Intermitent shifting pain in fingers and Shoulder

[Anu19]

Hi.. For the last six months I have been suffering from pain at the base of my Index finger or Thumb which makes the entire hand hurt. The pain lasts for 2 days and then just goes away. The pain shifts between hands and sometimes it affects both hands simultaneously. There are days when the pain is continous i.e. 2 days in the right and then 2 days in the left hand. If it is not hands, my shoulders hurt, again either left or right shoulder. When the shoulder hurts my entire hand becomes kind of immobilised and even small movements like combing hair becomes difficult and painful. Lately the frequency has increased and now almost every other day I am struggling with the pain ...there are fewer painfree days in between. I need to see a doctor but dont know if it has to be an ortho or a neuro. Can anyone help?

[Anu19]

Hi Tuck

Thks for replying...just a small thing.. About 8-9 years ago i had similar kind of intermittent pain in my fingers .(dont know if it is related... the pain seems somehow different)..the pain strangely would start in the afternoon typically after 12 pm and by night all my fingers would be curled up so hard ,  I couldnt open them. This was also shifting pain moving from elbow to wrist and fingers. I visited a GP and she said it was viral arthirits...pain killers brought no relief. After a month or so of this I visted an ortho who then prescribed some tests..one of them was for Vitamin D..which was pitifully low. I had to take a couple of Vitamin D shofts after which I toatally recovered. This time round when the pains started I thought it would be the same thing again. But while those earlier pains recurred every day, these pains are only for a couple of days after which they would go away. Also it doesnt happen only in the evenings but lasts thruout the day. My  fingers dont curl up though they hurt badly and there is slight swelling sometimes.Dont know what it could be..but will update you as soon as i know. Thks for yoru suggestions

rgds

[Tuckamore]

Hello Anu19,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum at MedHelp. I am glad that you found us but sorry to hear about your pain. We use our hands for everything and when they hurt it is very frustrating and obviously painful.

Your symptoms could be from any number of conditions ranging from a bilateral carpel tunnel or more a more complex disc problem in your cervical area. It is impossible to guess exactly what condition you are suffering from.

I would recommend you begin with your PCP. He is better equipped to make an initial diagnosis and refer you on to the appropriate specialist. In my area a neuro or ortho will not see you until you have been evaluated by your PCP and than referred to their care.

In the mean time try to avoid any strenuous activities involving your neck, shoulders and hands. Also NSAID (taken as directed) and warm moist heat may help ease the discomfort.

Good luck to you. Please let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates. Take Care, Tuck