Therapy of pain in the little finger
In general, pain in the little finger can be treated with short-term painkillers such as aspirin, diclofenac or ibuprofen. In the case of a cut injury to the little finger, it must be sutured and bandaged depending on the length and depth, otherwise a plaster is sufficient. If the X-ray shows a fracture that is not displaced or near the joint, it can be immobilized with a plaster cast for several weeks.
If there is a displaced fracture or one close to the joint, the broken bone is fixed in the correct position in an operation using a plate or nail. In the case of siphoning arthrosis, cortisone injections can be made into the affected joint to slow down inflammatory processes. Often an operation must be considered.
In this operation, the joint is stiffened (arthrodesis) and thus no longer causes pain. Only the targeted flexion of the end joint is then no longer necessary. Targeted, regular movement of the joint can slow down the progression of arthrosis.
If the arthrosis is activated, cold treatment can be helpful, otherwise heat applications. The same general therapeutic principles apply to Bouchard arthrosis, but surgery is rarely performed. In the case of nail bed inflammation, if the findings are minor, the finger is immobilized, elevated, spared and cooled, and the affected nail area is disinfected.
Sometimes an antibiotic is also given. As soon as fever is added or an abscess is observed, nail bed inflammation must be treated surgically: the site is punctured, thoroughly rinsed and a drainage inserted. In addition, antibiotic therapy is always initiated.
The tetanus protection should also be checked, especially in case of injuries. In the case of an extensor tendon rupture, an operation with a tendon suture is necessary in the case of an accompanying fracture or open injury, otherwise a splint (e.g. Stack’s splint) is applied to keep the finger end joint in extension.This is worn for four to six weeks. Tendinitis can either be combated with sparing and infiltration of cortision, or, if this is not successful, split lengthwise in an operation to create more space for the tendon. If Dupuytren’s disease is diagnosed, the hardened strands can be released in an operation if the restrictions in movement are a heavy burden in everyday life. Rheumatism medication can provide relief for joint problems of the little finger.
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