What should you know about joints in fingers stiff and painful?

Hand osteoarthritis often affects joints close to the fingertips or at the base of the thumb and may cause aching, reduced movement, or bony enlargement. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect several joints with swelling and prolonged stiffness, often on both hands. Trigger finger involves a tendon and may cause catching or locking when a finger bends. Dupuytren's contracture tightens tissue in the palm and can gradually pull a finger toward the palm. A recent knock, overuse, or wound can also make one joint sore and stiff. Finger stiffness is a symptom rather than a diagnosis; the number of joints, swelling, warmth, locking, skin changes, and timing help a clinician sort out the cause.

For a mild problem without a new injury, keep the fingers gently moving through a comfortable range and avoid forceful gripping for a short period. Cold may soothe swelling after activity, while warmth can make morning movement easier for some people. Remove rings if swelling is developing. Do not force a finger straight if it catches or is becoming fixed. A clinician may examine the joints and tendons, review your medical history, and decide whether imaging or blood tests would clarify the picture. Treatment can include activity changes, a splint, hand exercises, or medicine chosen for your situation.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for a finger that is suddenly very swollen, hot, red, badly bruised, numb, crooked, or difficult to move after an injury. Seek urgent help if a wound near a joint is accompanied by spreading redness, drainage, fever, or feeling unwell. Book an appointment when stiffness persists, repeatedly disrupts daily tasks, causes locking, or affects several joints. Early assessment is especially useful when morning stiffness lasts a long time or symptoms keep returning.

Ask which joints and tissues seem involved, whether the pattern suggests inflammation or wear, and what movements should be limited or practised. You can also ask whether a splint, hand therapy, imaging, or blood testing is appropriate, and which changes should prompt a faster review.