Definition
Pain in the fingertip is defined as painful sensations in the area above the finger joint furthest away from the body. These can also occur in the nail area. The quality of the pain can be very variable, depending on its cause. For example, stinging, tingling, pressing, knocking or drilling pain can occur. In addition, the sensation in the fingertip or the mobility of the finger may be impaired, especially if finger joints are also affected.
Causes of pain in the fingertip
The pain can occur due to trauma, for example after a cut in the fingertip. Then pain is usually acute. If the wound becomes inflamed or if there are problems in healing, the affected area may continue to hurt.
The nail bed can also be inflamed and thus be painful, among other things. The fingertip can also hurt after overstraining or unaccustomed work, for example after playing a stringed instrument for a long time, after gardening or repetitive work with the affected finger in general. Joint pain originating from the end joint of the finger can also radiate into the fingertip.
This could be the case with joint inflammation (arthritis, including rheumatism), or with joint wear and tear (arthrosis). Tendovaginitis (inflammation of the tendon sheath) can also manifest itself through pain in the fingertip.
- Finger Arthrosis
- Dislocation of the finger joint
- Finger breakage
- Torn ligament on finger
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a neurological disorder that can take various courses and is associated with numerous symptoms and sensitivity disorders.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is based on a compression of the so-called “median nerve“, one of the main nerves of the hand. This nerve, together with numerous muscles, tendons and blood vessels, moves from the forearm to the palm of the hand. Above the wrist, these structures run through a tightness bounded by ligaments, the carpal tunnel.
This tunnel can become narrow and compress the nerves for many reasons. For example, manual work, increased muscle formation and injuries to the hand with scarring can already lead to constriction. Pregnancy, kidney dysfunction, alcohol abuse, hypothyroidism and diabetes can also trigger carpal tunnel syndrome.
Normally, the clinical picture begins with sensations such as tingling, numbness and pain in individual fingers, which occur at night. Later, the frequency and intensity of the symptoms may increase. Paralysis of the hand muscles can also be a consequence.
Carpal tunnel syndrome should be treated as soon as possible before it causes lasting damage to the median nerve. If the symptoms are persistent and recurring, surgical therapy is the primary treatment, in which the ligaments that form the carpal tunnel are severed. Polyneuropathy is an umbrella term for various diseases of the nervous system, which have different triggers and courses.
What they all have in common is that nerve fibers are damaged in their course and that several different nerves are always affected. The best known and most common form occurs symmetrically in areas far from the trunk, for example the toes and fingers. This leads to sensitivity disorders such as tingling, numbness and pain.
Symmetrically, the disease progresses slowly towards the trunk. One speaks thereby of “stocking-shaped limitation”. The most common causes of polyneuropathy and the associated pain at the fingertip are diabetes mellitus, alcohol abuse, pregnancy, hereditary neuropathies, metal and drug poisoning, and bacterial and viral diseases. The treatment consists primarily of treating and controlling the underlying disease.
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