My finger is stiff and hurts to bend: what should I know?

Pain at the finger joint with swelling or tenderness can occur with hand osteoarthritis, an inflammatory flare, or a sprain. Pain along the palm-side tendon with clicking or catching can occur with trigger finger. A finger held in a bent position with a thickened cord in the palm can occur with Dupuytren's Contracture. Several swollen, stiff joints may point toward rheumatoid arthritis. A recent knock, cut, or forced bend changes the concern and may require examination for tendon, ligament, or bone injury.

Rest from forceful gripping and use cool support for a short period if swelling follows recent overuse; keep the finger gently mobile within comfort. Remove rings before swelling increases. Do not force a locked finger, massage an acutely injured area hard, or take medicine prescribed for someone else. A clinician can examine the joint and tendon, assess circulation and sensation, and consider a splint, hand therapy, imaging, or other treatment.

Get prompt medical care if the finger is deformed, numb, blue, rapidly swelling, hot and red, or impossible to move after an injury. A cut over a joint or tendon, fever with finger swelling, or severe pain out of proportion also needs urgent assessment. Arrange a routine review when bending remains painful or daily tasks are becoming difficult.

Ask whether the pain is coming from the joint, tendon, or an injury, and whether you need imaging. Clarify which exercises are suitable, whether a splint should be worn, how to adapt gripping tasks, and what change should prompt an earlier appointment.