What should you know about a stiff, painful ring finger?

Pain at the palm side with clicking or catching can occur when the flexor tendon does not glide smoothly, as in Trigger Finger. Pain around a finger joint after impact may reflect a sprain, fracture, or swelling. Hand Osteoarthritis can present with activity-related aching and reduced movement. Rheumatoid Arthritis can present with several tender, swollen joints and prolonged stiffness. Dupuytren's Contracture can present with a firm palm cord and reduced ability to straighten. These conditions can overlap in appearance, so symptoms do not prove a diagnosis.

Remove rings if swelling is developing. Rest from forceful gripping and use a cool pack wrapped in cloth for brief periods after a recent flare or injury. Keep nearby joints moving and gently bend and straighten the finger only within a comfortable range. Avoid manipulating a finger that is visibly crooked or forcing it through a catch. A clinician may assess tendon function, joint stability, sensation, and circulation, then recommend hand therapy, support, or medication suited to your health history.

Seek urgent assessment if pain followed a major injury, the finger is deformed, you cannot actively bend or straighten it, or it becomes numb, cold, pale, or blue. Prompt care is also needed for spreading redness, marked warmth, pus, fever, or quickly worsening swelling. Arrange an appointment if pain keeps returning, wakes you, limits daily tasks, or does not settle with activity modification.

Where is the pain coming from: the tendon, joint, or bone? Should I use a splint, and for which activities? What exercises are safe now? Could another joint or a systemic inflammatory condition be involved?