Swollen, stiff, fairly painful index finger

[SOTM]

I have had this for over a week, and it seems to be getting worse.  I am 33 and in very good health.

The 1st knuckle on my index finger is pretty swollen, stiff and has a fair amount of pain when I bend or touch it.  I have already been to urgent care, and was told it was not infected due to no heat or redness.  I was given Ibuprofen and a splint, told to follow up tomorrow if no improvement.  They sugest bloodwork to test for uric acid or arthritis.  he said possibly gout, but that is usually more painful.  I do eat a high red meat diet, with higher purine foods- ie aspargus and beans.

I do not recall injuring it enough to cause anything like this.  i do crick my knuckles- old habit I am slowly breaking- but that has never given me problems either.  I have started cold compress today and occasional war, Ill see what that does.

Just looking for ideas on what this could be :).

[OldJedi]

OK, this same pain/inflammation started in my non dominant left hand index finger yesterday. Woke up yesterday and the first knuckle from my palm was sore and would not close completely. As the day progressed, mobility deceased and swelling slowly increased. I took Advil and went to bed. I woke up this morning and swelling is much larger and very little mobility in the finger and throbbing in the finger comes and goes. Like others, I do not remember anything that I did to cause this injury. I do not remember being bit by any insects and have no idea what has caused this. I will follow the suggestion about the finger sleeve. Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[OldJedi]

OK, this same pain/inflammation started in my non dominant left hand index finger yesterday. Woke up yesterday and the first knuckle from my palm was sore and would not close completely. As the day progressed, mobility deceased and swelling slowly increased. I took Advil and went to bed. I woke up this morning and swelling is much larger and very little mobility in the finger and throbbing in the finger comes and goes. Like others, I do not remember anything that I did to cause this injury. I do not remember being bit by any insects and have no idea what has caused this. I will follow the suggestion about the finger sleeve. Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[Foggy2]

You're welcome. :-)

[Lilapup]

Thanks for the advice!

[Foggy2]

When you feel like you are having a flare of pain or symptoms, try using ice initially, then heat.  During a flare, as mentioned early in this thread, immobilizing the affected finger or joint (above and below the painful area) is best; I find doing this at night is easiest and this way you can't sleep on it "funny."  For heat, some people find soaking it under running water, or putting it in a warm glass of water helpful, or getting a paraffin bath helpful for larger areas.

After an acute flare, try to exercise the joint gently; keeping it from moving will only make things worse.

Should you find that these areas become red, hot, swollen, joint(s) lock up, decrease range of motion, or having increased flares, fatigue, fever, generalized aches, just not feeling well....you need to see a doctor (preferably a Rheumatologist).  They may order tests or do some diagnostic testing as well as exam you.

[Lilapup]

He had it for about 4 days or so.  I think it's finally feeling better since he hasn't mentioned it.  If you get any advice from your doctor could you please make a post.  I would love to know what is causing this.