Question
The middle knuckle on my middle finger on my left hand is very sensitive. If someone squeezes my hand or when I golf it is very painful. During the night and first thing in the morning when I bend that finger it is also painful. I use Advil when necessary and it seems to help a bit. Could this be arthritis and is there anything else I should be doing?

Answer
Hi Randy, depending on your age, occupation and how much abuse the knuckle took throughout the years, it could be osteoarthritis, even rheumatoid. I doubt it, if you ice it down every chance you get for 15 minutes with a wet towel over it, the inflammation won't last long. If it continues with rest and ice, I will let you know how to stop OA in its tracks.

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Good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com