Published on: 3/5/2025
What Could Cause Finger Pain and Swelling?
Finger pain and swelling can result from a variety of conditions, ranging from minor injuries to more serious medical issues.
Explanation
Injuries
- Sprains and Strains: Overstretching or tearing of ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains) can lead to pain and swelling in the fingers.
- Fractures: A broken bone in the finger can cause significant pain, swelling, and bruising. This is often the result of trauma or impact.
- Dislocations: When a finger joint is dislocated, it can cause immediate pain and swelling, along with visible deformity.
Infections
- Paronychia: An infection around the nail can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the affected finger. It may be caused by bacteria or fungi.
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection can lead to swelling, redness, and warmth in the finger, often accompanied by pain.
Inflammatory Conditions
- Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in the fingers. Inflammatory arthritis can lead to significant swelling and deformity over time.
- Gout: This form of arthritis is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness, often affecting the big toe but can also involve fingers.
Tendon Issues
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the fingers can cause pain and swelling, often due to repetitive use or strain.
- Trigger Finger: This condition occurs when a finger tendon becomes inflamed, causing pain and difficulty in moving the finger, often leading to a locking sensation.
Cysts and Tumors
- Ganglion Cysts: These fluid-filled sacs can develop on the fingers or wrists, causing swelling and discomfort.
- Lipomas or Other Tumors: Benign tumors can also cause localized swelling and pain in the fingers.
Circulatory Issues
- Raynaud's Phenomenon: This condition causes blood vessels in the fingers to constrict excessively in response to cold or stress, leading to pain, swelling, and color changes.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience persistent or severe finger pain and swelling, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Red streaks leading from the finger
- Severe bruising or deformity
- Inability to move the finger
It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
(References)
Hasham S, Burke FD. Diagnosis and treatment of swellings in the hand. Postgrad Med J. 2007 May;83(979):296-300. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.2005.043992. Erratum in: Postgrad Med J. 2007 Nov;83(985):722. PMID: 17488856; PMCID: PMC2600075.
Su CY, Wu PH, Hsu TF, Chang KH, Hwang ZA. Woman with Acute Finger Pain and Swelling. Ann Emerg Med. 2023 Mar;81(3):e43-e44. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2022.09.021. PMID: 36813448.
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