Finger Arthritis: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Management Strategies

What is arthritis in fingers called?

Arthritis in the fingers is a broad term encompassing various conditions that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints of the hand. While there isn't one single name for all finger arthritis, the most common forms are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), each with distinct characteristics and affected joints.

Understanding Arthritis in the Fingers

Arthritis literally means "joint inflammation." When it affects the fingers, it can significantly impact dexterity, grip strength, and overall quality of life. The hands are complex structures, with many small joints that are crucial for daily activities. When these joints become inflamed, degenerated, or damaged, it leads to the symptoms associated with finger arthritis.

Common Types of Arthritis Affecting the Fingers

While many forms of arthritis can affect the hands, the following are the most prevalent:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): Often referred to as "wear-and-tear" arthritis, OA is the most common form. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time.
  • Affected Joints: In the fingers, OA commonly affects the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints (the joints closest to the fingertips) and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints (the middle joints of the fingers). It can also affect the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint at the base of the thumb.
  • Characteristics: Typically develops slowly, causes pain that worsens with activity, stiffness after rest, and may lead to bony enlargements (Heberden's nodes at DIP joints, Bouchard's nodes at PIP joints).
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, primarily the synovium (the lining of the membranes that surround your joints).
  • Affected Joints: RA commonly affects the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints (the knuckles where the fingers meet the hand) and the PIP joints. It often affects the same joints on both sides of the body symmetrically.
  • Characteristics: Causes significant inflammation, swelling, warmth, pain, and stiffness, particularly in the morning. Over time, it can lead to joint deformity and erosion.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): A form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red patches of skin topped with silvery scales.
  • Affected Joints: Can affect any joint in the fingers, sometimes leading to "sausage digits" (dactylitis) where an entire finger or toe swells.
• Gout: A type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, most often the big toe. However, it can affect finger joints.
  • Characteristics: Caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint. Attacks are typically acute and extremely painful.

Anatomy of Finger Joints

To understand finger arthritis, it's helpful to know the basic joint anatomy:

• Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) Joints: These are the knuckles where your fingers connect to the palm of your hand.
• Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) Joints: These are the middle joints of your fingers.
• Distal Interphalangeal (DIP) Joints: These are the joints closest to your fingertips.
• Carpometacarpal (CMC) Joint of the Thumb: The joint at the base of the thumb, where it connects to the wrist bones.

Each of these joints is susceptible to different forms of arthritis, influencing the specific symptoms and functional limitations experienced.

Symptoms of Finger Arthritis

Regardless of the type, common symptoms of arthritis in the fingers include:

• Pain: Often a deep ache, which can be constant or worsen with movement.
• Stiffness: Especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Swelling: Due to inflammation within or around the joint.
• Tenderness: Pain upon touching the affected joint.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the fingers fully.
• Warmth or Redness: Particularly with inflammatory types like RA or gout.
• Deformity: Bony enlargements, crooked fingers, or joint misalignment over time.
• Weakness: Diminished grip strength or difficulty performing fine motor tasks.
• Grinding or Clicking Sensations: Due to cartilage breakdown.

Causes and Risk Factors

The causes vary depending on the type of arthritis:

• Age: OA risk increases with age due to cumulative wear and tear.
• Genetics: Family history plays a role in both OA and RA.
• Previous Joint Injury: Trauma to a joint can predispose it to OA later in life (post-traumatic arthritis).
• Autoimmune Conditions: RA and PsA are autoimmune diseases.
• Obesity: While more directly impacts weight-bearing joints, systemic inflammation can contribute.
• Occupational Stress/Repetitive Use: Certain jobs or hobbies involving repetitive hand movements may increase risk.
• Gender: RA is more common in women.

Diagnosis of Finger Arthritis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Physical Examination: A healthcare professional will assess your hand joints for swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and any deformities.
• Medical History: Discussing your symptoms, family history, and any other medical conditions.
• Imaging Tests:
  • X-rays: Can show cartilage loss, bone spurs, and joint damage.
  • MRI or Ultrasound: May provide more detailed images of soft tissues and early joint changes.
• Blood Tests: Especially for RA and other inflammatory types, to check for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and specific antibodies (e.g., rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies).

Management and Kinesiological Implications

While there's no cure for most forms of arthritis, various strategies can help manage symptoms, slow progression, and maintain hand function. From a kinesiological perspective, the focus is on preserving joint health and optimizing movement.

• Exercise and Movement:
  • Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Gentle daily exercises to move each finger joint through its full range can help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness. Examples include making a fist, straightening fingers, and touching each fingertip to the thumb.
  • Strengthening Exercises: Once pain is controlled, gentle strengthening exercises (e.g., squeezing a soft ball, using putty) can improve grip strength and support the joints.
  • Low-Impact Activities: Engaging in activities that don't put excessive stress on the finger joints.
• Activity Modification and Ergonomics:
  • Joint Protection Techniques: Learning to use larger, stronger joints, avoiding prolonged gripping, and distributing force over more joints.
  • Adaptive Tools: Using ergonomic tools, jar openers, larger-handled utensils, or assistive devices to reduce strain on finger joints during daily tasks.
  • Pacing: Breaking down tasks into smaller segments to avoid overuse.
• Pain Management Strategies (Non-Pharmacological):
  • Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying warmth (e.g., warm water, heating pad) can relax stiff joints, while cold packs can reduce swelling and acute pain.
  • Massage: Gentle massage around the joints can improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
  • Splinting/Bracing: Custom or off-the-shelf splints can provide support, reduce pain, and improve alignment, especially during activities or at night.
• Pharmacological and Medical Interventions: (Often in conjunction with movement strategies)
  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Topical Creams: Containing capsaicin or NSAIDs.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: Directly into the joint to reduce inflammation.
  • Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) / Biologics: For inflammatory types like RA, to slow disease progression.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, joint fusion or replacement may be considered.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, or loss of function in your fingers, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly impact the long-term management and prognosis of finger arthritis, helping to preserve joint function and improve your quality of life. A comprehensive approach, combining medical treatment with targeted exercise and lifestyle modifications, offers the best outcomes.