Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly affects the hands. Out of all the different forms of arthritis (there are more than 100), osteoarthritis is the most common. It is characterized by a degeneration of cartilage, which is the tissue that acts as a cushion for bones. The most common symptom associated with osteoarthritis is pain, which usually occurs with repetitive motion. Other symptoms include warmth, swelling, creaking and stiffness. In severe cases, osteoarthritis will degenerate cartilage to the point where bones create friction by moving against one another. This causes pain associated with even minute movements.
  
  

Tendonitis

• Tendonitis is characterized by inflammation of the tendons. This may occur from injury that results in a tearing, fraying or separating of the tendon from its neighboring bones and muscles. Symptoms associated with tendonitis include limited mobility, tenderness and redness of the skin surrounding the tendon. Tendonitis is not usually severe and abates with rest, ice, compression and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen.
  
  

Gout

• Gout is a form of arthritis that affects the joints. Like tendonitis, it is associated with symptoms like pain, swelling and redness of the skin. However, gout is almost always associated with acute pain that occurs suddenly, often at night. If left untreated, pain can last several days but usually abates over the course of a couple weeks.
  
  

Injury

• Because of their use in everyday activities, fingers are at a high risk of developing serious injury. Injuries affecting the finger joints include sprains, breaks and tears of the associated ligaments or tendons. Injuries resulting in bone breaks or ligament tears will usually require some level of surgery to correct. A cast or compress may be applied to the affected fingers after surgery to limit involuntary movement and speed the healing process. Physical therapy may also be suggested by a doctor to return strength to the joint.
  
  

Warning

• These are only a few of the complications associated with finger joints. There are also several diseases or conditions that can cause pain, discoloration or immobility of the finger joints .These include but are not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, infection, cancer and Buerger's disease. Speak with a doctor if you notice abnormal discoloration or pain associated with your fingers.