Rt. PIP joint, pinkie pain

[robya]

I injured my right pinkie finger while working with a transmission for a clients car. I do this by trade and unfortunately don't have insurance. I was underneath it and had little room to pull out some bolts that were almost seized. I only had about 3 inches on my 12 inch ratchet to use on this stubborn bolt, with all my might and grease that would be present my hand slipped away from the ratchet and my inside pinky slammed against a bracket above my hand. The exact location of the injury would be the middle pinkie joint that is right along side the ring finger. This happened two months ago, I haven't been to the hospital yet because this is a common injury in the trade. So far the swelling subsided barely, but there is a small lump on the inside of the pinky. It hurts (9/10) when any pressure is presented. I have decided to buddy tape the finger for the past 2 days. I have to admit there is a lot of discomfort and some pain(3/10). There are tingles and warmth from the pinky. If a good amount of pressure is put against that primary joint it would hurt.
It is not deformed, some redness and some dry skin is apparent on the surface of the inside middle pinky joint. It most often times hurt when finger has been splinted straight for an hour and then I would attempt to flex it about 45 degrees and that's when the pain starts to present. The pain would tend to subsided at that angle until I try to put 90 degree. Anything past that is unbearable. I did have some medical training, and currently waiting to enlist in the military. I need to know if this will heal itself or if the the flexion would improve in the next couple of months. Thanks for reading this long post, and greatly appreciate any generous suggestions.

[robya]

I've got my finger splinted now for 10 days. Now I cannot make a fist with it. There is some bruising and swelling from attempting to make a full fist along with pain, and it is trigger locked. I will not try to see a Dr. due to military reasons. I have only a coup;e of months for this to recovery fully or else every thing I have worked towards the last 2 years is wasted. It is again in the PIP pinky joint of the right hand. I know there is joint injury, and maybe sheath damage. Would you recommend any OTC anti-calais medicine. I usually heal up pretty quick due to alot of exercise routines. But I have broken a mandible before so I know the feeling when some thing is wrong. Thanks Dr. Mathur, I hope you got something that could help.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
If there is no joint injury and no tendon rupture, then yes, this will improve. Take an OTC anti-inflammatory pain killer, and something to subside the swelling. Dip hand in alternate warm and cool water, starting and ending in warm water. If this does not help you overcome pain and swelling over next 2-3 days, then please go to the ER and get this examined. An-X-ray should ideally be done as soon as possible.  Take care!