According to the Mayo Clinic, arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage in the joint that occurs with age. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including one or more fingers. Repetitive finger bending or movement, bone deformities, a finger injury or other joint diseases can increase the risk of developing arthritis in the finger. Finger arthritis is commonly treated with conservative treatments. No cure exists for this condition.
Finger Pain
MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, states that there may be pain in the affected finger joints. This occurs because the bone spurs, or bone humps, form in the fingers from a lack of cartilage. These bone spurs can rub together, which can be painful. In addition, bone spurs that rub together can cause inflammation, which can also contribute to pain. Finger arthritis is treated conservatively with rest, ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A doctor may run additional tests to look for other arthritis-related diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, because it is an autoimmune disorder that causes pain and inflammation of finger joints.
Finger Swelling
Finger swelling may occur with arthritis, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis. Swelling occurs because bone spurs rub together and release chemical signals that cause inflammation. Inflammation attracts fluid to the finger joints, which results in swelling. A doctor will control swelling by recommending methods to reduce inflammation that may include rest, ice, NSAIDs and possibly a corticosteroid injection. A corticosteroid is a strong anti-inflammatory medication that can be injected directly into the troublesome finger joint. Only three injections are allowed per year because of serious side effects, which includes bone thinning, states MedlinePlus.
Limited Finger Movement
It may be difficult to bend or extend the finger, states the Mayo Clinic. A patient may notice difficulty in grasping certain objects because of limitations in bending. This occurs because bone spurs form in the finger joint, which can limit movement. Applying ice to the finger joint, elevating it and taking recommended NSAIDs can help reduce this symptom. Physical therapy may be useful in increasing the range of motion of the affected finger joint. A physical therapist can teach you stretches and strength exercises that may help improve motion in the affected finger. Adherence to a physical therapist's plan is necessary for optimal improvement in finger function.
