Arthritis Finger Pain

Coping With Arthritis Pain In The Fingers

Arthritis finger pain can be especially debilitating because there are 27 bones in each hand and they're connected, of course, by a network of joints. From birth, these joints are covered with a connective tissue known as cartilage that makes it easier for the joints to move more smoothly. As we age, the cartilage in the fingers sometimes wears away, and arthritis results. 

Two types of arthritis are likely to cause pain in the fingers and thumbs:

• Osteoarthritis, in which cartilage wears down over time and causes inflammation of the joints, swelling, pain, and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, which is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many tissues and organs, but principally the joints. 
   

When you have osteoarthritis, you typically develop lumps or nodules around the knuckles of the fingers. These knuckles can become enlarged, swollen, stiff and painful. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, you're likely to have the same symptoms as osteoarthritis. But deformities in the fingers and hands are more complex. Fingers may shift from their normal position, and even drift away from the thumb. Other symptoms of arthritis in the fingers and thumbs include:

• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Loss of motion

Treatment

When symptoms of arthritis in the fingers and thumbs begin to appear, early treatment focuses on managing those symptoms so surgery won't eventually be necessary. These treatment options include: Anti-Inflammatory Medications These can relieve some of the discomfort of arthritis, and reduce inflammation and swelling.

Cortisone Injections Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication.

Hand Therapy Hand therapy decreases stiffening and reduces pain.

Ice & Heat  These help relieve stiffness and improve the range of motion.

Splints These take some of the pressure off the joints and make movement more pain free. It's recommended that splints be used for limited periods of time because the joints may stiffen if they remain in place too long.

Surgery This is an option, but is generally used only as a last resort when other treatments fail to bring relief. A number of procedures can be used for the fingers, including removing the bone spurs, fusing the joint, and replacing the joint. Surgery on a thumb is more complicated because it requires removing a portion of the joints and bones and replacing them with a tendon graft. The procedure relieves pain and makes movement easier.

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 Sources

Mayo Clinic Arthritis Finger Pain

Arthritis Foundation