Do you often feel strange pain in your fingers especially in the joints at the end of the day? You might think that it is due to strain from work (like typing on computer for a long time), but in 1 out of 10 cases it might be Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) or more commonly known as Finger Arthritis. The joints in your hands and fingers may be the most delicate in your body but they work together like a machine – well-oiled- and help you do your daily activities with ease.
What is finger arthritis?
Finger arthritis in one of the many types of arthritis that develop in human body. Pain in hands can be due to both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While osteoarthritis is due to degenerative changes in cartilage, RA is the result of an autoimmune condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) develops when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue that protects the joints. It is a case where body’s immune system mistakes the healthy tissues for foreign invaders. The resulting symptoms can be similar to those of osteoarthritis, including pain, inflammation, and redness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can occur with no risk factors. However, women are more likely to experience the condition than men. Those with a family history of RA, who are obese, or who smoke are also at a greater risk of developing it.
While a person can experience RA at any age, the most common age of onset is between 40 and 60.
Symptoms of finger arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Depending upon the type of arthritis symptoms may differ slightly. These differences can help a doctor determine the correct underlying cause of arthritis symptoms in the hands.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect any joint in your body, including those in your hands and fingers. As a symptom you may feel:
- Hand pain, finger pain, swelling, and stiffness
- Hand joints and finger joints that are warm and tender to the touch
- The same joints affected on both sides of your body (both wrists, for instance)
- Deformed finger joints
- Carpal tunnel symptoms such as numbness and tingling of the hands
- Fatigue in hands and fingers
- Pain and stiffness that last for more than an hour when you wake up
Underlying Causes
The exact cause of RA is still not known to the experts. It may be triggered by an infection to a genetically predisposed patient and starts the inflammation. Meaning that genetics plays a vital role in this. Inflammation causes the synovium (see the image below) to thicken. Eventually, if left untreated, it can invade and destroy cartilage — the connective tissue that cushions the ends of the bones.
Palm view of hand showing tendons, bones, muscles, arteries, nerves. SOURCE: Original art. Used in 90778.
Hormones may also play a role. For instance, RA is more common in women than in men. It tends to improve with pregnancy. But it may get worse after the baby is born.
An severe injury or trauma to the hands may also cause finger arthritis.
Treatment for Arthritis in Fingers: A Comprehensive Guide
There are several treatment options available for managing arthritis in the fingers, ranging from medication to lifestyle changes. These options aim to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and manage inflammation.
1. Medications
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce pain and swelling.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can slow the progression of RA.
- Biologic agents are newer treatments that target specific components of the immune system responsible for inflammation.
2. Lifestyle Changes
- Weight management to reduce strain on joints.
- Regular physical activity to keep joints flexible and maintain muscle strength.
- Healthy eating habits include anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 fatty acids.
Treatment with physical therapy
After a full diagnosis Call Doctor specialist will make a treatment plan for Arthritis in your fingers based on your needs, including:
- Medications
- Rest and exercise
- Splints and special arthritis aids that take pressure off of painful joints
- Managing stress
- Avoiding foods that trigger inflammation
- Eating foods that curb inflammation, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as salmon or in flax oil
- Regular medical checkups
- Physical therapy
- Surgery if joints are severely damaged
Finger Joint Pain Treatment: Physical Therapy Solutions
Physical therapy offers effective, non-invasive solutions for managing finger joint pain, especially when caused by conditions like arthritis, repetitive strain injuries, or post-surgical recovery. A physical therapist will assess the specific cause of your pain and design a personalized finger joint pain treatment. This may include:
- Therapeutic Exercises
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and enhance grip strength.
- Splinting
Custom-made splints to support and stabilize affected joints, reducing strain during daily activities.
- Hands-on Techniques
Manual therapy, including soft tissue mobilization and joint manipulation, to reduce inflammation and improve range of motion.
- Modalities
Use ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, or paraffin wax baths to alleviate pain and promote healing.
These therapies work together to restore function, decrease discomfort, and prevent future joint issues.
Treatment Through Exercises
Hand exercises for Arthritis can help to keep the supportive ligaments and tendons in the hands flexible and may also help reduce pain in the hands. Call Doctor’s registered physiotherapist who will visit the place of your preference and help you with these simple but effective exercises.
