Hand & Finger Pain: Conditions, Causes and Treatment Options

Hand & Finger pain can range from annoying to debilitating, and getting relief from that pain can be important to your quality of life.

Explore a comprehensive range of causes, and navigate through tailored treatment options that will empower you to embrace life without the limitations of hand and finger pain.

Arthritis of the Hand & Finger

Your hand and finger joints are delicate, and as with all joints, movement of these joints is permitted by smooth cartilage that allows for minimal friction. Unfortunately, as a result of injury, wear and tear, and other conditions, arthritis can develop when that cartilage breaks down. Without that cartilage to cushion the delicate hand and finger joints, you may have pain even when you’re not using them. Hand and finger arthritis is accompanied by a dull pain, swelling, and stiffness in those extremities. In order to relieve pain and restore function, we start with conservative approaches like physical therapy or steroid injections.

Mallet Finger

Mallet finger is an injury to the tendon that straightens the tip of the finger, known as the extensor tendon. The end joint will bend, but not straighten itself, and while the joint can be pushed straight, it cannot hold its position on its own. The tendon may have torn or detached from the finger bone. Mallet finger is common in sports, when a hard ball directly hits the fingertip. In addition to the obvious deformity in the finger, signs of mallet finger can include pain, swelling, or bruising. Most mallet finger injuries can be treated without surgery. Your doctor will most likely require you to wear a splint or cast, with the goal of keeping the fingertip straight until the tendon heals. With this treatment, the finger will usually regain function and appearance.

Trigger Finger

Flexor tendonitis, or trigger finger, is a type of tendonitis that develops in the tendons that bend the fingers. Because there are no muscles in the fingers themselves, tendons connect the muscles in the forearms to the finger bones and move the fingers when pulled. When these flexor tendons become irritated, the inflammation narrows the space within the sheath surrounding the tendon in the affected finger. As tendon swelling interferes with the normal movement of the tendon, the finger will often catch and lock in a trigger position. Pain, swelling, and stiffness can result as well. Those whose work or hobbies require repetitive gripping actions are at higher risk of developing trigger finger. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. Conservative treatment options include medication, a splint, stretching exercises, and steroid injections.