Arthritis in the fingers is more than just a feeling of pain. The disease can manifest itself through many different types of symptoms, from mild morning stiffness to finger deformities or persistent numbness.
Although the fingers are small, they are one of the most active parts of the body, performing a series of important functions in daily life. Because they have to move frequently and bear repeated forces, the finger joints are very vulnerable to damage
Recognizing the early signs will help patients promptly control and limit permanent damage to these small but extremely important joints.
What are the most common symptoms and feelings of finger arthritis?
Here are 12 common symptoms that people with finger arthritis may experience:
1. Pain
Pain is a common early symptom of arthritis in the hands and fingers. The pain is often dull and burning. Pain often gets worse after activities that require using the finger joints.
For example, activities that require holding or gripping an object, such as opening a jar, can make the pain worse.
2. Swelling
Sometimes, swelling can become so severe that it limits a person’s ability to use their hands and fingers. Swelling can occur with overuse of the joint or several hours after use.
The joints can swell from overuse. The skin around the finger joints may also look red and swollen, and the area may be painful to the touch.
3. Warm to the touch
Swelling can also make the joints feel hot to the touch. This is due to inflammation.
4. Stiffness
The finger joints can become stiff, and people may have difficulty moving their fingers freely.
This can particularly affect a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, as stiffness can reduce the range of motion in the fingers. This can make it difficult to grasp objects.
5. Mid-joint flexion
People with severe arthritis may experience abnormalities in the finger joints.
One specific type is Boutonniere’s deformity. Fingers with this structural difference bend at the mid-joint and do not straighten. It can affect the middle, index, ring, and little fingers.
6. Numbness and tingling
Tingling and numbness in the hand and fingers (especially the pinky, little finger, and part of the little finger) is a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. Any tingling in the little finger and little finger is usually due to compression of the ulnar nerve.
7. Swelling in the fingers
Osteoarthritis can cause swelling in the fingers. Bouchard’s spots form between the fingers, while Heberden’s spots form at the fingertips.
8. Muscle weakness
Some people may also experience weakness in their hands and fingers. This makes it difficult for them to open jar lids or grasp objects. They may also have difficulty turning on faucets and turning keys in locks.
9. Rashes
Some types of arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis, can cause rashes that affect the hands.
This rash may look scaly and flaky, and may be accompanied by swelling.
10. Nail changes
Some people with psoriatic arthritis may notice changes in the appearance of their nails.
This may include thickening and pitting of the nails. Sometimes, the nails may separate from the nail bed.
11. Cold fingers
Some people with immune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may develop Raynaud’s syndrome. This condition causes discoloration of the fingers and increased sensitivity to cold temperatures.
It is important to note that stress and cold temperatures can also trigger Raynaud’s syndrome.
12. Noise
When the cartilage in the finger joints is damaged, the person may hear a cracking or creaking sound. This is called crepitus.
