Swelling is more constant, skin wrinkles disappear, skin temperature becomes cooler, and fingernails become brittle. The pain is more widespread, stiffness increases, and the affected area becomes sensitive to touch. The skin of the affected area is now pale, dry, tightly stretched, and shiny. The area is stiff, pain may decrease, and there is less hope of getting motion back. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Medication taken by mouth can help decrease the symptoms.
In some cases, a tourniquet is applied to the arm and medication can be injected into a vein along with an anesthetic. Your hand surgeon may recommend therapy by a hand, occupational or physical therapist, or physician. Successful treatment depends upon the patient's full and active effort in therapy. Occasionally surgery is performed in the later stages, but the results can be disappointing. Your physician can advise you on the best treatment for your situation.