What causes finger pain when bending after lifting heavy objects?

Generally, pain when bending the fingers after lifting heavy objects may be caused by muscle and ligament strain, local poor blood circulation, tenosynovitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or finger fractures. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Muscle and ligament strain: When lifting heavy objects, the muscles and ligaments in the fingers may experience excessive stretching, leading to minor injuries and causing pain upon bending. Rest and minimizing finger movement can help recovery. Soaking the fingers in warm water may promote healing, and gentle massage of the finger muscles can also relieve discomfort.

2. Local poor blood circulation: During heavy lifting, the fingers may remain tense for prolonged periods, compressing blood vessels and impairing circulation. This reduced blood flow can cause pain when bending the fingers. Lifting the fingers above heart level and stopping heavy lifting can help improve blood return, while gentle joint movements can enhance circulation.

3. Tenosynovitis: Repeated or excessive force during lifting can easily trigger tenosynovitis. Inflammation causes pain when bending the fingers, sometimes accompanied by snapping sounds. Patients may use medications such as diclofenac diethylamine gel, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or naproxen tablets as directed by a physician to relieve pain. Local corticosteroid injections may also be considered.

4. Rheumatoid arthritis: Lifting heavy objects may trigger flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis, with inflammation affecting the finger joints, resulting in pain and swelling when bending. Patients should follow medical advice to take anti-inflammatory medications such as methotrexate tablets, leflunomide tablets, or sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets to control inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

5. Finger fracture: If the finger suffers external impact or excessive compression while lifting heavy objects, a fracture may occur, causing severe pain upon bending due to bone displacement. Immediate medical care is necessary. Depending on the fracture, treatment may involve manual reduction with external fixation or open reduction with internal fixation to restore proper bone alignment and promote healing.

When lifting heavy objects in daily life, it is important to maintain proper posture and avoid overexertion of the fingers. Wearing gloves can provide protection. Once pain occurs, avoid further loading, keep the fingers warm, and prevent worsening of symptoms.