Pain years after surgery

[dayx31]

About 7 years ago I had an accident that resulted in me cutting the flexor tendon in one of my hands. I had lost all ability to move my index finger. Long story short, I had surgery (2 weeks after the incident) followed by a few weeks of physical therapy. The therapy had only just begun (splint came off, 2 weeks post operation) and my insurance cut me loose. My finger had about 10% movement ability at that time.

I ended up having to hold my finger down forcibly for a week to get its movement back. I was able to bring it back to about 90%. Shortly after I started noticing pain in my finger accompanied by random tingling and sharp shooting pains. For the most part over the past 6 years I've dealt with it (I have no insurance so I cant see a doctor). The pain comes and becomes more painful the more I use that finger.

This year I got a new job that has me typing most of my day. Half way through the day the pain starts to become a problem. By the end of the day its usually bad enough I don't want to use my hand to do anything (it even makes playing with my kids difficult). Through the week it just gets worse, until I finally get a break over the weekend.

My finger is what gets the tingling sensation, but I would describe the pain as radiating from the bottom of my wrist area towards my finger. I also get a feeling of tension/stiffness.

For the first time the pain is at a point that is interfering with not only my work but my life. What could be wrong, is this damage permanent? Will seeing a doctor help me/is there anything I can do to fix this?

[Paxiled]

Are you in the US?  If so, Obamacare has been around for a long time and so there are programs for someone who doesn't earn enough to get insurance.  This isn't a problem you need to have, even with the huge cuts and red tape in the program put in there by the current Administration.  You need occupational therapy, and you need to find a way to get it.  I suggest you call your local health agency and get advice on what's available to you where you live for those who have problems affording insurance.  Not having insurance also doesn't preclude you from getting care.  It just means you have to pay for it.  Some things are out of the question, such as surgery, but others are affordable, though it means giving up other things you might enjoy but don't need until you fix the problem.  Good luck.