There are many causes of index finger pain. Several forms of physical trauma can either break one of the bones within the index finger or cause damage to either the connective tissue or muscles. Carpel tunnel syndrome is a form of neuropathy that causes index finger pain along with other symptoms. Pain that does not remedy itself requires a trip to the doctor for a diagnosis and proper treatment.

A fractured or broken bone within the index finger will result in some form of pain or discomfort. Leading away from the palm, the three bones in the index finger are the proximal, middle and distal phalanx. In any one of these three bones, some parts of the bone are still held together after an incomplete fracture. A complete fracture indicates separation of the bone into two or more pieces. Index finger pain is always more intense after a complete fracture.

Besides causing damage to the bones, physical trauma can also result in damage and pain to the index finger's connective tissue or muscles. As the muscles that control the index finger's movement lead into the palm, trauma to the palm as well as the index finger decreases index finger mobility and can cause index finger pain when one tries to flex his or her hand. Nerves within the hand and index finger are also regularly affected by trauma. For example, accidents that result in deep gashes along the palm or index finger can damage nerves. Even after treatment, index finger pain is a common side effect as nerves heal.

Carpel tunnel syndrome is a form a neuropathy where index finger pain is one of many symptoms. The carpel tunnel is a narrow area of the wrist that connects nerves from the forearm into those of the palm and fingers. Caused by repetitive motions such as prolonged keyboard use, symptoms other that index finger pain are hand numbness during sleep, loss of grip strength and pain in the wrists. Though these symptoms might not appear simultaneously, a hallmark of the disorder is that symptoms worsen over time.

Resolving index finger pain begins by consulting one's primary physician. X-rays can easily detect bone fractures; a patient wears a finger splint for a few weeks until a follow-up visit determines that the bone has healed. Trauma that causes damage to muscles and/or nerves may require surgery and a period of physical therapy. Physical therapy may also apply to patients suffering from carpel tunnel syndrome; special exercises along with wearing specialized wrist braces at night relieve symptoms in most patients.