Finger Arthritis

Finger arthritis is degeneration of the small joints of the fingers, most commonly osteoarthritis, causing pain, stiffness and joint enlargement.

Joint pain and stiffness, swelling, and sometimes bony enlargement of the finger joints, with reduced grip and pinch strength.

Age-related wear (osteoarthritis) is most common; rheumatoid arthritis and prior joint injury are other causes.

See a hand surgeon if finger joint pain or stiffness limits daily activities despite simple measures.

Clinical examination of joint swelling, tenderness, deformity, and range of motion.

X-rays assess joint space narrowing and bone changes characteristic of arthritis.

Activity modification, splinting, anti-inflammatory medication, and joint injections for symptomatic relief.

Surgery is considered when pain and deformity significantly affect function despite conservative treatment.

Surgical options include joint fusion or small joint replacement, chosen based on the affected joint and patient needs.

Recovery varies by procedure, typically several weeks of splinting followed by hand therapy.

Surgery generally provides good pain relief, with fusion offering stability and replacement aiming to preserve some motion.

Infection, stiffness, implant wear (for replacement), and nonunion (for fusion).