What is Finger Arthritis?
Finger arthritis occurs when one or more of the 14 finger joints become painful, stiff, or swollen due to inflammation or cartilage loss. Because these small joints are responsible for gripping, pinching, typing, and everyday fine-motor tasks, even mild finger arthritis can significantly affect hand function.
There are several common types of finger arthritis:
Osteoarthritis (OA):
The most common form, caused by age-related wear and tear. The cartilage in the finger joints thins over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and sometimes bony nodules.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
An autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining. The finger joints are frequently involved, and symptoms may appear in multiple fingers at once.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis:
This occurs when a previous injury—such as a fracture that extends into the joint—damages the cartilage. Symptoms of finger arthritis may appear months or years after the injury.
How is finger Arthritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed history and physical examination to evaluate pain, stiffness, swelling, and range of motion.
To confirm finger arthritis, Dr. Donnelly may order X-rays to assess joint space, bone changes, and alignment; blood work if rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions (such as lupus or psoriatic arthritis) are suspected; and MRI, which is rarely needed unless unusual symptoms or complex injuries are involved.
How is Finger Arthritis Treated?
Treatment for finger arthritis depends on the type of arthritis and the severity of the symptoms. Many patients improve with non-surgical options such as:
Bracing or splinting
Short periods of immobilization help reduce pain and inflammation during flare-ups.
Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
Over-the-counter or prescription options are available in pill or topical gel form to decrease swelling and pain.
Corticosteroid injections
A fast-acting option that targets inflammation inside the joint when symptoms do not respond to conservative care.
Activity modification and adaptive devices
Changing how you grip, hold, or lift objects can ease strain on painful finger joints.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers often require a team-based approach. A rheumatologist may prescribe disease-modifying medications to control the underlying autoimmune condition.
When Is Surgery Recommended for Finger Arthritis?
If conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be considered. Because each finger joint serves a different function, surgical options are highly individualized. Depending on the joint, Dr. Donnelly may recommend:
- Debridement to remove bone spurs
- Joint replacement to restore mobility
- Joint fusion to eliminate pain and create a stable, functional joint
Your surgical plan will depend on the type of finger arthritis, the specific joint involved, and your personal goals for hand function.