Dactylitis (Sausage Fingers): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of dactylitis?

Dactylitis, also known as “sausage digit,” is characterized by the inflammation of an entire digit (finger or toe). The symptoms can vary in severity but generally include the following:

1. Swelling: One of the most prominent symptoms is significant swelling of the affected finger or toe, which often makes it look like a sausage.
2. Pain: The affected digit may be painful to touch or move, and the pain can range from mild to severe.
3. Redness: The skin over the affected area may appear red or discolored.
4. Stiffness: There may be a loss of flexibility or difficulty moving the affected digit.
5. Warmth: The affected area might feel warm to the touch, indicating inflammation.
6. Functional Impairment: Difficulty in using the affected finger or toe for daily activities due to pain and swelling.

Dactylitis is often associated with certain medical conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and sickle cell disease. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

What are the causes of dactylitis?

Dactylitis, or inflammation of an entire finger or toe, can be caused by various underlying conditions. Here are some of the primary causes:

1. Psoriatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis affects some people who have psoriasis. Dactylitis is a common feature of psoriatic arthritis.
2. Reactive Arthritis: Also known as Reiter’s syndrome, this condition can cause inflammation in various joints, including the fingers and toes, leading to dactylitis.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis: This chronic inflammatory disorder can sometimes cause swelling and inflammation in the fingers and toes.
4. Ankylosing Spondylitis: A type of arthritis that affects the spine and can also cause dactylitis in the fingers and toes.
5. Sickle Cell Disease: A group of inherited red blood cell disorders that can cause painful swelling in the fingers and toes, known as dactylitis.
6. Infectious Causes: Infections, particularly bacterial or viral infections, can lead to dactylitis. Tuberculosis and syphilis are examples of infections that can cause this condition.
7. Sarcoidosis: An inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, primarily the lungs and lymph glands, but can also cause dactylitis.
8. Gout: This condition is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe, but it can also affect fingers.

Each cause requires a different approach to treatment, so accurate diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential.

What is the treatment for dactylitis?

Treatment for dactylitis, which is the inflammation of an entire finger or toe, depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

1. Medications:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroids may be prescribed for severe inflammation.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used for autoimmune conditions like psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
• Biologic therapies, such as TNF-alpha inhibitors, may be recommended for certain inflammatory conditions.

1. Physical Therapy: Exercises can help improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.
2. Joint Aspiration: In cases of severe swelling, a doctor may use a needle to drain excess fluid from the affected joint.
3. Splinting or Bracing: This can help support the affected digit and reduce pain during movement.
4. Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, especially if there are joint deformities or damage.
5. Managing Underlying Conditions: Treating the underlying condition, such as psoriatic arthritis or sickle cell disease, is crucial for long-term management of dactylitis.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the underlying cause and individual needs.