Differential Diagnosis for Stiffness of Right Finger
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most likely diagnosis given the mention of "patio arthritis," which is a colloquial term often used to describe osteoarthritis. OA is a common condition characterized by wear and tear of the joint cartilage, leading to stiffness, pain, and limited mobility, especially in the fingers.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder that can cause stiffness, pain, and swelling in the fingers, among other symptoms. It's a possible consideration if the stiffness is part of a larger pattern of joint symptoms.
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): A form of arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It could be a consideration if there's a history of psoriasis.
- Trauma or Injury: Recent trauma or injury to the finger could cause stiffness due to inflammation, fracture, or ligament sprain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: An infection within the joint space, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment. Symptoms can include sudden onset of pain, swelling, and stiffness in a single joint.
- Gout: A form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness, often occurring at the base of the big toe but can affect any joint, including the fingers.
- Lyme Arthritis: Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. It can cause arthritis and stiffness, particularly in the knees but can affect other joints.
Rare Diagnoses
- Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder characterized by excessive iron accumulation in the body, which can lead to arthritis, among other symptoms.
- Scleroderma: A chronic disease characterized by excessive deposits of collagen, leading to hardened skin and potential involvement of internal organs, including the joints.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of disorders that affect connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues, which can lead to joint hypermobility and stiffness.