Can somebody diagnose my finger please?

[BernardBlack]

Not sure how well you can see it on the pictures! The joint at the top of my index finger has had a solid lump on the side of it it for a few weeks. I don't remember injuring it. It hurts and feels stiff intermittently, can't see any pattern to it, and sometimes it looks more swollen.

My main worry is that its the start of something arthritic, but I'm only 32. My mum has had arthritis since her 40's though, so it's obviously a bit of a concern.

Will see my GP if it doesn't go away soon, but feel a bit ridiculous seeing them about something that is hopefully nothing...

Bumping for my poor be-knobbled finger

It might be what I had... An infection in my finger joint. I think I got bitten whilst working in the garden and it got infected from that. It was stiff intermittently, sore and had a bit of a lump on the top. The doctor gave me a steroid cream. It did take a little while to go.

But... i was worried it was the start of rheumatoid arthritis. Best to get it checked out ASAP as that can spread quickly if not treated.

Hopefully it is something simple like mine. Best of luck!

Thanks wobble Never thought I'd actually be hoping I had an infection!

I don't know but I have a bump like that on side of my thumb! GP suggested maybe osteoporosis but it's never really been painful and joint isn't painful. Also suggested might be a 'bone spur' though not really sure what that is either. Mine has been there for ages but would be nice to know what it is.

I have a lump like that too on my middle finger of my non-writing hand!

I keep thinking I should go to the GP as it's been there for about a year and a half, but as it's not sore I haven't bothered. (bad, I know)
My friend who is a doctor suggested it's a 'gouty tophus' so I really ought to get that checked out...

Gouty tophus?!

That sounds delightful, Lula!

Ganglion?

I would get it checked Bernard. I felt a bit stupid going to the doctor about a problem with my finger but it's good to put your mind at rest.

I know Wobble! I was when she suggested it. But it is a cause of a joint getting a lump on it (very like Bernard's)

I just have images of me looking like Henry VIII with a gouty leg.

You're growing another finger!

I had one of these when I was in a job where I had to write a lot. And then it went when I didn't.

ooh I've got that in the same place on the same finger.

Pretty sure it's been there for years but as it doesn't give me any trouble or pain I've never done anything about it. I do get achy joints sometimes but no more on that one than any other TBH.

Ok, I'm feeling reassured by the responses (with the possible exception of gouty tophus which I've just googled ). I would like it to not be there. The other knuckle on the finger has been aching a bit today too, but not sure if that's because I'm using the hand a bit awkwardly to reduce the use of the finger.

I'll get it checked in the hope that it's just an infection, will take a week for an appointment anyway so hopefully it'll just spontaneously disappear...

Bash it with a book!

I don't think that would work, it feels very solid plus I'm a wuss