Arthritis in the fingers can be caused by many different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
Finger joint pain is discomfort, stiffness, or swelling in one or more of your finger joints. It can affect your mobility, making it difficult to grip, type, or even do everyday activities like buttoning a shirt. Some people have constant pain, while others only feel pain when they move their fingers.
The pain can be sharp, dull, or throbbing, and it can get worse over time if left untreated. Knowing the exact cause can help you determine the best way to manage and treat it effectively. Learning how to relieve finger joint pain is essential to maintaining good hand function.
Symptoms of finger joint pain
Finger joint pain can present in a variety of ways, depending on the cause.
Common symptoms include:
- Swelling and redness around the joint
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Weak grip strength
- A clicking or cracking sound when moving the finger
- Numbness or tingling
What exercises can help you relieve finger joint pain and aches?
The following exercises help increase blood flow to the finger cartilage, providing the nutrients and oxygen needed to keep the cartilage healthy and prevent further deterioration.
1. Finger Flexion
Hold your arms out straight in front of you, palms facing up. Take each finger and move it very slowly toward the center of your palm. Hold for a few seconds, straighten, and repeat.
2. Finger Elevation
Place your palm on a flat surface and lift each finger in a controlled manner. Repeat with both hands.
3. Finger Slide
Place your palm on a flat surface with your fingers straight. Slide your fingers toward your thumb, one at a time.
4. “C” or “O” Grasp
Move your fingers as if you were about to grasp a small ball to form a “C” or “O.” Tighten your muscles and hold. Straighten your fingers and repeat.
5. Fist Clenching
Open your hand, palm facing up, slowly clench your hand into a fist, keeping your thumb on the outside of your hand. Release and repeat.
6. Thumb Flexion
Bend your thumb as far toward your palm as you can. Hold and repeat.
7. Thumb Up
Place your fist facing up on the table. Raise your thumb to a thumbs up sign. Lower your thumb and repeat.
8. Wrist Flexion
Hold your arm out, palm facing down. Use your other hand to press the back of your hand into the floor, flexing your wrist. Hold and release.
