Should I be concerned about this?

[Handyman2Doc]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

About a week ago my right pinky began doing something strange. Whenever I flex the finger or make a fist, there is a sensation similar to popping one's knuckles or a dislocation in the proximal interphalangeal joint and the finger becomes locked in a flexion position where it remains until I make an effort to force the finger to extend. There is no pain associated with this, but there is pain in the metacarpophalangeal joint when the finger is pressed towards the palm.

I am a 32 yr old male in good health and at first I just wrote this off to "old fart" syndrome, but this morning I awoke to find the same condition occurring in my left pinky. If this persists, I will of course go see my doctor, but I am curious as to whether anyone has seen or heard of anything like this.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[SOUNDMAN]

You have what is called a "trigger finger". The flexor tendon has an inflamed area (nodule) from wear and tear usually, and is "triggering" as it passes through the tendon sheath. Many times a cortisone injection into the tendon sheath can help and calm down the inflammation. Otherwise sometimes a small surgery is necessary to release the tendon sheath in order to free the tendon from triggering. Hope this helps.

**Disclamer - have not examined, nor seen you, but from your history this seems to be the classic presentation of a trigger finger, should go see an orthopaedic surgeon for an official diagnosis**

 

[Handyman2Doc]

Thanks much, SOUNDMAN. I appreciate the input.

I have been doing a lot of house framing this fall so it is probably a result of swinging a 28 oz hammer all day long. 🙁

 

[Ortho2000]

Sounds like soundman has the diagnosis. Classic presentation. Also agree with the disclaimer that you should get it checked out.