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Swollen And Hard Knuckle. No Trauma. Should We Worry?
Hello. My mother just came to me and her middle finger knuckle was swollen, black and blue, and seemed hard to the touch. She hadn t hit anything, so we know it couldn t be broken. As of recent months, she s noticed her fingers tend to lock in certain positions, so we re wondering if maybe the two problems are connected. She plans on visiting a doctor, but in the mean time, should we worry? Is there anything we can do for the pain and swelling?
posted on
Mon, 26 Nov 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 26 Nov 2012
Answered on
Mon, 26 Nov 2012
Last reviewed on
Hi there, what you have described looks like rheumatoid arthritis and is definitely of concern. For the time being you can give and analgesic and an anti-inflammatory but after that you need to take her to your physician and get a thorough work up done for the same. She should also not try to massage it or try any physiotheroy as far as possible give the joint a rest and cold packs till you have visited your doctor. Take care.
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