Finger stiffness and swelling: what to know

Swelling over a joint after an impact may accompany a sprain or fracture. Painful catching can occur with Trigger Finger. Stiffness affecting hand joints may occur with Hand Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis, while a firm palm cord and gradually reduced straightening can occur with Dupuytren's Contracture. Warmth, marked tenderness, a wound or discharge raises concern for infection. These patterns overlap, so the finger's appearance and movement need an examination.

Rest from activities that increase pain, keep the hand raised when swollen, and remove rings before swelling worsens. Use a cool pack wrapped in cloth for short periods if that is comfortable; protect the skin from direct cold. Do not puncture the swelling or force a stiff finger through pain. Arrange medical review when swelling persists, follows an injury, limits grip, or keeps returning. A clinician may assess joints, tendons, sensation and circulation and decide whether imaging or blood tests are useful.

Seek urgent help for a deformed finger, sudden inability to move it, severe pain, rapidly increasing swelling, numbness, or a pale, blue or cold fingertip. Prompt assessment is also needed for fever, spreading redness, pus, or a hot swollen finger after a bite, puncture or wound.

Ask whether the swelling is centred on a joint, tendon or skin wound, whether you need imaging, how much movement is safe, and which changes should bring you back sooner.