Fingers stiff and swollen: what to know

Swelling around a single painful joint after repeated use may fit Hand Osteoarthritis, while swelling and stiffness in several small joints can occur with Rheumatoid Arthritis. A thick or swollen area near the base of a finger with catching may occur in Trigger Finger. A firm palm cord that gradually limits straightening is a feature of Dupuytren's Contracture. Sudden swelling after a jam, twist, or bite needs a different assessment. Finger Stiffness describes the experience, not a diagnosis.

Take off rings and watches early, because swelling can make them difficult to remove. Reduce gripping and repetitive hand work for a short period, but gently open and close the hand if that is comfortable. Elevate the hand and use a wrapped cool pack for brief intervals after a recent strain. Do not massage a hot, very tender, or injured finger. Photograph visible swelling and record when it began, whether it is warm, and whether symptoms occur on both hands. An examination can distinguish joint swelling from tendon or soft-tissue swelling.

Seek urgent assessment for rapidly increasing swelling, marked warmth, spreading redness, fever, a wound or bite, severe pain, or a finger that becomes pale, blue, cold, numb, or hard to move. Arrange a routine appointment when swelling lasts, returns, affects several joints, or comes with prolonged morning stiffness. After an injury, prompt review is sensible if the finger is crooked or cannot fully bend or straighten.

Is the swelling in the joint, tendon sheath, or surrounding tissue? Could I have an injury even if I can still move the finger? Should I use heat, cooling, a splint, or hand exercises? Do I need assessment for inflammation in other joints?