[66M] Experiencing sharp burning pain in fingers

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This is a condition that affects the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. If you have peripheral neuropathy, the nerves in your fingers and toes may be affected, which can cause pain, tingling, or numbness. Given your history of neuropathy in your feet, it's possible that this condition is now affecting your hands.

  • Treatment typically involves managing the condition causing your neuropathy and relieving symptoms. Medications can help reduce pain in your hands and feet.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs the length of the arm and goes through a passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, and ends in the hand. The condition may cause tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers or hand.

  • Treatment options include wrist splinting, medications, and surgery.

• Arthritis: This is inflammation of one or more of your joints. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the primary symptoms of arthritis. Any joint in the body may be affected by the disease, but it is particularly common in the hand.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, exercise, heat/cold therapy, and possibly surgery.

What you can do

While waiting for your appointment with your healthcare provider, you can try the following:

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help reduce pain.

2. Warm compresses: Applying a warm towel or heating pad to the affected area may help reduce pain.

3. Gentle exercises: Simple hand and finger exercises can help keep your joints flexible. However, if an exercise causes pain, stop doing it.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden onset of severe pain in your hand
• A hand that is hot and inflamed, which could indicate an infection
• Any deformity of your hand
• Inability to move your hand or fingers

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.