More about that nagging pain in the fingers

The advanced symptoms of arthritis include growth of bony knobs on finger joints, numbness, swollen and warm joints, stiffness of fingers and growth of lumps under the skin of hands in the case of rheumatoid arthritis and swollen fingers.

That nagging dull pain and burning sensation, especially in the joints of hand can be arthritis. While not every pain is arthritis; when the pain recurs and increases with increased use of hand, then it could be arthritis and calls for a visit to the doctor. Arthritis pain can be relieved in the early stages. But if ignored the pain increases, arthritis advances and even simple jobs like opening a door knob can be a painful experience. Arthritis pain may not be an immediate occurrence. One may feel the pain later or the next day. Usually it is more pronounced in the mornings (morning stiffness is associated with arthritis) and winter and rainy seasons are bad for the pain.

The advanced symptoms include growth of bony knobs on finger joints, numbness, swollen and warm joints, stiffness of fingers and growth of lumps under the skin of hands in the case of rheumatoid arthritis and swollen fingers. The main causes for the condition are either trauma (an injury etc) or disease, for example, the skin condition called Psoriasis can lead to the joints closest to the finger nails to swell. The most common form of arthritis that is caused due to wearing down of cartilage (a cushion at the joints that absorbs shock) is osteoarthritis that affects all the joints in the fingers and thumb. This form of arthritis mostly occurs in the elderly.

This can be diagnosed with the help of an X-ray. On the other hand Rheumatoid arthritis is more genetic in nature and can be detected by checking the bone-density. The treatment usually involves reducing the pain and managing your arthritis.

If you haven’t got arthritis, it is better you work towards not having to deal with it. Today, unhealthy lifestyle is bringing down the age of the people getting affected by arthritis.

One way to address the problem in the initial stage is to do exercise that will help you make the hands, fingers and thumbs flexible.

Close your fist and then gradually open your hand, stretching your fingers out, then close slowly into a fist again. Make circle motions with your thumb, keeping it straight. Stretch your thumb away from the palm of your hand, and then use it to touch each fingertip. Do the exercises only after consulting the doctors, and stop if the pain increases. Be sensitive towards your hand and fingers. Avoid clutching your purse or mobile for longer periods. Try substituting the use of ‘Mouse’ of your computer with keyboard.

Last but not the least, don’t panic. That pain in the hand could just be your muscles that have tightened up with lack of exercise and increased stress. And a healthy style of living may be all that is needed to get away from the pain.