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Pain in the fingers
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
[ What causes pain in fingers?
As a result of nerve compression, for example, tunnel syndrome, a kind of neuropathy, may develop. When arteries and veins are compressed, vascular diseases may develop. In order to reduce pain, contrast compresses are used - cold alternates with heat, anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are also used. The main symptom of this disorder is pain, numbness of the fingers, loss of strength. Spinal diseases can also provoke pain in the fingers. Due to damage to the intervertebral discs, pain can radiate to the fingers.
Various types of arthritis and arthrosis also often become the causative agents of pain in the fingers. Of course, only an experienced specialist can understand the problem and make an accurate diagnosis.
Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, manifests itself in joint damage. Affecting the hand or wrist, this disease restricts movement, significantly reducing a person's ability to work. Injuries, infections, excessive hypothermia and even stressful situations can provoke this disease. There is a hypothesis that rheumatoid arthritis is associated with hereditary factors. Immune disorders can also cause this disease.
A form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and swelling in the fingers. To determine the type of disease, appropriate tests and X-rays are prescribed.
Pain in the area of the big toe may indicate the presence of arthrosis, one of the most common joint diseases. With arthrosis of the interphalangeal joints, or, more simply, the syndrome of "knotty" fingers, tingling and burning are felt in the joints, which subsequently cause nodules to form. In some cases, the motor ability of the fingers is limited. Without appropriate treatment, the consequences may be irreversible.
With rhizarthrosis, pain occurs as a result of damage to the joints located in the area of the big toe.
With polyosteoarthrosis, there are disorders of the functions of articular cartilage. In this case, the doctor may prescribe chondroprotectors, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. Local application of similar creams and ointments that relieve burning and acute pain in the fingers is possible.
When ligaments and muscles become inflamed, pain in the fingers may occur in the area of the thumb or wrist. In this case, a disease such as de Quervain's tenosynovitis may occur, which most often occurs as a result of excessive strain on the thumb or wrist. Injuries can also cause this type of pain. If tendons are compressed, an inflammatory process occurs in the ligaments and muscles. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the elbow or shoulder. The pain in the fingers can be very different - from dull and pressing to intense and burning. Over time, a crunch may appear in the fingers, which occurs as a result of a weakened finger. It should be remembered that only a qualified specialist can reliably understand the symptoms and make the correct diagnosis. The doctor prescribes the necessary tests, x-rays, conducts tests, and only after that treatment is prescribed.
With Raynaud's syndrome, nerve fibers are compressed, an inflammatory process occurs. The main symptom of this disease is numbness in the thumb and index finger. A small test can help you understand the symptoms in more detail: for example, when your arms are raised up, the pain becomes more intense. Only a rheumatologist or neurologist can help you understand the problem.
With such a symptom as numbness of the fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome may be present. Due to the pinched nerve, swelling and inflammation occur. There are suggestions that this problem may be associated with a person's professional activity - with monotonous, repetitive work associated with constant stress on the hands and fingers. For example, in computer typesetters, seamstresses, etc. When the nerve is compressed, blood supply deteriorates, which causes a feeling of pain and numbness. If these symptoms are observed in the ring finger or little finger, most likely, the cause lies in the cervical spine.
In case of osteochondrosis, acupressure vibration massage can have a positive effect. Also, in case of numbness of fingers, regular finger gymnastics (preferably daily) and contrast baths in the area of the hands are recommended.
What to do if you have pain in your fingers?
If even minor and intermittent numbness occurs, it is recommended to undergo an examination immediately. Pain in the fingers, as well as weakness and numbness, is a significant reason to contact a rheumatologist or neurologist for competent diagnosis and treatment.