyboard in front of the computer. Try to take breaks from work and perform light finger and hand mobilization exercises both before and after work sessions to warm up. This can reduce the incidence of finger pain when using computers. A more ergonomic keyboard can also reduce the strain on fingers, hands and wrists.
Hello.
I wrote 1 question about painful joints that I struggle with. Is mostly in the wrists to fingers. My fingers get tingling in your lazy at times. I also have pain in the joints between the grating to make sure it is correct, I have discussed this with my doctor but she thinks it has to do with 1 accident I was in 1 1/2 years ago where I broke my back 2 places. Hu therefore does not believe it is necessary to treat it. But I have had problems with joints and other ailments for over 3 years.
What can I do to make it good?
Hi Ann Christin,
Here we would like a little more comprehensive information to be able to give you as good help as possible.
1) When did the tingling and numbness start for the first time? What do you feel was the cause of the problem?
2) Do you get lazy all over your wrist and fingers on both sides? Or is it worse on one side?
3) Tell in more detail about the accident you were in 1 1/2 years ago. It does not sound very good mtp that you broke your back in 2 places (!)
4) What kind of treatment, self-measures (heat treatment, cold) and training have you tried yourself?
5) Have any pictures of the problem been taken (X-ray, MRI, CT or diagnostic ultrasound)?
6) Do you have pain elsewhere in your body?
Looking forward to hearing from you and helping you further. Great if you can number your answers like my questions above.
Regards.
Alexander v / Vondt.net
Hey,
1) A little unsure of how long the tingling and numbness has lasted, but at least in the last 6 months. I think it may be due to Fibromyalgia but the doctor I had in May 2014 took some blood samples to mr of the hips but found nothing. So by then I thought I was doing nothing wrong. To rather have to focus on recovering from the accident.
2) Yes on both sides, but mostly on the right side.
3) We were in a boat accident where we crashed with 1 larger boat. We were thrown out of the boat. I had back surgery the next day up in Bergen. Operated everything out again in November 2015.
4) I have not had the strength to train anything more than what I have done with the physiotherapist regarding the back. But now after I took everything out in the back I train 5 days a week. Oh, then I go to the physiotherapist bypass. I am so used to having pain in my body that I displace the pain as best I can. Gets some down trips at times then.
5) Has not taken anything in relation to the joint.
6) Virtually pain throughout the body. Hiking pains. Struggling with the streams. Inner frost. Deterioration with change of weather. Headache that comes to go. Stiffness (worst in the morning). Numbness in hands to feet. Hypersensitive, very tired and exhausted. Sleep problems, sleeping very fragmented. Got sleeping pills. Struggling with depression at times. Very off to on. Forgetful and struggling with concentration for a long time. Dizziness and nausea.
Have been to a chiropractor before the accident due to pain. But hu recommended me to go to the doctor since I was just like the weather when I came to her. I went 1 to 2 times a week.
Hei igjen,
Oops, this did not sound very good.
1) Fibromyalgia does not have to affect blood tests, in fact this is not one of the ways to diagnose the disorder.
Read more:
https://www.vondt.net/oversikt/revmatisme-revmatiske-diagnoser/fibromyalgi/
In fact, very little is known about fibromyalgia, and in magazines, 'neck sling' is a possible cause. Something I assume (correction: know) that must have occurred in the boat accident. At what levels did you break your back (example C1 is at the top of your neck, L5 is at the bottom of your lower back)?
Other typical signs of fibromyalgia include significant pain and characteristic symptoms such as muscle stiffness, tiredness / fatigue, poor sleep, weakness, dizziness, headache and stomach upset.
Something you mention in answer 6.
Do you agree?
2) It is natural that one area can be hit harder than the other by, for example, a neck sling. This may be due to the position of the head when the accident occurred.
3) Uff, feel free to tell in addition about the operation - what levels and the like.
4) Very good to hear that you exercise 5 times a week. It shows good mental strength! You can do this!
5) Really? Haven't any pictures been taken of your neck yourself with so much pain over such a long time ?!
6) Here you mention a lot that you can read about in the article below. Has any treatment with D-ribose or LDN been tried?
Regards.
Alexander v / vondt.net
I will call the doctor soon to get an answer on where in the back I broke it. Oh I have a free chiropractor because of the back. But is more your other pain in the body I hope to get an answer to what it is due to why I have so much pain. But I will sit down to answer you the rest.
Hello again. I am still waiting for a phone call from my doctor to get an answer on where in the back I broke. I see I have written wrong ang free chiropractor ang back. What physiotherapist the shoe stood for. No. 5. No, no pictures have been taken of the neck that I know of. No. 3. I operated on 2 stakes to 8 bolts in the back June 15, 2014. Have now removed yours again. Was removed in October 2015. I do not know much more than that the operation was successful first to second gong. Struggling a lot with back pain to hip area yet but is sick much stronger with the thought that I have trained with both the physiotherapist and alone. Anything else you want answered? Mvh ann christin
Then we have found a skilled therapist who wants to help you further. Do you want us to send information about previous history and the like to them - and then ask them to contact you to set up an appointment? Feel free to contact us via PM directly on our Facebook page.
I have been struggling for a year now in October with tendonitis-like pain in my hands. Beyond that, it feels like a burning growing pain up in my arms, and can also feel the same pain in my legs, then I can not walk properly. The one with my wrist became so numb that I could not do anything about it anymore, was sent on to a neurologist but they found nothing. I received a cortisone injection in my wrist and the pain disappeared a bit for about 3-4 months, but the pain where my thumb "hangs" in my hand has always hurt just as much. I can hardly open cartilage corks, lift my baby, I have almost no strength left because everything hurts, I get bruises easily, and generally have pain in my "flesh" and muscles. Have a lymph disease (lipolymphedema) before, but find no common thread between this and my pain. I'm exhausted during the day and I'm so tired of getting little witch shots in my arms when I use them in everyday life.
Hi, I have now been struggling with pain and tenderness in the joints of my fingers for 3-4 months. I had the same thing at the same time last year. I quickly get cold on my fingers and that makes the pain worse. In addition, it is problematic to hold the toothbrush, fork and so on, as these hit sore points around the joints of the fingers. I can not hold carrier bags in the "usual" way with this hand, and struggle to hold, for example, a box or the like.
This applies to almost all the fingers on the left hand (I am left-handed), but the worst is the index finger and the middle finger. I can not bend the index finger completely without it hurting. Sometimes it feels as if the fingers are bent backwards and sideways, which should not be possible. It then really hurts when it happens and then it hurts for a while afterwards. I personally believe that the largest joints in the fingers are larger on the left hand than on the right, but I do not know if this is related.
I do not have positive rheumatic tests - (taken last in 2017) nor any other findings at a rheumatologist the same year.
What in the world can this be? The doctor I have is hopeless at listening to what I say, so so far she has only hung up on the fact that her fingers are cold and white. (No doctor, I do not have Raynaud's phenomenon - it does not match the symptoms I have).