Differential Diagnosis for Finger Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is a common condition that affects the joints, including those in the fingers, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Its likelihood is high due to its prevalence in the general population, especially among older adults.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Trauma or Injury: Finger pain can often result from direct trauma, such as a blow to the finger, a fall, or sports injury, leading to fractures, sprains, or strains.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which are tissues that connect muscles to bones, can cause finger pain, especially if the tendons are overused or irritated.
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Activities that involve repetitive movements of the fingers, such as typing or using a computer mouse, can lead to RSI, causing pain and discomfort.
- Gout: Although more commonly associated with the big toe, gout can affect any joint, including those in the fingers, causing sudden, severe pain and swelling.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Infection (e.g., Paronychia, Felon): Infections around the fingernail or in the fingertip pulp can cause severe pain and must be treated promptly to avoid serious complications.
- Compartment Syndrome: A condition where pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, cutting off blood flow and potentially leading to permanent damage if not treated immediately.
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon: A condition that affects blood flow to the fingers and toes, and can cause pain, especially in response to cold temperatures or stress.
Rare Diagnoses
- Scleroderma: A chronic disease characterized by deposition of collagen, causing hardening and tightening of skin and connective tissue, which can lead to finger pain among other symptoms.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of disorders that affect connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues, potentially causing joint hypermobility and pain.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: A form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, including in the fingers.