Is pain in hands and fingers arthritis?

Is Pain in Hands and Fingers Arthritis?

By Dr. Devasis Sarangi – Senior Orthopedic & Joint Specialist, Bhubaneswar

Experiencing pain, stiffness, or swelling in your hands and fingers? You're not alone. These symptoms can affect daily tasks like writing, gripping, or even holding a cup. But the big question is — could it be arthritis?

In this blog, Dr. Devasis Sarangi, Bhubaneswar’s leading orthopedic surgeon, helps you understand whether hand pain is linked to arthritis, what signs to look for, and how to get relief.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, including the small joints of the fingers, knuckles, and wrists. Arthritis causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes deformity in the affected joints.

There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common ones that affect the hands and fingers are:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
  • Psoriatic Arthritis
  • Post-traumatic Arthritis

Common Symptoms of Hand & Finger Arthritis:

  • Persistent pain in joints (especially in the morning)
  • Swelling or puffiness around knuckles or fingers
  • Stiffness that limits hand movement
  • Difficulty in gripping or holding objects
  • Clicking or grinding sensation in joints
  • Deformity or joint enlargement in advanced cases

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms regularly, especially in both hands or fingers, arthritis might be the cause.

Types of Arthritis That Affect the Hands:

1. Osteoarthritis (Wear & Tear Arthritis)

  • Usually occurs with aging or repetitive hand use
  • Affects the thumb base, middle, and end joints of fingers
  • Joints may feel stiff and swollen after use

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune Disease)

  • Affects both hands symmetrically
  • Caused by an immune system attack on joint linings
  • Joints may feel warm, red, and very tender
  • Can cause joint deformities if untreated

3. Psoriatic Arthritis

  • Common in people with psoriasis (skin disease)
  • Causes sausage-like swelling in fingers
  • Nails may show pits or separation

When to See a Doctor?

You should consult a specialist like Dr. Devasis Sarangi if:

  • Pain persists for more than 2–3 weeks
  • You experience morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes
  • There's visible swelling or change in joint shape
  • You’re unable to do regular tasks (writing, holding, buttoning)
  • Over-the-counter medications don’t provide relief

Diagnosis:

At Dr. Sarangi’s clinic in Bhubaneswar, diagnosis includes:

  • Physical examination of hand joints
  • X-rays to detect joint damage
  • Blood tests for inflammation markers (e.g., Rheumatoid factor, ESR, CRP)
  • Ultrasound or MRI if deeper joint analysis is needed

 Treatment Options for Hand & Finger Arthritis:

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, maintain mobility, and prevent further joint damage.

🔹 Non-Surgical Treatments:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Topical pain relief creams
  • Hand splints or braces
  • Physiotherapy & hand exercises
  • Heat/cold therapy
  • Lifestyle modifications (avoid overuse, ergonomic adjustments)

🔸 Surgical Treatments (for advanced cases):

  • Joint fusion (arthrodesis)
  • Joint replacement (arthroplasty)
  • Tendon repair surgeries
    Dr. Sarangi only recommends surgery when conservative treatments fail.

Home Tips for Managing Hand Arthritis:

  • Use warm compresses to ease stiffness
  • Do gentle hand stretches daily
  • Avoid high-impact activities (like lifting heavy items)
  • Use adaptive tools for cooking or writing
  • Maintain a healthy weight and balanced anti-inflammatory diet

Why Choose Dr. Devasis Sarangi?

Dr. Devasis Sarangi is a renowned orthopedic and joint specialist in Bhubaneswar with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating all types of arthritis, including hand and finger joint conditions.

🏥 Modern diagnostic & imaging facilities

🧑‍⚕️ Personalized treatment plans

🖐️ Focus on joint preservation

📞 To book a consultation:  +91 7439639241
🌐 Visit: Dr Devasis Sarangi

Final Thoughts:

Pain in your hands and fingers may be an early sign of arthritis. The sooner it’s diagnosed, the better your chances of managing it effectively. Don’t ignore persistent stiffness, swelling, or joint pain — expert care is just a call away.

Dr. Devasis Sarangi is here to help you regain your hand strength and function — with the right mix of care, therapy, and advanced treatment.