Diagnosis
The suspected diagnosis is usually based on an interview (anamnesis), symptoms and the clinical picture. In the case of accidents in which the middle finger was broken, for example, the course of the accident is important. To find out where the fracture is, how severe the fracture is or whether other structures such as ligaments, tendons or muscles have been injured, imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT or MRI can help.
A blood count is often necessary in cases of joint inflammation or gout. Gout, for example, results in an increased uric acid level in the blood. In the case of rheumatism, antibodies can also be detected in addition to an increase in inflammatory values such as CRP.
This includes for example the so-called rheumatoid factor – an autoantibody, which can also be elevated in healthy people or during an infection. More reliable is the measurement of the anti-CCP antibody in the blood, which indicates rheumatoid arthritis. In arthritis and arthrosis, X-rays are important for assessing the course and wear and tear of the joints.
Treatment of pain in the middle finger
The therapy of pain in the middle finger depends on the cause. In general, swelling of the finger should be cooled, regardless of the cause. In addition, in almost all cases a short or even long-term physiotherapy and physiotherapy are necessary to achieve healing (for example after a fracture) or to delay late damage (for example in rheumatism).
If the middle finger is sprained or pulled, no further treatment is usually necessary. However, the finger should be protected. In the case of a dislocation, the middle finger is brought back into the correct position as quickly as possible by light pull and/or pressure.
This is usually done under local anesthesia. Then the finger is placed in a splint made of plastic or plaster. Immobilization of the middle finger is also necessary in the event of torn ligaments or bony tears.
In some cases – especially in cases of severe instability of the joints or larger tears – surgical treatment of the finger is necessary. This is done using wires or screws, which do not necessarily have to be removed again after healing. For rheumatism, various drugs are used.
These are on the one hand NSAR (non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs) such as Ibuprofen®. On the other hand, glucocorticoids are used in acute attacks to contain the inflammation and prevent joint wear. For long-term drug therapy, so-called DMARDs are used such as Methotrexate.
The DMARDs combat the autoantibodies that cause joint degeneration and in the best case ensure a temporary or permanent recovery (remission). Painkillers are also used for osteoarthritis. In severe cases, surgical therapy may be necessary.
NSAIDs and glucocorticoids are also administered in acute attacks of gout. In general, weight reduction should be carried out in the case of gout. In addition, purine-containing food and alcohol should be avoided. In the case of symptomatic gout, allopurinol, which reduces the formation of uric acid, should be administered.
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