Right middle finger may have arthritis - I'm 19 | Arthritis Information

I'm 19 started popping my right middle finger several years ago on a daily basis and it ended up becoming a very compulsive habit overtime. They say that there's no concrete evidence that knuckle cracking can cause arthritis or joint swelling, though I'd say in my case that's most likely what happened, since over time my fist knuckle and middle joint have swollen. Now my middle finger makes a popping noise very easily (much more so than my other fingers) just by moving it or manipulating it with my other hand slightly, which I'm guessing may be because the cartilage in my finger has worn away leaving the bare bones exposed. I have some pictures here (it took them quickly and the top one's the best):

http://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture001qs3.gif

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/6417/picture004ze9.jpg

http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture002cu9.jpg

http://img242.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture003zy5.jpg

On a side note, now that my joints in my middle finger have swollen, popping it has become even more compulsive (I have OCD tendencies I'm starting to think) when I look at it compared to my left hand's finger, because in my mind I'm thinking that I'll be able to "fix" it by forcing it into the right position (though I know that this isn't possible but still pop it compulsively). I'm definitely thinking of seeing a doctor, but if there are any exercises or home remedies available for this type of arthritis, I would definitely look into them Any advice woud be appreciated.
See a dr and they can take blood work and see if there is any inflammation in your body. Does it hurt? If so, try heat or some people prefer ice. See what works for you. ALso, icy hot works well. I can't see your images you posted so I don't know what it looks like. I pop my knuckles all the time and it makes my hands feel better after. Does it make your hands feel better after you pop them? Just curious. I hope you get some answers and soon.

P.S. See a Dr.

With me there isn't usually a sharp pain until after I've been popping my finger for awhile. When I finally start to use self control and stop, the feeling or pain or aching dies down. Here's my picture:

Irons2008-11-25 21:57:21hmmmmm....it does look swollen and red. There are over 100 different types of arthritis (IF that's what it is).....so get in. Get some blood tests. If it is RA (rheumatoid arthritis) it could show up in your blood.

I hope it's not. Try to quit popping your knuckles and see if there's a change.

take care

[QUOTE=Irons] With me there isn't usually a sharp pain until after I've been popping my finger for awhile. When I finally start to use self control and stop, the feeling or pain or aching dies down. Here's my picture:

[/QUOTE]

If there's no pain when you stop popping it, then just stop. If you have OCD tendencies see a doctor before you really damage your finger. There's much more to RA than a little pain, some redness, a little swelling to one joint that's been traumatized by a habit. It sounds like the joint or soft tissue has been damaged from the habit of popping or cracking the joint. There's the possibility that if you continue the trauma then you may develop some type of arthritis or irrepairable damage to the finger. Lindy

Irons,

Here are some articles on knuckle cracking and arthritis. The picture that you took from the inside view of the knuckle does not look good at all. It looks like you are might have caused some problems with you ligaments. Like Lindy said you need to see a doctor to help you stop this.

http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/arthritis-news/2007/knuckle-cracking-and-arthritis.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Cracking-Your-Knuckles