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Finger stiffness, swelling and numbness
4 to 5 days ago, due to working in cold water, my mother's middle finger has become somewhat numb and is not bending properly and there is swelling since then. When I warm it with warm water, I get temporary relief, but it goes back to the same condition again. Please advise what treatment or ointment should be used.
Answers (11)
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Take Balanced diet.
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Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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need an in person examination to check the joint, circulation or infection. Please book a consultation for proper evaluation before using any ointment;
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You have to go to your nearest doctor,
For physical examination after that any medication should be given.
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kindly do connect and consult with me for better treatment plan and advice on your case via PRACTO app
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Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Do consult
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Dr. Sakshi Verma
General Physician
2 yrs exp
Bilaspur
Hii you can consult with me so that I can guide you properly
Keep the hand warm, avoid cold water and use gentle movements only as tolerated. Do not force the finger to bend or do not apply any ointment
Next Steps
your mother requires an in-person clinical examination to assess the cause of finger swelling, numbness and restricted movement. Cold exposure may precipitate vasospasm, but persistent symptoms needs evaluation.
Health Tips
emergency evaluation is required if the finger becomes blue, pale or cold, numbness worsens, pain or swelling increases rapidly, or fever/redness develops.
and a topical ointment alone may not address the underlying cause.
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Dr. Rachna Pande
Internal Medicine
42 yrs exp
Bhopal
Give her tab dynapar, every 8 hours, for swelling and pain. Tab pregabalin 75mg one morning and one evening for numbness. Please share details of her symptoms, then I can guide you further.
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Dr. Divyansh Jain
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Ghaziabad
Hello,
I have reviewed the photographs. There appears to be swelling around the middle finger, particularly near its joints.
Your mother's symptoms of numbness, swelling, and difficulty bending the finger for 4â5 days may be associated with joint inflammation, tendon irritation (tenosynovitis), arthritis, or nerve compression.
Exposure to cold water may aggravate these symptoms, but it does not necessarily explain the underlying cause.
Persistent numbness and restricted finger movement require physical examination, as photographs alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.
Next Steps
Consult an orthopaedic specialist for examination of finger movement, sensation, circulation, and joint swelling. Avoid prolonged exposure to cold water and repetitive gripping activities. Gentle warm compresses for 10â15 minutes may provide relief if there is no redness or significant warmth. Remove any rings from the affected finger or hand before swelling increases. Depending on examination findings, an X-ray or ultrasound may be recommended to assess joint or tendon abnormalities. Pain-relieving medication or an anti-inflammatory gel may be considered after medical assessment.
Health Tips
Keep the hand comfortably warm and avoid forcefully bending or massaging the swollen finger. Seek medical attention if the finger becomes increasingly swollen, red, hot, pale or blue, or develops worsening numbness or severe pain. My recommendation: Since the numbness and difficulty bending have persisted for several days, do not rely on ointments alone. A specialist examination is important to identify whether the problem involves the joint, tendon, or nerves. Most inflammatory finger conditions can improve with appropriate treatment. Wishing your mother a speedy recovery!
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Dr. Ankita Gahlot
Obstetrician
12 yrs exp
Bangalore
Repeated cold-water exposure can trigger swelling and stiffness in your fingers, especially in a joint that already has some wear, and the photos show visible puffiness around the middle joint. The temporary relief you get with warm water fits a cold-triggered reaction rather than anything more serious.
Next Steps
Keep your hands out of cold water for now, use gloves for any wet work, and warm compresses can help through the day. If the swelling, numbness or stiffness hasn't eased in another week, or spreads to other fingers, please see a physician or rheumatologist.
Health Tips
See a doctor sooner if the finger turns pale, blue, or very painful, since that can mean the blood supply is affected.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.