Many individuals crack the knuckles and sometimes people realize their importance unless there is problem with it. It is the joint in the hand which connects the finge[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltR-K-XPU8M” width=”220″]rs with the hand and also called as metacarpophalangeal joint.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltR-K-XPU8M” width=”220″]The base of the finger forms the knuckle joint and it is where the phalanges or the finger bone connects with the metacarpal bones. The joints are composed of bones, ligaments and connective tissue. The knuckles help the finger bend and straighten.
Knuckles are prone of getting injured or infected when the joint is stressed and utilized in all activities. Infection in the knuckles causes swelling, stiffness, pain and the individual has difficulty in gripping objects since the finger is not capable in bending due to the infection of knuckle joint.
Causes of a knuckle infection
- Cut and bruises on the knuckle can cause knuckle infections. A contaminated wound allows the germs that cause diseases to enter the knuckle joint and will form an abscess.
- Infections in the joint cause pain, inflammation and formation of pus and the person has difficulty moving the fingers because of stiffness that is caused by staphylococcus aureus.
- A chronic autoimmune disease also known as rheumatoid arthritis can infect the knuckle joint and other joints found in the body.
- Gonococcal knuckle infection is a complication that is caused by an untreated gonococcus infection which is a sexually transmitted disease.
- Warts that develop on the knuckle can be infected and some people use unsterilized objects in cutting off the wart growth. An infection can spread to the joints and cause symptoms such as stiffness and pain.
Symptoms of knuckle infections
An individual suspected with knuckle infection will experience the following symptoms:
- Pain is sharp and severe and can also be throbbing depending on the cause while the area around the affected area of the knuckles becomes warm and red.
- The affected area is swelling and red but if there is an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, all the knuckles are swollen at the same time.
- The person has difficulty in gripping an object caused by stiffness of the knuckles and the fingers are incapable of bending and straightening.
- There is burning and tingling sensations.
- There is fever, body aches and headaches.
Treatment and home remedies
- In a bowl of warm water, add a teaspoon of salt. Immerse the fingers and knuckles in the bowl for a few minutes. Remember that salt helps lessen pain and stiffness.
- If there is an abscess, it will require incision and drainage and medical care is required in order to avoid complications from developing.
- Massage the knuckles using mustard oil if it is caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Mustard oil helps in reducing the stiffness.
- If the knuckle joint has pus formation, it is best to seek medical care right away.
I have an infection now of my knuckle. It’s a bone infection and I’m being treated with IV antibiotics. I’ve been on them since June 16. I have four more weeks to go. I see a plastic surgeon and if infection isn’t resolved when I’m done with antibiotic she will have to clean out joint and I will lose part of my finger. All from a small cut on my finger and diabetes.
Infection seems worse today. Joint swollen, stiff, red and painful. Will call infectious disease doctor if it doesn’t get better. Being treated with IV antibiotic right now.
May have to have joint cleaned out if no improvement when done with antibiotic. If I have to have that done I would lose part of my finger. All from a small cut over joint and diabetes.