Question 1

how long can the distal joint on my finger be swollen for?

Accepted Answer

Depends on cause: Unfortunately this joint can stay swollen for a long time....Sometimes life.  This depends on the cause - a sprained or jammed finger may stay swollen for a few weeks to months.  Some arthritis or broken bones can cause this joint to stay swollen forever.

Question 2

how long should the distal joint on my finger be really swollen for?

Accepted Answer

NOT LONG: If you had a traumatic event swelling, can occur for days or longer and most likely should be evaluated by an xray to rule out a fracture. If there was no trauma, that is more concerning for a type of athritis and should be examined and appropriate labs and xrays should be obtained.

Question 3

what would cause pain in the distal joint of both middle fingers? no swelling.

Accepted Answer

Joint pain: Although there are some chronic arthritic problems that may affect someone your age, the first thing I would think about is whether you are doing something repetitive with those fingers that is causing a chronic irritation.  Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications or Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be used for this.  If the pain persists for more than 2-3 weeks, develop swelling and redness, see your doctor.

Question 4

what are possible complications after distal radio-ulnar joint surgery?  typically how effective is this surgery?  are there non-surgical alternatives

Accepted Answer

My quote is: There is no problem in orthopedics so bad that it can't b made worse by surgery. Ask a lot of questions.

Question 5

both my index finger jurt on the distal joint of each finger.  it hurts when i push.  what could be the cause of the pain?
thanks

Accepted Answer

Depends: This is characteristically seen in osteoarthritis - but it could be something else. In osteoarthritis we call this heberdon's nodes. They can be tender but later are  not.

Question 6

17, about to become programmer
joint pain
esp. in my distal interphalangeal joints
pain worse at typing
can any stretching help? what to do?

Accepted Answer

Finger pain: I suggest you see either a hand specialist or rheumatologist to fully evaluate the joints. It is important to figure out exactly what is causing the joint pain at your age. This information will allow you to receive the appropriate treatment.

Question 7

i have a snapping or popping of the tendon on my distal phalanx joint of the left thumb. most likely overuse of shifting on the bike. suggestions?

Accepted Answer

See details: This is a snapping thumb. It will often resolve with a local cortisone injection. Refractory cases require a surgical release. Rarely, it will resolve with treatment.

Question 8

fell feb14, was xrayed=no fx, tho doc thought it looked broken.  injury is to thumb joint more distal (not at base of thumb) still swollen/painful?

Accepted Answer

CRPS: A very small fracture not clearly visible on X-ray can lead to prolonged pain. If X-ray is negative consider MRI and see a hand specialist

Question 9

what pain medications would you prescribe for  mild ac joint djd, supraspinatis distal tendinopathy w/o tear, mild sa bursitis all in the shoulder?

Accepted Answer

NSAIDs : Ibuprofen or Naproxen, for example work the best if tolerated and no specific contraindications are in place. Alternatively, Acetaminophen can be used with less anti inflammatory effect. Physical therapy should be part of the plan.

Question 10

had osteotomy to straighten ring finger distal phalanx.  joint was not exposed or operated on.  results were good, but now have a bigger bump than before just before the dip joint.  can it be shaved?

Accepted Answer

Bump: Thid could be scar tissue or reactive bone . I would followup with surgeon who performed osteotimy.

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Doctor answers about:

Distal intraphalangeal joint

A member asked:

How long can the distal joint on my finger be swollen for?

A member asked:

How long should the distal joint on my finger be really swollen for?

A member asked:

What would cause pain in the distal joint of both middle fingers? no swelling.

A member asked:

What are possible complications after distal radio-ulnar joint surgery? typically how effective is this surgery? are there non-surgical alternatives

A member asked:

Both my index finger jurt on the distal joint of each finger. it hurts when i push. what could be the cause of the pain? thanks

A member asked:

17, about to become programmer joint pain esp. in my distal interphalangeal joints pain worse at typing can any stretching help? what to do?

A member asked:

I have a snapping or popping of the tendon on my distal phalanx joint of the left thumb. most likely overuse of shifting on the bike. suggestions?

A member asked:

Fell feb14, was xrayed=no fx, tho doc thought it looked broken. injury is to thumb joint more distal (not at base of thumb) still swollen/painful?

A member asked:

What pain medications would you prescribe for mild ac joint djd, supraspinatis distal tendinopathy w/o tear, mild sa bursitis all in the shoulder?

A member asked:

Had osteotomy to straighten ring finger distal phalanx. joint was not exposed or operated on. results were good, but now have a bigger bump than before just before the dip joint. can it be shaved?

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