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Arthritis (Expert Forum)
Fingers don't want to bend properly
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding arthritis issues such as: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Myositis, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Vasculitis.
Fingers don't want to bend properly
by jblair77, Sep 10, 2004 12:00AM
I'm 45 years of age, been a Type 1 Diabetic for over 30 and have always been in good health. In the last 3 months my fingers have been doing strange things. At first it was just annoying, and now it has become painful. When I awake, and it's becoming quite regular, my ring and middle fingers of both hands will be bent over, and I can't unbend them without pain. WHen I finally get them to straighten, (within 5-10 minutes) they don't bend properly, but rather can pop in and out of place. My fingers , specifically between my knuckle and the palm, are quite painful and throughout the rest of the day, it's quite difficult to put my hands in the shape of a fist, as trying to bend those fingers is quite painful. I don't notice any swelling at all, just the pain????? Thanks, John
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 11, 2004 12:00AM
, Sep 11, 2004 12:00AM
Tough to say without examination. If localized, it could be due to some degenerative arthritis, or an orthopedic problem. I would consider X-raying the joint and having an orthopedic surgeon evaluate the hand - having a hand specialist take a look at it would be preferable.
If there is consideration for something more systemic (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis for example), then blood tests - such as ANA level, sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor - can be considered as an initial screen. A referral to a rheumatologist can be considered for further discussion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
If there is consideration for something more systemic (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis for example), then blood tests - such as ANA level, sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor - can be considered as an initial screen. A referral to a rheumatologist can be considered for further discussion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
