Diagnosis | Pain in the index finger

Diagnosis

The diagnosis pain in the index finger is usually made by the patient himself. In order to find the cause of the pain, a doctor is then usually required to carry out further examinations. Only in the case of clear traumatic causes such as a cut or bruise can the cause be determined by the patient himself and, in the case of mild symptoms, a visit to the doctor can be waited for.

Pain Localization

Pain in the base joint of the index finger is often a rheumatic disease. This is usually treated with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. If so-called rheumatic nodules have already formed, by which the joint is severely deformed, an operation can also lead to a significant improvement in pain and restriction of movement.

If arthrosis is present, pain therapy is also a priority. For long-term treatment, various therapy options can be weighed up, please refer to the separate entry for arthrosis. Pain in the middle index finger joint is typical of Bouchard arthrosis in older people without previous trauma.Bouchard arthrosis is usually treated gently; only rarely are the pains or restrictions in movement so severe that surgery is required.

Rheumatoid arthritis may also be noticeable in the middle index finger joint, see above (pain in the base joint of the index finger). Osteoarthritis of the end joint of the index finger also occurs frequently in older people and is called Heberden’s arthritis. Here, too, the pain is primarily treated with medication and the inflammation is inhibited.

In comparison to Bouchard’s arthrosis and rheumatoid arthritis, surgical procedures such as joint stiffening are more important. Pain between the index and middle finger can be caused by various factors. A carpal tunnel syndrome can trigger pain in this area as an early symptom.

In addition, tendon injuries or joint capsule injuries in the area of the carpal bones and fingers capsule injuries and tendon injuries can also trigger pain radiating into the area between the index and middle finger. Overloading during office work is another possible cause of these complaints. Immobilization and the application of anti-inflammatory ointments containing the active ingredients ibuprofen or diclofenac can help to alleviate the symptoms of overstrain.

If pain occurs when operating the computer mouse, this often indicates overloading due to heavy one-sided use of the computer mouse. Occasionally, in addition to pain, there is also some sensation of discomfort, such as tingling, formication or numbness. The symptoms can radiate from the index finger to the arm and shoulder. If the symptoms radiate in this way, one speaks of a mouse arm or RSI syndrome (Repetitive Strain Injury Syndrome).