From the Guidelines
Stiffness in the right finger is likely related to osteoarthritis, especially if it's worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. To manage this symptom, start with non-pharmacological treatments such as gentle finger exercises and applying heat to the affected joint for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (up to 3000 mg per day in divided doses) or topical NSAIDs like diclofenic gel (apply to affected area 4 times daily) can help reduce pain and stiffness, as suggested by the 2018 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of hand osteoarthritis 1. Wearing a splint at night may also improve morning stiffness. If these measures don't provide sufficient relief, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment options, which might include prescription medications or physical therapy.
Key Considerations
- Osteoarthritis causes joint stiffness due to the breakdown of cartilage and inflammation in the joint, leading to reduced flexibility and increased friction during movement, as noted in the EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of hand osteoarthritis 1.
- The presence of OA at one finger joint is associated with OA at other finger joints in the same row, and the presence of OA at a particular finger joint strongly associates with OA in the same joint of the opposite hand 1.
- Hand OA mainly targets DIP, PIP, and thumb base joints, with the prevalence of symptomatic HOA being highest with DIP, followed by thumb base, PIP, and MCP joints 1.
Management Options
- Non-pharmacological treatments: gentle finger exercises, applying heat to the affected joint
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: acetaminophen, topical NSAIDs like diclofenic gel
- Wearing a splint at night to improve morning stiffness
- Consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment options, which might include prescription medications or physical therapy.
From the Research
Relationship Between Finger Stiffness and Osteoarthritis
- Finger stiffness is a common symptom of hand osteoarthritis, as indicated by studies such as 2 and 3.
- Research suggests that non-pharmacological interventions, including exercise programs and physical therapy, can help reduce finger stiffness and improve hand function in individuals with hand osteoarthritis 2, 3.
- A study published in 2021 found that resistance training and physical exercise can improve finger joint stiffness in individuals with hand osteoarthritis, with a moderate certainty of evidence 2.
- Another study published in 2019 found that a finger exercise program combined with paraffin baths can reduce pain, improve physical function, and increase hand grip strength in workers with hand osteoarthritis 3.
Management of Hand Osteoarthritis
- Hand osteoarthritis can be managed through a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, as discussed in studies such as 2 and 4.
- Non-pharmacological interventions, including exercise programs, physical therapy, and assistive devices, can help reduce symptoms and improve hand function in individuals with hand osteoarthritis 2, 4.
- Pharmacological interventions, including intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections, can also be effective in managing hand osteoarthritis, although the evidence is not as strong as for non-pharmacological interventions 2.
Evidence for Non-Pharmacological Interventions
- Studies have consistently shown that non-pharmacological interventions, including exercise programs and physical therapy, can be effective in reducing symptoms and improving hand function in individuals with hand osteoarthritis 2, 3, 5.
- A 2018 umbrella review found that standard exercise programs can reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and that other non-pharmacological interventions, such as acupuncture and manual therapy, may also be effective 5.