Swollen Finger Concerns: Insights on Healing
Hello, I'm a 22-year-old male, weighing around 82 kg and standing at 178 cm. Currently, I’m taking an antacid to help with the painkiller, Mefenamic Acid, which I'm using not directly for my finger but due to another injury. I don't smoke frequently, just occasionally in social situations. This issue has been bothering me for approximately three weeks now. I sustained the injury during a rugby game, which aggravated the condition further while playing. Since that day, my finger hasn't shown improvement. I can’t form a complete fist due to the significant pain I experience when I try to close my hand. Additionally, it hurts to lift anything heavy or even to engage in simple gestures like a high five. Recently, I noticed that my finger appears swollen and somewhat distorted. I underwent an X-ray examination, and the physician confirmed that there is no fracture. The doctor prescribed the medication mentioned earlier and recommended that I limit my activities. I’m seeking advice on how to promote healing in this situation.
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 4:10:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through a lot with your finger injury, and it's understandable to be concerned about the swelling, pain, and limited mobility. Given that you've already had an X-ray that ruled out fractures, it's good to know that there isn't a break, but ongoing issues like swelling and difficulty using your finger can be frustrating.
Understand the Situation
The pain, swelling, and distortion of your finger may be due to a couple of reasons, such as soft tissue injury (like sprains or ligament issues), inflammation, or even tendon involvement from your rugby injury. Healing can take time, especially if there’s lingering inflammation.
Next Steps
Here are some specific, prioritized actions you can take to promote healing:
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Rest and Protect: Continue to limit activities that put strain on your finger. If possible, use a splint or buddy tape your finger to another to keep it stable and protected while it heals.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day. This can help reduce swelling and provide some relief from pain. Ensure you have a barrier, such as a cloth, between the ice and your skin.
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Elevation: Elevate your hand above your heart level whenever you can. This can help decrease swelling by promoting fluid drainage away from the injured area.
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Compression: If you’re not already using a compression wrap (while ensuring it's not too tight), consider wrapping your finger lightly to support swelling reduction.
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Pain Management: Continue to take the Mefenamic Acid as prescribed, as it can help manage pain and inflammation. Be mindful of any gastrointestinal discomfort since you're also using an antacid.
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Gradual Movement: Once the pain begins to subside, gently start moving your finger through its full range of motion to avoid stiffness. Start with simple stretches and progress slowly based on your comfort level.
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Follow-Up: Keep an eye on the symptoms—if there’s any increase in swelling, pain, or if you notice changes like discoloration, you may need to revisit your healthcare provider. If you still experience significant limitation after a few weeks, consider asking for further evaluation or physical therapy options.
Remember, healing takes time, and it's important to be patient while your body recovers. If you have any more questions or need further guidance on specific exercises as you heal, feel free to ask.
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