Hand Cyst Surgery & Post-Operative Spasms: A Personal Experience

Question
In 2004 I had surgery on my hand to remove two cysts that had made themselves part of the tendon sheath at the base of my index finger and the base of my ring and "pinky" fingers (on the pal of my right hand -- dominant hand).  I went through phyiscal therapy to return normal movment in my fingers, and all was well.  Six months ago, I started having spasms at the base of my "pinky."  I decided to wait and see if things got better or worse.  Neither happened until a few days ago.  I have extreme pain in my "pinky", the spasms are still there (not constant, but there), and have a large hard knot on the inside of my second knuckle of my "pinky".  I can't bend, straighten, touch, lift, grip without major pain.  My finger also feels like its sort of asleep.  I am athletic and go to the gym very frequently, but don't recall injuring myself in any way.  Becuase it is my dominant hand normal activities are becomong abnormal and difficult to complete.  Could it be related to the previous surgery? What are possible causes? What are possible solutions? What can I do at home to ease the pain? What would you do?  If I see a dr. what should I mention to him or expect from him?

Answer
My suggestion would to see the doctor that performed the previous surgery if possible. It could be related to the previous surgery and it could be something totally new.

Anytime you have pain that does not get better and interferes with you activities of daily living you need to see a doctor.  If you do not see the surgeon who operated on you before then you must tell the doctor that you see about your past medical history and surgery.