Symptoms
Reduced range of motion in one or more fingers
Pain when moving the fingers
Swelling or inflammation around the finger joints
Aching or throbbing sensation in the fingers
Difficulty making a fist or gripping objects
Clicking or popping sound when moving the fingers
Morning stiffness that improves with activity
Numbness or tingling (in some cases)
Causes
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout are common causes.
Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Inflammation of the tendons that control finger movement, causing a snapping or locking sensation.
Dupuytren's Contracture: Thickening and tightening of tissue under the skin of the palm, leading to finger curling.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: Affects tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and stiffness that can radiate into the fingers.
Injury: Sprains, dislocations, fractures, or tendon injuries can cause stiffness.
Overuse: Repetitive hand movements can lead to inflammation and stiffness.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist can cause numbness, tingling, and sometimes stiffness in the fingers.
Infections: Rarely, infections in the hand or finger can lead to stiffness.
Systemic Diseases: Conditions like lupus, scleroderma, and diabetes can contribute to finger stiffness.
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help manage pain.
Corticosteroids: Oral or injected corticosteroids can reduce inflammation.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Used for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Examples include methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine.
Biologic Agents: For autoimmune conditions, these medications target specific parts of the immune system. Examples include TNF inhibitors (etanercept, infliximab) and other biologics.
Topical medications: Creams or gels containing NSAIDs or capsaicin may provide localized pain relief.
Is Communicable
Finger stiffness itself is generally not communicable, as it is usually caused by underlying conditions like arthritis, injuries, or overuse. However, if the stiffness is due to a rare infection, the underlying infection could potentially be communicable depending on the specific pathogen.
Precautions
Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the stiffness and pain.
Ice/Heat: Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation or heat to loosen stiff joints.
Stretching and Exercise: Perform gentle range-of-motion exercises to maintain finger flexibility.
Splinting: Use splints to support and immobilize the fingers, especially at night.
Ergonomics: Modify work or home environments to reduce strain on the hands and fingers.
Proper Posture: Maintain good posture to prevent strain on the upper body.
Avoid Repetitive Motions: Take breaks during activities involving repetitive hand movements.
Early Treatment: Seek medical attention early to prevent progression of underlying conditions.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of finger stiffness depends entirely on the underlying cause.
Injury-related: Stiffness may last for a few weeks to several months depending on the severity of the injury and the effectiveness of treatment.
Arthritis-related: Can be chronic, with periods of flare-ups and remissions. Stiffness may be a long-term issue that requires ongoing management.
Trigger finger: Without treatment, it can persist for months or even years. Treatment can resolve it within weeks.
Overuse: A few days to weeks with rest and proper care.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: Doctor will assess the range of motion, check for swelling, tenderness, and deformities in the fingers and hands.
Medical History: The doctor will ask about symptoms, past injuries, medical conditions, and family history.
Imaging Tests:
X-rays: Can identify arthritis, fractures, or other bone abnormalities.
MRI: Can visualize soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments to identify tears, inflammation, or nerve compression.
Ultrasound: Can assess tendons and joints for inflammation or fluid accumulation.
Blood Tests: Can help diagnose autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or lupus.
Nerve Conduction Studies: May be performed to evaluate nerve function, especially in cases of suspected carpal tunnel syndrome.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of finger stiffness symptoms varies depending on the underlying cause:
Sudden onset: Often seen with injuries, infections, or acute gout flare-ups. Symptoms develop within hours to days.
Gradual onset: Common with arthritis, Dupuytren's contracture, or overuse injuries. Symptoms worsen over weeks, months, or even years.
Intermittent: May occur with conditions like trigger finger or early-stage arthritis, where stiffness comes and goes depending on activity levels.
Progressive: Some conditions, like Dupuytren's contracture, gradually worsen over time, leading to increased stiffness and deformity.
Important Considerations
Underlying Cause: Identifying and treating the underlying cause is crucial for effective management of finger stiffness.
Early Intervention: Seeking medical attention early can prevent the condition from worsening and improve treatment outcomes.
Individualized Treatment: Treatment plans should be tailored to the specific cause, severity, and individual needs of the patient.
Long-Term Management: Chronic conditions like arthritis may require ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent further joint damage.
Lifestyle Modifications: Modifying activities, improving ergonomics, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce strain on the fingers and improve overall hand function.