From the Guidelines
When two fingers hurt after an arm injury, this is likely due to nerve compression or damage affecting the ulnar nerve, which supplies sensation to the pinky and ring fingers. This pattern, called "ulnar nerve distribution pain," typically occurs when the nerve is injured at the elbow (cubital tunnel) or wrist. The most recent and highest quality study to address this issue is not directly provided in the given evidence, but based on general medical knowledge and the information available, the following recommendations can be made:
- Rest the arm,
- avoid positions that bend the elbow for long periods,
- take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) for relief, as suggested by 1.
- Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times daily during the first 48 hours, as recommended by 1. If pain persists beyond a few days, worsens, or is accompanied by weakness, numbness, or color changes, seek medical attention promptly. This specific pattern occurs because nerves follow defined pathways through the body, and damage at one point can cause symptoms far from the injury site as the nerve signals are disrupted along their route to the brain. It's also important to consider other potential causes of finger pain, such as tendon or ligament injuries, and to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time, as discussed in 1. In terms of diagnostic imaging, MRI may be useful for evaluating tendon injuries and assessing the extent of damage, as noted in 1. However, the initial evaluation and treatment should focus on relieving symptoms and preventing further injury, rather than immediately pursuing advanced imaging studies. Overall, a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, taking into account the patient's symptoms, medical history, and potential underlying causes of the injury, is essential for providing effective care, as emphasized by 1.
From the Research
Arm Injuries and Finger Pain
When one injures their arm, it is not uncommon for two fingers to hurt. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Nerve damage or compression: Injury to the arm can cause nerve damage or compression, leading to pain and numbness in the fingers 2.
- Ligament sprains or tears: Sports-related injuries to the hand and arm can result in ligament sprains or tears, which can cause pain and discomfort in the fingers 3.
- Hand and forearm injuries: Injuries to the hand and forearm can generate high costs for society in terms of health care and long periods of sick-leave, and even minor injuries can be expensive 4.
Possible Explanations
Some possible explanations for why two fingers hurt when the arm is injured include:
- Common nerve pathways: The nerves that supply the arm and hand are complex and interconnected, so damage to one area can affect multiple fingers 2.
- Shared ligaments and tendons: The ligaments and tendons in the hand and arm are also interconnected, so injury to one area can cause pain and discomfort in multiple fingers 3.
- Radiating pain: Pain from an injury in the arm can radiate to the fingers, causing discomfort and numbness 5.
Treatment and Management
Treatment and management of arm injuries and finger pain depend on the severity and nature of the injury. Some possible treatments include:
- Protective splinting: For minor injuries, protective splinting can help to reduce pain and promote healing 3.
- Physical therapy: A supervised and well-executed rehabilitation programme can help to increase mobility, correct deformity, and restore strength and function to the injured hand 3.
- Surgical intervention: In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to achieve a stable and congruous reduction of the injured joint 3.