10/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/15/2024 11:08
Key takeaways:
RealPeopleGroup /iStock via Getty Images Plus Several conditions or injuries -- such asrheumatoid arthritis,tendinitis, or a broken or dislocated finger -- can cause knuckle pain. Symptoms like stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion can make it difficult to use your fingers.
Because you use your hands in so many daily tasks, knuckle pain can get in the way of everyday life.
So, how long does it take knuckle pain to heal? Treatment and recovery time depends on the cause. Here's what you need to know.
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How long does knuckle pain take to heal? Knuckle pain can be caused by many different injuries or conditions. Recovery time for knuckle pain depends on the cause and level of pain. Acute conditions, like a fracture or dislocation, can take several weeks or months to fully heal. Knuckle pain due to medical conditions, like arthritis, can't be cured. Symptoms often come and go.
What are the different types of knuckle injuries? Knuckle injuries include a variety of conditions that affect the ligaments, tendons, bones, or joints of the hands and fingers.
Sprain and strain Here's what you need to know about sprains and injuries:
Dislocation Here's what's important to know about dislocation:
Fracture Here's what you should know about fractures:
Tendinitis Here's what you need to know about tendinitis:
Arthritis Here's what to know about arthritis:
How do you treat knuckle pain? Treatment for knuckle injuries will focus on decreasing pain and swelling. Often, you'll have to limit how much you use your hands and fingers to reduce pain.
Treatment options include:
When should you see a healthcare professional about knuckle pain? Whether you should get medical attention depends on a few factors, including if you've had an injury or not.
Injury Common hand injuries include jamming a finger, slamming your hand in a door, and punching a hard surface. These and other injuries can lead to fractures, dislocations, and tendon tears.
You'll probably need evaluation if you have:
Without proper treatment, your injury may not heal properly. This can result in permanent damage to the joint, higher risk of osteoarthritis, and loss of function.
Non-injury If you didn't injure your knuckles but have ongoing pain, talk with a medical professional. They can help determine if your knuckle pain is due to a medical condition (like arthritis) or an overuse problem (like tendinitis). Treatments are available, including medications,injections, and physical therapy.
Less commonly, painful and swollen knuckles can result from aninfection. Warning signs include:
If you have these symptoms, see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. A correct diagnosis can help reduce pain and prevent any underlying condition from getting worse.
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" data-qa="ContentCalloutH2Title" The bottom line Knuckle pain is often the result of an injury like a sprain, dislocation, or fracture. It can also result from other conditions, including arthritis or tendinitis. Healing time for knuckle pain will depend on the underlying cause. Acute injuries - like sprains, dislocations, or fractures - can take several weeks or months to heal. Other conditions, like arthritis, require ongoing management to reduce pain and prevent flare-ups.
Written by:Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT
Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT, practices outpatient rehabilitation focusing on orthopedic injuries and post-operative recovery.
Edited by:Lauren Savage, MA
Lauren Savage, MA, is a health editor at GoodRx, where she focuses on movement, exercise, and healthy aging. She aims to provide readers with the information they need to live healthier, more active lifestyles.
Reviewed by:Mandy Armitage, MD
Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined her interests in clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.
References American Society for Surgery of the Hand. (n.d.).Boxer's fracture.
An, M. T., et al. (2020).Complex metacarpophalangeal dislocation.ePlasty.
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