How To Recognize and Manage Early Arthritis in Your Fingers

Arthritis in your fingers often starts with subtle changes. At first, you might wake up with sore or stiff fingers, notice discomfort after using your fingers a lot, or experience changes in grip strength.

These early symptoms can be easy to ignore or overlook, but seeking prompt and early treatment can help you manage discomfort and protect your joints from further damage.

Symptoms of finger arthritis can include:

• Crepitus (a grating sensation)
• Decreased grip strength 
• Difficulty bending or straightening your fingers
• Dull, aching, or burning pain
• Stiffness, especially in the morning 
• Swelling around the finger joints

These symptoms may come and go but can become more frequent or intense over time. With these symptoms, you may notice more difficulty with tasks like opening a jar. 

The most likely causes of arthritis symptoms that affect your fingers include:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common type of arthritis, OA affects 33 million adults in the United States. This condition occurs when your cartilage wears down over time. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This inflammatory condition occurs due to your immune system attacking your joint linings. 
• Post-traumatic arthritis: After an injury like a fracture or ligament tear, you can develop this type of arthritis.

Risk factors and triggers for arthritis can include:

• Age-related wear and tear
• Autoimmune disorders such as RA, gout, and psoriasis
• Family history of arthritis
• Joint injuries
• Obesity
• Repetitive hand movements 
• Cold, rainy weather or stress, which may worsen symptoms

While there is no cure for arthritis, early treatment can help relieve symptoms, slow progression, and protect joint function.

Home Treatment

Here are some things you can do at home to stay more comfortable and support your joint function:

• Apply heat or try paraffin wax therapy to help loosen stiff joints
• Do gentle hand stretches and strengthening exercises to maintain flexibility and improve your hand strength
• Practice stress management techniques to help reduce tension and inflammation; options include deep breathing, mindfulness, or low-impact exercise
• Use ergonomic tools, such as padded pens or easy-grip kitchen utensils, to ease strain on your joints
• Wear supportive splints during sleep or activities that put extra stress on your fingers

Supplements

Some supplements may help your joints feel better, though research is mixed.

Chondroitin and glucosamine are the most popular supplements for joint pain and may help protect your joints over time. Omega-3 fish oils might ease stiffness, especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger and turmeric are natural options that may calm swelling in your joints.

Before trying any supplement, it’s important to check with a healthcare provider to make sure it’s safe for you.

Over-The-Counter Topical Medications

Topical (applied to the skin) products contain ingredients that help ease discomfort. These treatments fall into three main categories: counterirritants, anti-inflammatories, and numbing agents.

Counterirritants create a warming or cooling sensation that distracts your brain from deeper joint pain. Common examples include:

• Bengay (menthol, methyl salicylate, camphor)
• Salonpas (menthol, methyl salicylate, camphor)
• Tiger Balm (menthol, camphor)
• Capzasin-HP (capsaicin)

Anti-inflammatories reduce swelling and irritation in your joints, helping to ease pain at its source. Examples include:

• Voltaren (diclofenac sodium 1%)
• Advil or Motrin Arthritis Pain Cream (diclofenac sodium 1%)
• Aspercreme (trolamine salicylate)
• Arnica gel or cream, a natural remedy

Numbing agents temporarily block nerve signals near your skin’s surface to help reduce pain. Examples include:

• Aspercreme Lidocaine (lidocaine 4%)
• Salonpas Lidocaine (lidocaine 4%)
• Icy Hot Lidocaine (lidocaine 4%)

Over-The-Counter Oral Medications

These over-the-counter (OTC) medications that you take by mouth can help reduce pain and swelling throughout your body: 

• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen)
• Aleve (naproxen sodium)

Prescription Medications

If OTC options don’t provide relief, a healthcare provider may recommend prescription treatments. Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Some may be taken by mouth or given as injections.

If your arthritis is caused by inflammation, prescription medications may include:

• Biologics: Injectable medications like Humira (adalimumab) can help reduce joint inflammation by targeting specific parts of your immune system.
• Corticosteroids: Medications like Deltasone (prednisone) reduce inflammation and are typically used for short-term treatment.
• Immunosuppressants: Medications like Rheumatrex (methotrexate) help calm an overactive immune system in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: Oral medications like Xeljanz (tofacitinib) and Rinvoq (upadacitinib) block inflammation at the cellular level.
• Prescription NSAIDs: Oral medications like Mobic (meloxicam) and Celebrex (celecoxib) may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Supportive Therapies

Your healthcare provider may refer you to specialists who can help manage arthritis symptoms and support daily function. Specialists who may offer supportive therapies include:

• Chiropractors: Some offer ultrasound, cold laser, infrared heat, or electrotherapy to help reduce stiffness and improve comfort.
• Licensed acupuncturists: Acupuncture may ease joint pain and stiffness.
• Mental health professionals: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help you manage stress, improve coping, and reduce the intensity of your pain.
• Occupational therapists (OTs): OTs often provide hand therapy, which includes exercises, joint protection strategies, and adaptations for daily tasks. 
• Physical therapists (PTs): PTs may also offer hand therapy, focusing on gentle stretches and exercises, like squeezing a soft ball, to help improve strength and movement. 

Surgery

A healthcare provider may recommend surgery if your joints become deformed or painful and other treatments no longer help. Surgical options include joint fusion or replacement, which can help relieve pain and improve function.

If finger pain, swelling, or stiffness lingers for more than a few days or keeps coming back, consider checking in with a healthcare provider. Early treatment can make a big difference in protecting your joints.

Reach out to your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Difficulty moving or bending your fingers
• Pain or stiffness in both hands
• Small bumps near your knuckles
• Swelling, warmth, or redness around a joint
• Unusual tiredness or feeling unwell

Early arthritis in your fingers often starts with stiffness, aching, or swelling. Common causes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and past injuries. Recognizing symptoms early and starting treatment promptly can help protect your joints and reduce long-term discomfort.

Treatment options include home care, supportive therapies, medications, and, in some cases, surgery. These approaches can help you stay active, independent, and more comfortable.