My fingers are stiff and painful in the morning: what should I know?

Stiffness in one or two joints that eases as the hand warms may occur with hand osteoarthritis, while prolonged stiffness with swelling in several finger joints can occur with rheumatoid arthritis. A single finger that clicks or catches may be affected by trigger finger. A gradually tightening palm cord can occur with Dupuytren's Contracture. Sleeping with the wrist or fingers bent, repetitive hand use, and a recent injury can also contribute. Morning symptoms do not identify a diagnosis by themselves.

Warm the hand comfortably, then slowly open and close it and move each finger within an easy range. Avoid forcing a tight joint or gripping hard immediately after waking. Keep a brief record of which joints hurt, whether swelling is present, how long stiffness lasts, and whether both hands are involved. A clinician can examine the pattern and decide whether blood tests, imaging, a splint, hand therapy, or other care is appropriate.

Book an appointment if morning pain continues, affects sleep or work, returns often, or comes with visible swelling, warmth, reduced grip, or difficulty making a fist. Seek urgent care for a hot, very swollen finger with fever, sudden loss of movement, marked colour change, numbness, or a recent injury causing deformity.

Ask whether the duration and distribution of stiffness suggest joint, tendon, or inflammatory involvement. Ask what to record at home, which movements are safe, whether a night splint is suitable, and which symptoms should lead to earlier review.