Definition

Finger pain is defined as pain in one or more fingers.

Alternative Names

Pain - finger(s)

Considerations

Nearly everyone over a lifetime has had finger injuries. As a result, the fingers can remain a bit crooked or stiff. The hand functions quite well with these minor deformities. Fingers need not open fully or close completely to be functional.

Osteoarthritis causes knobby swelling of finger joints and can also cause problems at the base of the thumb. Expect some pain and stiffness. Specific treatment, other than exercise, is not required.

Numbness or tingling may indicate a problem with nerves or circulation.

Causes

• Injury or trauma
• Osteoarthritis
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)
• Any problem with the nerves of the fingers or hand
• Reduced circulation to the fingers

Review Date: 10/24/2003
Reviewed By: Stanford Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.