Inflammation of the fingers

Inflammation of the fingers can occur due to several causes. Typical symptoms of inflammation of the fingers are local swelling, reddened skin and pressure pain. An inflammation (mild inflammatory response) is a normal natural response when soft tissues, muscles or tendons become irritated or damaged. When tissue is damaged or irritated, the body will try and increase blood circulation to the area - this leads to pain, local swelling, heat development, reddish skin and pressure soreness. The swelling in the area can also lead to a nerve compression, which we can see, among other things, by squeezing the median nerve in the elbow or wrist area (eg by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome). These symptoms will vary in intensity depending on the injury or irritation of the tissue. It is important to distinguish between inflammation (inflammation) and infection (bacterial or viral infection). Inflammation of the fingers may occasionally be linked to the consept of rheumatism. We would otherwise like to emphasize that the vast majority of 'inflammations' are not necessarily inflammation, but rather muscle or tendon dysfunction / injury. Please take contact us on our Facebook page if you have any questions or comments.

TIP: Many people with osteoarthritis and arthritis like to use specially adapted compression gloves (link opens in new window) for improved function in hands and fingers. These are especially common among rheumatologists and those who suffer from chronic carpal tunnel syndrome. Possibly there is also toe pullers og specially adapted compression socks if you are bothered by stiff and sore toes - possibly hallux valgus (inverted big toe).

Causes of inflammation of the fingers

As mentioned, inflammation or inflammation is a natural response from the immune system to repair an injury or irritation. This may occur due to overuse (without sufficient stability muscle to perform the task) or due to minor injuries. Here are some diagnoses that can cause inflammation or inflammation in your fingers:

Arthritis (Arthritis)

Osteoarthritis (the pain depends on which joints are affected)

Karpaltunnelsyndrom

rheumatism (the pain depends on which joints are affected)

Who is affected by inflammation of the fingers?

Absolutely everyone can be affected by an inflammation in the fingers - as long as the activity or load exceeds what the soft tissue, tendons or muscles can withstand. Those who increase their training too quickly, especially in weight training, weightlifting and especially those with a high repetitive load on relevant joints and muscles are most exposed - especially if the majority of the load is in the highest layer. Too weak support muscles (forearm, upper arm and shoulder muscles, among others) in combination with repetitive loads at work or in everyday life can also be a contributing factor to the development of an inflammatory reaction in the fingers. Microvibrations (eg as a machine operator) can also be a contributing factor.

Rheumatoid arthritis of the hand - Photo Wikimedia

Inflammation of the fingers can be very troublesome and can cause pain and problems in nearby structures as well. If an inflammation occurs then keep in mind that in most cases it is self-inflicted (a lot of repetitive work with lack of training of the supporting muscles, for example), and that you are smart to listen to what the body is trying to tell you. If you do not listen to the pain signals then the condition or structure can be chronically damaged. Our advice is to seek active treatment (eg chiropractor, physiotherapist or manual therapist) for the problem.

Symptoms of inflammation of the fingers

Pain and symptoms will depend on the degree to which the fingers have an inflammatory reaction. We remind you again that an inflammation and an infection are two completely different things - if you get a severe inflammatory reaction with heat development, fever and pus in the area, then you have an infection, but we will go into more detail in another article. Typical symptoms of inflammation include:

- Local swelling

Reddish, irritated skin

- Painful when pressing / touching

Diagnosis of inflammation of the fingers

A clinical examination will be based on a history / anamnesis and an examination. This will often show reduced movement in the affected area and local pressure soreness. You will not normally need further imaging - but in certain cases it may be relevant with imaging to check if an injury is the cause of the swelling - or possibly also blood tests.

Image diagnostic examination of inflammation of the fingers (X-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound)

An X-ray can rule out any fracture damage to the fingers. One MRI examination can show if there is any damage to tendons or structures in the area. Ultrasound can examine whether there is tendon damage - it can also see if there is fluid accumulation in the area.

Treatment of inflammation of the fingers

The main purpose of treating inflammation in the fingers is to remove any cause of the inflammation and then let the fingers heal themselves. As mentioned earlier, an inflammation is a completely natural repair process where the body increases blood circulation to the area to ensure faster healing - unfortunately it is the case that sometimes the body can do a slightly excessive job and it may then be necessary with icing, anti- inflammatory laser and possible use of anti-inflammatory drugs (we remind you that overuse of NSAIDS can lead to reduced repair in the area). Cold treatment or heat conditioner can provide pain relief to sore joints and muscles, including the fingers. One should always try conservative treatment for a long time before resorting to invasive procedures (surgery and surgery), but in some cases this is the only way out. Direct conservative measures can be:

- Physical treatment (treatment of nearby muscles can provide pain relief and increased blood circulation)

- Rest (take a break from what caused the injury)

- Sports taping / kinesio taping

- Exercises and stretching (see exercises further down in the article)

Recommended Self-Help for Rheumatic and Chronic Pain

• Compression Noise (such as compression socks that contribute to increased blood circulation to sore muscles or specially adapted compression gloves against rheumatic symptoms in the hands)

Click on the image to read more about compression gloves.

• Mini tapes (many with rheumatic and chronic pain feel that it is easier to train with custom elastics)
• Trigger point Balls (self-help to work the muscles on a daily basis)
• Arnica cream or heat conditioner (many people report some pain relief if they use, for example, arnica cream or heat conditioner)

- Many people use arnica cream for pain due to stiff joints and sore muscles. Click on the image above to read more about how arnica cream can help relieve some of your pain situation.

Exercises for inflammation in the fingers

One should try to cut out too much repetitive work if one is afflicted with inflammation in the fingers - at least until the worst has been healed. Replace the heaviest strength training with swimming, elliptical machine or exercise bike. Also make sure that you stretch your hand, forearm and shoulders, and train the shoulder blades as shown in this article. We also recommend that you try these quietly the carpal tunnel exercises.

NEXT PAGE: - Sore fingers? You should know this!

Also read:

- Pressure wave treatment of plantar fascite

Questions about inflammation of the fingers:

Question: Woman, factory worker from Oslo, 45 years old. Inflammation of the left hand and fingers I think, but how can I tell if I have inflammation in my fingers? Could it have been appropriate to go to a chiropractor in Oslo with this eg. (I live in the center of Oslo)?

In most cases, pain from joints and muscles is misinterpreted as 'inflammation'. This is a simplification of the problem which shifts the responsibility away from the person affected - and which suggests that it is not that person's fault. This is normally not the case - and most people have probably overloaded beyond ability (eg overloaded the area without sufficient support muscles) or done other things before they get such a pain presentation. The fact is that it is usually due to too little stability muscles, often in combination with stiff and dysfunctional joints. A public health authorized clinician (chiropractor, physiotherapist or manual therapist) will be able to help you diagnose and treat your ailment. If you want a recommendation for a chiropractor in Oslo or more specifically Oslo city center, we are happy to help you with that - get in touch via social media.

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