Noticing the first signs of stiffness or pain in your fingers can be unsettling. Simple tasks like buttoning a shirt, typing an email, or opening a jar suddenly become a painful reminder of the flexibility you don’t have. It’s easy to feel alone and worry that losing dexterity is an irreversible part of aging.
However, a diagnosis of arthritis is not necessarily the beginning of the end for your hand function. There are many effective ways to manage your symptoms and preserve your joint health for years to come. Physical therapy, in particular, offers a flexible, non-invasive path to maintaining your quality of life.
Symptoms of arthritis in the fingers
When arthritis develops in the hands, it can manifest in several ways. Recognizing these signs early is the first step toward getting the right help. Common symptoms of arthritis in fingers include:
- Pain: This is often the most noticeable symptom. The pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp, burning sensation as you go about your normal work or hobbies that utilize finger dexterity and strength.
- Stiffness: You might find one or more of your finger joints are particularly stiff in the morning or after a period of rest. This stiffness can make it difficult to bend or straighten your fingers.
- Swelling: The affected joint(s) may look puffy or swollen due to inflammation. This might make any rings you wear feel tight or impossible to take off.
- Weakness: A weakened grip is a common complaint with arthritis symptoms. You might struggle to hold onto objects securely or find tasks requiring fine motor skills more challenging.
- Grinding or clicking: A sensation known as crepitus, which is a popping or clicking sound when you move the joint, can occur.
- Bony nodules: Small bony growths, called Heberden’s nodes (on the joint nearest the fingertip) or Bouchard’s nodes (on the middle joint), can develop. These are most common in osteoarthritis.
Can arthritis occur in just one finger?
It’s important to distinguish these symptoms from other causes of finger pain. Issues like tendonitis or an injury can also cause pain in just one finger, but they typically don’t involve the same level of persistent joint stiffness and swelling that characterizes arthritis.
A common question is, can you have arthritis in one finger? The answer is yes, it’s entirely possible, especially with certain types of arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis (OA): The “wear and tear” form of arthritis is the most likely culprit for arthritis appearing in just one finger. OA is a condition that results in the degradation of the protective cartilage and other structures in the space between joints. It can be localized to a single joint that has been overused or previously injured. The thumb is particularly susceptible to osteoarthritis, a condition known as basal joint arthritis, but any finger can be affected.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This autoimmune disease that causes arthritis symptoms is less likely to affect only one finger. RA typically presents symmetrically, meaning if a joint on your left hand is affected, the same joint on your right hand probably is, too. It also tends to affect multiple joints at once.
- Psoriatic arthritis: This is another autoimmune condition that can cause arthritis in the fingers, sometimes affecting just one or two in an asymmetrical pattern. It often causes the entire finger to swell, giving it a “sausage-like” appearance (dactylitis).
- Gout: While most famous for affecting the big toe, gout can also strike a single finger joint. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint, leading to sudden, intense pain and swelling.
So, if you’re experiencing symptoms in just one finger, osteoarthritis is a likely cause, but it’s still important to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional to rule out other conditions.
How to treat arthritis in your fingers
Whether you have arthritis in one finger, several fingers, or your entire hand, the treatment goals are the same: reduce pain, improve function, and slow the progression of the disease. Physical therapy is often recommended as the first line of defense and one of the most effective non-surgical treatments available.
A physical or occupational therapist at Carolina Strong can design a personalized program to address your specific needs. This might include:
- Therapeutic exercises: Specific stretching and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and support the affected joints.
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques, such as joint mobilization, can help reduce stiffness and pain.
- Splinting or bracing: A therapist may recommend a custom or prefabricated splint to support the joint, reduce strain during activities, and ease pain, especially at night.
- Activity modification: Learning new ways to perform daily tasks can protect your joints from further stress. This could involve using adaptive tools or changing your grip.
- Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat can help relax stiff joints, while cold can reduce swelling and numb acute pain. Learning to use these methods effectively can ease pain without medication.
Self-care strategies for finger arthritis
In addition to formal physical therapy, there are several things you can do at home to manage the symptoms of arthritis in fingers:
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises: Regularly and gently bend and straighten your fingers to their full range of motion. This can help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness. Avoid pushing through sharp pain.
- Use ergonomic tools: Look for kitchen utensils, pens, and garden tools with larger, padded grips to reduce the strain on your finger joints.
- Pace yourself: Break up activities that put a lot of stress on your hands. Take frequent breaks to rest your joints.
While these strategies can provide significant relief, working with a professional ensures you are performing the right exercises correctly and not inadvertently causing more harm.
Arthritis care throughout North Carolina
Experiencing arthritis for the first time, whether in one joint or many, can be a disheartening discovery. But you don’t have to face these symptoms alone. The right support and treatment can make a world of difference in managing your symptoms and keeping you active.
The experienced therapists at Carolina Strong are dedicated to helping you preserve your joint health and improve your quality of life in ways that work for you. Learn more about your options for arthritis treatment by calling a Carolina Strong clinic near you or by requesting your first appointment online today.