Definition
The little finger of each hand consists of three finger bones (phalanges), the base, middle and end phalanges. The phalange connects these with the metacarpophalangeal joint. Between the individual finger joints lie the middle and end joints of the fingers.
These joints are surrounded by joint capsules. The mobility of the little finger is ensured by tendons and muscles that can be controlled by finger nerves. All these structures, as well as the surrounding soft tissue and the nail area of the little finger, can individually or collectively be the starting point of pain in the little finger. The pain stimuli can have different qualities, such as pressing, throbbing, stabbing, shooting or electrifying. The pain can be acute or permanent and can vary in intensity.
Causes of pain in the little finger
- Bone Cyst
- Injuries
- Nail bed inflammation
- Arthrosis
- Dupuytren’s disease
- Extensor tendon rupture
Pain in the little finger can originate from bony structures – a fracture of one of the finger bones, a hairline fracture or a bone cyst, as well as a tumor of the bone can be the cause. When a bone fracture occurs, the exact start of the pain can usually be linked to a fall or an accident. Also cuts and other wounds in the area of the little finger can hurt.
The tendon sheaths of the little finger can be inflamed and therefore hurt a lot, especially when moving. Likewise, nail bed inflammation can affect the little finger and often manifests itself as throbbing pain and additional signs of inflammation. Shooting, tingling or electrifying pain indicates damage or irritation of a nerve or the nervous system in general.
The joints of the little finger can also be affected and cause pain in the case of inflammatory changes, for example rheumatism and gout or signs of wear and tear (arthrosis). The so-called Dupuytren’s disease leads through knotty and hardened tendons on the inner side of the hand to bending contractures, especially on the little finger. If vessels or nerves are irritated, pain may occur in the little finger.
In general, acute overloading or incorrect loading of the little finger can also lead to pain. The inflammation of the nail bed or the nail wall is also called paronychia. It often shows a painful swelling as well as a reddening of the affected nail area.
Sometimes pus is already being emptied. In advanced infections, fever and chills may also be present. If the inflammation spreads into deeper structures such as tendon sheaths, it can lead to a so-called phlegmon, a purulent infection of the soft tissues.
This must then be treated with antibiotic infusions and, if necessary, surgery. One tries to avoid this therefore urgently. During manicure or nail biting as well as with an ingrown nail an infection can occur, but bacteria can also be introduced into the nail area through cuts and bite injuries.
Often a nail bed inflammation must be surgically repaired (for details see therapy). If pain occurs in the little finger after an accident, a possible bone fracture as well as an injury to the soft tissues must be clarified. Open wounds are easy to diagnose.
If an obvious bone fracture is also visible at depth, it is an open fracture. Otherwise, a closed fracture must be ruled out, for example by an x-ray. Bones of the little finger can break, especially if the patient falls on the edge of the hand or gets trapped in a door.
Hairline fractures of a bone (fissure) can also cause pressure and stress pain. Is it also important to recognize where in the bone the fracture lies: If it also affects adjacent joints, the treatment procedure can be changed. Nail fractures or bruises under the nail should also not be overlooked.
Lifting arthrosis is the wear and tear of the end joint of the finger, for example the little finger (also called distal interphalangeal joint (DIP)). You will feel pain, in addition you have to feel knotty thickenings of the joint on the back of the finger. The joint can also assume a malposition and deviate to the thumb side.
The strength and mobility of the finger can decrease considerably. Women are affected more often than men, the disease usually occurs during the menopause. There is no other cause, the disease is mainly genetic and/or hormonal.
Permanent, z.B. Occupational strain must also be considered, as this can loosen the joint capsule, among other things. In contrast, Bouchard arthrosis affects the middle finger joint (the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP)) and is also noticed by pain and nodular thickening of the affected joint.
Here, too, swelling, restricted movement, axial deviations and instability can be added. This form of osteoarthritis is less common than sipher arthritis. Overall, however, both forms of arthrosis are widespread, especially in older people.
Men and women are equally affected by Bouchard arthrosis. A patient often suffers from this arthrosis on several fingers at the same time. If the little finger is forcibly bent too much, the extensor tendon at the finger end joint can tear off.
This can happen during ball sports. A bony tear with additional fracture of the distal phalanx is also possible. Therefore, an x-ray of the finger should be taken.
After a rupture of the extensor tendon, the active extension of the distal phalanx is no longer possible. The resulting permanent flexion is also called the “hammer finger”. In addition, swelling and pressure pain may be noticeable.
A splint or surgical treatment are possible options. Sulcus ulnaris syndrome or ulnar flank syndrome describes a pain syndrome of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The ulnar nerve is one of the main nerves of the arm and, like the median nerve, extends into the hand.
There it is responsible for the sensitivity of the little finger and ring finger, among other things. If the nerve is struck, pressed or struck, an unpleasant tingling pain occurs along its entire length up to the little finger. At the elbow, the nerve is very superficial and exposed.
Its location and the typical pain that is triggered when the nerve is struck in this area is also called “funny bone”. If there are repeated impacts and strains on the ulnar nerve in this area, the nerve can be permanently damaged, resulting in chronic pain of the little finger with muscle weakness of the affected hand muscles. The Guyon loge is an anatomical area at the wrist.
Similar to the carpal tunnel, the Guyon Loge forms a passage over the carpal bone through which nerves and blood vessels can pass from the forearm into the hand. The anatomical tightness at the carpal can lead to compression of the ulnar nerve, which in turn can result in pain in the little finger and ring finger, as well as muscle weakness in the little finger area. Cyclists or construction site workers are most frequently affected. Fractures of the carpus or ulna can also lead to tightness and thus to Loge-de-Guyon syndrome.
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