To help alleviate arthritic pain in the hands, the following physical therapy can be employed:
- Making a loose fist and opening the fingers to fully straighten them, repeating this several times on each hand.
- Bending a finger slowly and carefully, then slowly straightening it out again, and repeating with all fingers.
- Placing the hand on a flat surface with fingers extended and slowly lifting each finger off the surface. Hold the finger at the highest point so it can reach for 3 to 5 seconds. Repeat with each finger.
Hand Exercises for Arthritis: Improve Mobility and Reduce Pain
Regular hand exercises are crucial for individuals with arthritis to maintain joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and minimize pain. Here are some effective exercises:
- Finger Lifts
Place your hand flat on a table. Gently lift each finger one at a time, holding for a few seconds before lowering.
- Thumb Stretch
Stretch your thumb away from your palm as far as comfortable, hold for 5 seconds, and release.
- Finger Bends
Start with fingers straight, then slowly bend each finger toward your palm, holding briefly before straightening.
- Making a Loose Fist
Gently curl your fingers into a loose fist, then slowly open them wide. Repeat 10 times.
- Finger Walking
Place your hand on a flat surface and “walk” your fingers towards your thumb, then back again. Perform these exercises daily to enhance hand strength, improve range of motion, and reduce stiffness.
It is best to do these exercises using gentle motions. Call Doctor’s Physical therapists who specialize in hands may be able to expedite your recovery with guided sessions.
Resting the hands from activities that cause pain, and overuse can also help to reduce pain.
What Helps Arthritis in Fingers: Home Remedies and Professional Care
Managing arthritis in the fingers requires a combination of home remedies and professional care for optimal relief. Some effective methods include:
✅️ Home Remedies
- Hot and Cold Therapy
Applying warm compresses to relax muscles and improve circulation, while cold packs reduce swelling and numb sharp pain.
- Gentle Stretching
Daily finger stretches to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Topical Ointments
Use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creams to relieve localized pain.
- Dietary Changes
Anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 fatty acids, fresh fruits, and vegetables can help reduce joint inflammation.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Severe swelling or deformity
- Difficulty performing daily tasks despite home remedies
Professional care may involve physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medication, or in some cases, surgical interventions.
Hot and Cold Therapy by Call Doctor
Call Doctor’s physiotherapist may suggest applying ice to swollen joints for 10 minutes at a time as it can help reduce swelling. The ice should always have a protective covering, such as a cloth, to prevent skin damage.
Heat therapy can sometimes help to ease stiff joints. Placing your hands in a tub of warm water can help.
Paraffin wax treatments have also been proven to be soothing and help ease stiffness and pain. Wax treatments should only be done under the supervision of a Call Doctor’s registered physical therapist.
✅️ Use of splints to treat finger arthritis
Splinting can involve wearing a protective brace on the hand, which may resemble a finger-less glove. There are also “sleeve” brace options that will fit a single finger or multiple fingers, depending on the source of arthritis pain.
By holding the joint still, these braces ideally reduce the incidence of pain.
Call Doctor’s Expertise in Managing Finger Arthritis
At Call Doctor, we specialize in providing comprehensive physiotherapy services to manage finger arthritis effectively. Our team of experienced physiotherapists delivers care in the comfort of your home, hotel, or office, ensuring convenience and personalized attention. Our approach includes:
- Personalized Treatment Plans
Each patient receives a customized plan focusing on their specific symptoms and functional goals.
- Advanced Physiotherapy Techniques
Incorporating manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modern modalities like ultrasound therapy.
- Holistic Care
Combining physical therapy with lifestyle advice, ergonomic recommendations, and education on joint protection techniques.
- Ongoing Support
Regular follow-ups to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
With Call Doctor, managing finger arthritis becomes more accessible, effective, and patient-centered, helping you regain comfort and functionality in daily life.
Call Doctor’s Physiotherapy Services at Home, Hotels & Offices
Call Doctor has been providing premium mobile healthcare services wherever you are. We are only a call away. Call 800 400 200 to book an appointment with our team of registered doctors, physiotherapists, and nurses. Our team will reach you within 30 minutes and work with you to reduce the pain and make you feel better as soon as possible.
