Arthritis in the fingers is a common condition that affects millions of people globally.
It’s a form of joint inflammation that can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected fingers.
Several treatment options can help you manage the potentially debilitating symptoms, including medications, physical therapy, and surgery.
Types of finger arthritis
There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the three main types of finger arthritis are:
- osteoarthritis (OA)
- rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
Osteoarthritis
OA is the most common type of finger arthritis.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the fingers include:
- joint pain and stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity
- the formation of bony growths on the finger joints
- swelling and fluid retention
- reduced range of motion
- cramping
OA is not an autoimmune condition like RA. It’s generally believed that repetition and overuse of joints cause wear and tear. This causes OA by deteriorating the cushioning layer of cartilage found in fingers.
Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that other factors can contribute to the condition, such as:
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome: People with obesity or metabolic syndrome may be more likely to develop OA.
- Genetic predisposition: More than 80 specific genes have been linked with OA development.
- Sex: Some research suggests that females are more likely to develop OA.
- Previous injuries: Injuries like fractures or ligament damage may contribute to the condition.
- Age: Although OA can develop at any age, older age is the greatest risk factor.
Rheumatoid arthritis
RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints.
This type of arthritis affects many other joints, including the fingers, and can cause joint deformities and permanent damage if left untreated.
Symptoms of RA in the fingers are similar to those of OA. However, while OA may affect only certain joints, RA typically affects many joints at once, often on both sides of your body.
Causes are not yet understood, but some research suggests they may include:
- genetic factors
- smoking
- exposure to silica dust
- a diet high in red meat and low in fish and fruit
- certain infections
Psoriatic arthritis
PsA is a type of arthritis that, like OA and RA, can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can also cause psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly, itchy, or painful patches.
Like RA, this type of arthritis can affect many joints, including the fingers.
The causes for this condition are also not yet clearly defined, but research from 2019 suggests they can include:
- Age: Although PsA can affect any age, people typically receive a diagnosis after age 40.
- Certain other conditions: You may be more likely to develop PsA if you also have osteoporosis, bowel inflammation, or heart disease.
- Genetics: Specific genes may associate with this condition.
- Infections: Certain infections, particularly strep (Streptococcus), may link to PsA development.
Treatment for arthritis in the fingers
None of the types of finger arthritis have a known cure.
Treatment differs between arthritis types and the individual, but is generally focused on:
- reducing or eliminating pain
- increasing quality of life, for example through an increased motion range
- preventing further joint damage and worsening symptoms
Medications
Doctors often recommend medications to manage finger arthritis.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, and would often be the only available treatment for OA.
Your doctor may also prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen (Ec-Naproxen, Naprosyn).
For autoimmune arthritis like RA and PsA, your doctor may prescribe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as:
- hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
- methotrexate (Trexall)
- sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
- etanercept (Enbrel)
- adalimumab (Humira)
- infliximab (Remicade)
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
