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Find out how finger joint osteoarthritis is diagnosed and treated
Most commonly, a pain is felt on the top and sides of the affected joint. Fortunately, the presence of finger joint osteoarthritis does not always cause pain so it is quite possible to live pain-free despite reasonably advanced arthritis. In addition, the joints undergo a ‘wear and repair cycle’ so pain can improve with appropriate treatment.
Pain with sustained use of the fingers such as typing or with gripping activities requiring a larger range of motion at the finger joints are often the main aggravating activities. There may be some joint swelling and thickening to the joint. If the osteoarthritis becomes more severe the movements of the affected finger joint may become increasingly stiff.
In the majority of cases, the symptoms of finger joint osteoarthritis can be managed effectively by non-surgical measures as described below.
Regular exercises to maintain flexibility and strength to the hand and fingers:
5×30 second holds, 2x per day
Over-the-counter analgesia is available through pharmacies when needed. Paracetamol is most commonly prescribed. Anti-inflammatories, such as Ibuprofen are also used, but as there is little or no inflammation involved in osteoarthritis these are best avoided without discussing with your GP. Side effects are even more common than with paracetamol, so please ensure to take appropriate medical advice. There is a good booklet on the Arthritis Research UK website with information about the various drug options.
For individuals with finger joint OA who continue to suffer significant symptoms in spite of a course of non-surgical management (outlined above), a corticosteroid injection can be offered as the next line of treatment. You can read more about local corticosteroid injections here.
Finger joint (fusion) and in rare circumstances joint replacement surgery can be considered for individuals who:
Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS, MS(Ortho), MRCSEd, MSc (Evidence Based Orthopaedics), MCh (Orthopaedics), FRCS (Trauma and Orthopaedics)
The Blackheath Hospital 2 more Chelsfield Park Hospital The Sloane Hospital
Consultant Rheumatologist
MBBCh (Hons), MRCP, MRCP(Rheum), LLM
Shirley Oaks Hospital
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS, FRCS (Tr and Orth)
The Saxon Clinic
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS, MS (Orth), FRCS (G), FRCS (Tr and Orth), Dip Hand Surg
The Chiltern Hospital 1 more The Saxon Clinic
Consultant in Sport & Exercise Medicine
MBBS (University of London), DipSEM (RCSEd), FFSEM (UK & Ireland)
The Saxon Clinic
Consultant Hand Surgeon
MB Ch.B, FRCS, MD, FCEM
Shirley Oaks Hospital