According to Dr. Anup Khatri, Senior Consultant - Orthopedics, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai (India), finger arthritis is an inflammation or pain in the finger joints, usually caused by some type of joint disease. Finger arthritis can affect the mobility and quality of life of the patient. Here are the common types of finger arthritis and effective treatments:
Types of arthritis that affect the fingers
Arthritis can affect the fingers due to several common conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), gout, and post-traumatic arthritis, says Dr. Anup Khatri.
Osteoarthritis (OA): Joint cartilage wears away, causing pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in small joints, including the fingers.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): Related to psoriasis, causes arthritis and skin lesions.
Gout: A buildup of uric acid causes pain and swelling in the joints.
Post-traumatic arthritis: Due to joint injury, leading to inflammation and pain.
Arthritis can be detected through a physical exam, checking for deformities such as bent fingers, or by imaging tests such as MRI, X-rays, and ultrasound.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Finger Arthritis
Dr. Anup Khatri shares that finger arthritis can be effectively controlled without surgery through methods such as physical therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles, improve mobility and reduce joint stiffness.
Cold and heat therapy can reduce pain and swelling.
NSAIDs and corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and pain.
Lifestyle changes such as gentle exercise and a healthy diet support joint health.
However, it is important to follow the expert's instructions to achieve optimal treatment results.
The role of lifestyle changes in the treatment of finger arthritis
Lifestyle changes play an important role in reducing inflammation and improving joint health. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce inflammation, while low-impact exercises such as stretching and light strength training improve mobility. Avoiding junk food and processed foods is also important. Additionally, vitamin D from sunlight can help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Benefits and risks of finger arthritis surgery
Surgery such as joint replacement or fusion can relieve pain and restore function in severe cases of finger arthritis, but risks such as infection, blood clots, and reduced range of motion can occur, says Dr. Anup Khatri. Physical therapy after surgery can also help strengthen muscles and aid in recovery.
