Pain in last joint of index finger. I can't decide if it is arthritis or an injury. Any suggestions?

Question

This pain started only this midday and is only in the last (top) joint of my left index finger. The base of my thumb joint is swollen with a small knot, but it doesn't hurt there. The finger is somewhat stiff and it hurts to type with it, and it aches when I straighten it. Is this an acute arthritic episode (my joints ache sometimes but the character of this ache is different, almost like the finger was smashed but I know it wasn't)? I punch a heavy bag and use weight machines, but I experienced no pain until today, two days after my last workout. I strike the bag with the index and middle knuckles, but I have seen no bruising at all there, nor do those areas hurt. There is a slight dark area in the web between thumb and index finger. Another exercise that I don't believe plays a part is swimming, wherein I use the hands to pull myself along in the water. I suppose it is possible I injured myself and didn't realize it, but wondered if it could be arthritis of a sort I've never had.

it would be nice to be able to go to the orthopedist but the only one here won't accept uninsured people like me as patients...oh well! Guess it'd have to be a walk-in or a GP...

I know that going to the doctor is a good catch-all answer, and it isn't what I am looking for; the doctors around here seem to be clueless unless I can provide them with suggestions as to what something is. (Otherwise, they just give me pain meds and schedule expensive tests that show nothing--this is experience talking.) Before I go to a Dr. I like to at least have a list of possibilities, so that they can think back on specific symptom pictures or diagnostic routines they might have learned long ago...otherwise, I look forward to a familiar and disheartening experience with the machinery of the medical profession.

Answer 1

You would probably already know if you had RA or at least have someone in your family with it. OA is degenerative...meaning you get it when your body starts to break down from age, wear and tear..etc. Sounds like you strained a finger muscle or sprained a ligament crossing the index finger joint. Or maybe both...ice it.

Answer 2

Get Joint Pain Relief Codes!

Answer 3

Hey there, I have been through a similar experience of misdiagnosis or lack thereof and know what it is like. I stuck with my Dr before I realised he just didn't have the expertise I needed. So I went to another Dr, one that was recommended from the Medical Association. I specifically asked for the best Dr in the area with several years experience in hospital and practise medicine. After I saw this Dr (didn't cost me a bomb) I was diagnosed within 5 days. Not the same symptoms as you, but believe me, finding out I had coeliac disease changed my life. My advice, ask for a new Dr with hospital and practise experience. Best of Luck.

Answer 4

The obvious answer is to see a doctor and have this properly diagnosed.

When you think about it, osteoarthritis is a kind of injury, caused by wear and tear on a joint. Other forms of arthritis can "flare" in the absence of injury or special stress.

Get an expert opinion sooner rather than later, to prevent further damage.

Answer 5

Well, have or hurt your finger in the past? Like years ago. Or "pop" your fingers? If your answer is yes to this then it is possible to have arthiritis in your joints. Also, if you "pop" your knuckles they will slowly start swelling. that dont hurt until the weather starts to get too cold, or sometimes rain will make them feel like theyre throbbing.
♥take care!♥

Answer 6

go to doctor. arthritis? muscle pulling or spasm? carpal?

Answer 7

Yes, pick your nose with another finger.

Answer 8

go to the dr.