I Woke Up This Morning With My Left Pointer Finger

Posted on Fri, 3 Apr 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 3 Apr 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I woke up this morning with my left pointer finger very numb and swollen. It looked kind of blue. It has been almost 12 hours, and I am still having a sore feeling, kind of painful, and it is still swollen. I have not taken any medicine for it. It doesn’t hurt bad enough to go to a doctor, but I wanted to make sure it wasn’t anything serious as it has been almost 12 hours. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
possible nerve swelling internally. guidelines as below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query with attached photo image showing left pointer finger.

* The feeling of numbness since 12 hours is seemingly related to effect after
some sort of ligament stretch issue which may provoke underlying nerve
swelling with numb feeling without any pain.

* On careful visualisation, there is no gross swelling, but subjective feeling
tends to be in concern with numbness provoking tissue stretch.

There does not sound a need to visit doc, and following maneuvers will help faster recovery

- immerse your finger in lukewarm water filled in a bucket for 5 minutes
each 4 times a day.
- Do gentle stretching and flexion, extension exercises at the junction of
finger and palm as well as proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.

As there is no pain , analgesic of any sort is not needed.

Follow up after 24 hours is recommended about the progress of the condition and further course of action or early as per your need.

Wish you best health and recovery.
Regards.

Dr Bhagyesh ( MS consultant surgeon )

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana