Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Missing knuckle &severe joint pain.

Hello, I'm an 18 year old female with pretty bad joint pain (at least that's what I'm assuming it is.) When I was about 10 or 11, I discovered I was missing a knuckle on my right ring finger. My finger was then about the same size as my pinky, and seemed like it had a 'shrinking' effect, due to the fact all my other fingers were growing and my ring finger was not. I don't remember much about what the doctors said about it, as it was 8 years ago. But I do know I had many x-ray's and MRI's &they wanted to do surgery on it, by taking bone from my hip &placing it in my finger (I think ?) I didn't undergo the surgery tho, because I ended up moving from California to Las Vegas w| my parents. Now, this past year, I have been experiencing very bad joint pain in my hand &fingers.  Predominantly my pinky finger &ring finger, &directly under my ring finger where it would connect to the center of my palm. The pain is at times unbearable &extremely frustrating to the point that I want to cry. I am right handed, so it makes writing anything extremely difficult and ends up w| me in pain. Does anyone know what this could be or how I could believe the pain? I'm desperate at this point. Here are a few pictures of my hand. I try to keep long nails on so the difference in how short my ring finger is isn't as visible (Yes, I am very self conscious about it.)




3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
You can get glucosamine pills almost anywhere, at Walmart, Target, or any other store with a pharmacy.

Your ring finger looks a little more swollen than the others, which may have a lymphatic involvement to it causing swelling. You can also try taking small doses of baby aspirin to see if it reduces swelling.

I hope you can find some answers at the doctor's appointment.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your reply. I have a doctors appointment set for the beginning of June, but I was hoping to get some insight now as well as something for pain management. Where could i get glucosamine pills at ? I just realized the pictures didn't show up so I will post them again.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r114/rmlvr/cba0be5e.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r114/rmlvr/77043a40.jpg


Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm sorry to hear about the pain you are in. There are a number of possible reasons for this to happen, though really only a doctor can diagnose you. I would look into taking glucosamine pills for now to help with joint pain and see if it helps at all. I'd make another doctor's appointment to get your hand looked at and see what they say. It could be from a genetic condition, from trauma, or from a malformation in growth, among some other possible reasons. I hope you can get some answers soon.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Teen Health Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
We answer your top questions about the flu vaccine.
Yummy eats that will keep your child healthy and happy
Healing home remedies for common ailments
Can HIV be transmitted through this sexual activity? Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia answers this commonly-asked question.
Do you ever wonder exactly what happens to your body during your period? Ob/Gyn Elaine Brown, MD, explains the menstrual cycle in-depth.
Is the PS3 the new Prozac … or causing ADHD in your kid?