Differential Diagnosis for Thumb Finger Tip Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Trigger thumb or trigger finger: This condition is characterized by pain and stiffness in the thumb, especially when bending or straightening. It's a common condition that can cause finger tip pain due to the tendon's inability to glide smoothly.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis): These conditions can cause pain and stiffness in the joints, including the thumb. The pain may be localized to the finger tip.
- Trauma or injury: A recent injury, such as a bruise, cut, or fracture, can cause pain in the thumb finger tip.
- Neuroma: A neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue that can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area, including the thumb.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Infection (e.g., paronychia or felon): Infections in the finger can cause severe pain, redness, and swelling. If left untreated, they can lead to serious complications, such as abscesses or osteomyelitis.
- Referred pain from the neck or shoulder: In some cases, pain in the thumb can be referred from the neck or shoulder due to nerve compression or other conditions. Missing this diagnosis could lead to delayed treatment of a more serious underlying condition.
- Rare diagnoses
- Tumors (e.g., glomus tumor): Although rare, tumors can cause pain and other symptoms in the thumb finger tip.
- Raynaud's disease: This condition affects blood flow to the fingers and toes, causing pain, numbness, and discoloration. It can be triggered by cold temperatures or stress.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition that can cause severe, burning pain in the affected area, including the thumb.