Differential Diagnosis for Pain, Swelling, Locking, Clicking, and Decreased ROM of the 3rd Finger
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Trigger finger: This condition is characterized by pain, swelling, locking, and clicking of the finger, particularly when flexing or extending. The symptoms described are classic for trigger finger, which occurs due to inflammation of the tendon sheath, leading to tendon catching or locking as it moves through the sheath.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis: Although more commonly associated with the thumb, this condition can affect other fingers and involves inflammation of the tendon sheaths, leading to pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion.
- Ganglion cyst: A common benign lump that can occur on the finger, often associated with pain, swelling, and sometimes a decrease in range of motion if it presses on nearby tendons or nerves.
- Osteoarthritis: While more commonly seen in older adults, osteoarthritis of the finger joints can cause pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, and sometimes a sensation of locking or clicking due to joint degeneration.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Infection (e.g., paronychia, felon): Infections of the finger can cause severe pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion. If not promptly treated, they can lead to serious complications, including abscess formation and spread of infection.
- Fracture: A fracture of one of the bones in the 3rd finger could cause pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion. While locking and clicking are less common with fractures, they can occur, especially if the fracture involves a joint.
- Tendon rupture: A rupture of a tendon in the finger can cause a sudden loss of function, pain, and sometimes a feeling of locking or clicking, especially if the rupture is partial.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath: A rare, benign tumor that can cause pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion in the affected finger.
- Erythromelalgia: A rare disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, which could potentially cause discomfort and decreased range of motion in the fingers.
- Scleroderma: A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause thickening and hardening of the skin, leading to decreased range of motion and potentially pain and swelling in the fingers.