Four Years of Unresolved Finger Pain: A Struggle for Answers
At the age of 24, I have been grappling with severe pain in my fingers since 2021, and unfortunately, my condition has only deteriorated over time. The pain is now so intense that I find myself reliant on compression gloves just to find some relief. Despite undergoing X-rays, no underlying issues were identified, and tests for autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, returned negative results. Additionally, all other lab results came back within normal ranges. I have noticeable swelling and discoloration in my fingers, particularly in my pinky joints, with the right one being more affected. They've become bent and swollen, and a neurologist has observed that they have mild deformities, a change that has occurred within the last few months. When I attempt to straighten them, they produce crackling sounds, and there are instances where my right pinky locks or pops under pressure. Currently, I have a referral for a rheumatologist and am scheduled for a brain MRI to rule out multiple sclerosis. I can’t help but recall that both my great uncle and grandmother experienced similar symptoms at my age, ultimately leading to their diagnoses of dystonia and disability. I truly feel lost at this point. The agony is unbearable, and neither pain relief medications nor arthritis creams seem to make a difference. I worry about causing irreversible damage to my hands and urgently need direction. For the past four years, I have yearned for answers, but my existence has increasingly become centered around this pain. To manage my mental health, I’m currently taking Vyvanse, Sertraline, 25 mg of Quetiapine, and I am in the process of tapering off Lamotrigine.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 7:10:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the ongoing pain and struggles you're experiencing with your fingers. Living with chronic pain can be incredibly challenging, especially when you feel like you're not getting the answers you need. It's commendable that you're seeking help and are actively pursuing further evaluations with a rheumatologist and neurologist.
Main Points:
- Persistent finger pain may require further assessment and tailored management.
- Focus on supportive measures to alleviate pain and swelling.
- Monitoring your symptoms closely is crucial.
Explanation:
Your four-year history of finger pain, along with the swelling, discoloration, and current deformities, indicates that there may be an underlying issue not yet identified. Even though autoimmune tests have come back negative, conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue disorders, or even certain types of neuropathy may still be possible. The next steps you are taking with specialists should help illuminate these areas.
Next Steps:
-
Continue with your scheduled appointments:
- Rheumatologist: Bring detailed notes about your symptoms, treatments you've tried, and any patterns you observe in your finger pain (e.g., time of day, activities that exacerbate it). This information can help in diagnosing any underlying conditions.
- Follow Up on the MRI: This is important to rule out neurological conditions that could be related to your symptoms.
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Symptom management:
- Compression gloves: These can help manage swelling and provide support. Continue using them as needed.
- Cold packs: Applying cold packs to swollen areas can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Use them for about 15–20 minutes as needed throughout the day.
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises: If tolerable, perform gentle stretches and movements to maintain finger flexibility to prevent stiffness, but stop if it causes increased pain.
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Pain relief alternatives:
- If current medications and creams are ineffective, discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of other treatments (like topical lidocaine or physical therapy) that might offer relief.
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Mental health:
- Since ongoing pain can affect your mental health, continuing your current medications and participating in supportive therapy can be beneficial. Specifically, therapy focused on coping mechanisms for chronic pain may help you manage the emotional burden.
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Keep a symptom diary: Document changes in your pain, any triggers, and your response to treatments. This can provide valuable insights for your doctors and aid in diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and seeking support through friends, family, or support groups specifically focused on chronic pain can also be very beneficial. I’m here to provide further guidance or clarify anything you may have questions about.
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