Signs of Arthritis in the Fingers

Arthritis is a condition where a joint within the body becomes inflamed due to some sort of damage to the cartilage, membrane or even bone. This damage may be a result of use, overuse, injury or a person's immune system. It really varies from person to person what has caused the development of this condition. When arthritis affects a person's fingers, he'll more than likely know it, as the condition brings with it a number of signs and symptoms that can be hard to miss.

Pain

The most prominent sign of arthritis in the fingers is pain. At the onset of arthritis, this pain will usually be felt only when you move your fingers, like during moments of clasping and grasping the hand. As the condition worsens, this pain may no longer be isolated to movement and can persist into times when the hand is left stationary.

Swelling

Besides the presence of pain, many people with arthritis in the fingers can actually begin to notice a swelling within the affected joints. This swelling is generally subtle at first, but, as the condition worsens, the swelling can become more and more distinct and evident.

Stiffness

Often accompanying the pain and swelling of arthritis is the sign of stiffness. Most people with arthritis in the fingers will complain of a certain amount of rigidity or an almost inflexibility within the affected joints, especially after long periods of rest. This is partly due to the inflammation of the joint itself as well as a lack of fluid within the cartilage so the joint is no longer properly lubricated. Just think of the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz to get a better picture. Without the oil, his joints became stiff.

Motion

Drawing on the same allusion to the Tin Man, this stiffness can eventually lead to a loss in the range of motion. This can limit the degree in which a given finger will bend or extend. For some, making a fist will be a challenge. For others, a finger may seemingly lock in a bent position.

Weakness

As the arthritis becomes more and more severe, there is also the potential for a loss in actual strength for those fingers affected by this condition. It may start out as an intermittent problem of holding something in your hand and then worsen to the point where you are unable to carry things.

Discoloration

Many times, the inflammation that occurs with arthritis may cause the skin above the affected joint to show signs of discoloration. This area would seem redder than normal and may even feel warmer than other parts of the finger.