Any pain in the hand or fingers can be worrying as they are so integral to every day life. Finger pain can be caused by a range of problems. Finger pain can be caused by disease or injury in most instances. They can affect any element of the finger’s structure including the bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels and other tissue.
Joint pain is common in the fingers and is usually related to arthritis. Finger joint pain can be the first sign of the condition for many so ignoring it can be extremely dangerous. Finger joint pain could be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Inflammation is often accompanied with reddening of the skin and warmth around the finger joints.
Trauma or injury to fingers can also cause finger pain and finger joint pain. Other conditions such as diabetes can result in numbing and pain in the fingers too and carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to tingling and pain in the fingers also.
Treatment for Finger Joint Pain
The treatment for finger joint pain and other finger pain is usually in line with regular pain relief and treatment for arthritis. Treatment may include:
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce inflammation and therefore reduce pain. Some are available without prescription but patients with significant pain will probably require prescriptions NSAIDs.
Corticosteroids
Administered orally and through injection, corticosteroids are fast acting drugs and can control inflammation. The type of steroid offered will depend on the diagnosis and the extent of the condition, including the number of joints affected.
Analgesics
Analgesics provide simple, straightforward pain relief. They do not tackle inflammation and are often prescribed alongside other medication.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery can be the most effective answer. Certain joints such as the thumb joint can be approached for reconstruction and knuckle joints can be replaced where necessary too. It is possible to have other joints replaced to help improve movement, but this is usually only as a last step when no other treatment is effective.
Make an Appointment for Finger Joint Pain
If you would like to find out more or to make an appointment with Dr Stephanie Barrett please call 020 7730 8508 or make an appointment here.
