Pain Management Forum - Right index finger pain

Conditions and Diseases > Pain Management Forum > Right index finger pain

Q: Right index finger pain

asked by: deniseb18 on November 20th, 2008

New User

My right index finger has been hurting for some time now, and initially, I thought I just needed to crack my knuckles, so I ignored it. Last week it got really bad, to the point where I'd feel it when I use the mouse on my laptop. Now, it hurts when I use my fingers on my right hand at all! I am typing this with my left hand alone (I'm right-handed). It feels fine when I wake up, but by mid-day I'm wary of everything I do. I'm a college student, so I type a lot of papers, write a lot of notes and use my laptop a lot. Does any one have any idea what is wrong with my finger and what I can do about it?

Replies(1)

Dr. Bruce Harrow , MD

replied on July 29th, 2009

Pain spreading from the index finger to all the fingers might be from pressure in the wrist, a version of carpal tunnel or repetitive stress injury. A good exam, then nerve conduction velocity following Xrays usually cinches the diagnosis. Splinting anti-inflammatories often help, accupuncture often helps, and surgery is sometimes necessary.

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