It’s easy to take our fingers for granted, yet we rely on them every day. Whether you’re typing, using your phone or even just preparing a meal, your fingers are essential to daily life. That’s why when your fingers begin to hurt, it’s hard to ignore. This is especially true if your index finger hurts when you bend it. There can be several different reasons why your index finger hurts; after all, your fingers are delicate structures.
Are you wondering why your index finger hurts when you bend it? Many of the most common reasons for finger pain can be treated successfully by a physical therapist.
Why does my index finger hurt when I bend it?
There are numerous conditions that can cause finger pain. Here are some of the most common reasons why your finger may hurt when it is bent:
- Traumatic injuries — The most common causes for finger pain are injuries. You may have jammed your finger, or it may have been struck by a heavy object. This can damage the muscles or even fracture your finger bones, which can be painful injuries.
- Repetitive strain injuries — Not all injuries have to come from a violent impact, however. Repetitive strain injuries build up over time by doing the same motion. One of the most common repetitive strain injuries that affect the hand is carpal tunnel syndrome. This is caused by irritation of the median nerve, which is responsible for your sense of feeling in the index finger. Carpal tunnel can cause your index finger to hurt when bent.
- Osteoarthritis — Another common culprit for finger pain is osteoarthritis. This condition is caused when the cartilage that is responsible for cushioning the joints is broken down. This can cause more friction in the joints and can even result in the bones rubbing together. This can be extremely painful no matter what joint it’s in, including the index finger.
Do you need relief from your index finger pain? Panther Physical Therapy can help treat your finger injury or condition
Most of the causes of finger pain can be treated by a physical therapist. Whether you have injured your finger or developed a painful condition, our team has years of experience treating finger and hand pain. Our experienced team at Panther Physical Therapy is prepared to build you a personalized treatment plan that provides your index finger relief.
Contact our team today for more information about finger pain or to schedule an initial appointment.