Swollen fingers

[Kate7788]

I was recently seen by a hand surgeon regarding loose tendons in my left hand.  Five weeks ago I began to wear a splint for my two middle fingers that I was advised to wear for four weeks.  I stopped wearing the splint after two weeks because all four fingers began to swell.  It has been several weeks and the fingers are still extremely swollen and it is very difficult to use my hand. I cannot bend my fingers and have now developed pain in the palm of my hand. It appears that keeping these fingers immobile has caused more serious issues than the problems I experienced with the loose tendons.  I tried icing, that didn't seem to work - if anything, it may have made it worse.  Do you have any suggestions on therapies for getting my hand back to normal?  Thanks in advance.

[Kate7788]

Thank you so much for the information.  I will do some research on HLA-B27 to learn what I can.  I do have an appointment with a rheumatologist end of month, hopefully after testing and evaluation I will get some needed answers.  Took a fall this week that unfortunately exacerbated the condition.  Again, I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge.  Hope your hands are working well for you - Merry Christmas.

[Maryham]

I have recently had some of the same symptoms, saw 3 general MD's, 2 hand specialists and a rheumatologist.  I was diagnosed with tenosynovitis(inflamed tendons) in my wrist which is being caused by a systemic problem.  I was screened for RA, lymes, blood clots, and a host of other things.  One of the things I was tested for was the HLA-B27 gene.  I tested positive for it and don't understand all of it, but it is associated with other autoimmune diseases.  My fingers did the same thing as yours and the swelling still isn't gone, inactivity makes it worse.  If you haven't seen a GOOD rheumatologist, I would go and ask to be screened for a number of issues.  From what I understand, but am not sure of is that this gene is prevalent in people with Northern European or Scandinavian descent.  I happen to be German.  Hope this helps.

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear KAte,
I am sorry, i won't be able to help you much.
For your swelling i can help you .with these following advices-
1) Keep the limb elevated , above the level of the heart, so that the excess fluid is drained slowly.
2) Don;t wrap the splint too tightly.
3) Anti-inflamatory's will be helpful.
Regarding other facts, your treating doctor can only help as it relates to the facts of the case.
Regards,