Quick version
Pain in the fingers can have many different causes, but a common explanation is that you have osteoarthritis. The symptoms often come on insidiously and can cause symptoms such as stiffness, weakness, pain when straining and sometimes pain even at rest or at night. Over time, the joints can become swollen, less mobile and have knots.
With osteoarthritis, it is common to have nighttime pain because the fingers become stiffer at rest and the pain is felt more clearly when the body is winding down. Many people may also feel tired, which can be due to long-term pain and poor sleep, among other things.
To find out if the symptoms are due to osteoarthritis, the symptoms are assessed, the joints are examined and sometimes imaging tests are also performed. Seek medical attention if you have long-term pain, morning stiffness, poor grip strength or visible changes in your fingers.
What can cause pain in the fingers?
There are several possible reasons why you may experience pain in your fingers. Some examples include:
- Osteoarthritis (joint degeneration)
- Rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Overuse or repetitive movements
- Injuries or previous fractures
- Nerve compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
The most common cause of finger pain, however, is osteoarthritis, especially with increasing age.
What happens in osteoarthritis?
The cartilage in the joint gradually breaks down, leading to stiffness, tenderness, and sometimes swelling. The body tries to compensate by forming new bone, which can result in bony nodules in the fingers. Read more here What happens in the joint in osteoarthritis – how cartilage breaks down
What are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis in the fingers?
Osteoarthritis in the fingers often develops slowly. The most typical early signs are:
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Pain during use, for example when gripping objects
- A feeling of fatigue in the hands
Common symptoms that appear later
- Persistent pain, even at rest
- Swelling and tenderness in the joints
- Reduced mobility
- Enlarged joints or nodules, known as Heberden’s or Bouchard’s nodes
Why does finger pain worsen at night?
It is common to experience increased pain at night. There are several possible explanations for this:
- Reduced distraction: When you are resting and it is quiet around you, pain signals become more noticeable.
- Low-grade inflammation: Joint irritation can make the pain more noticeable during rest.
- Stiffness after inactivity: Joints that remain still for longer periods often become stiffer.
- Increased sensitivity at night: Pain may feel stronger when the body winds down and sleep is disturbed.
Night pain is not unique to osteoarthritis, but in combination with other symptoms, it can be an important clue.
Can osteoarthritis cause fatigue?
Yes, many people with osteoarthritis describe a general feeling of fatigue. This may be due to chronic pain affecting sleep quality, the mental burden of living with long-term symptoms, or reduced physical activity.
Fatigue is often underestimated but can impact quality of life just as much as the pain itself.
How do you find out if it is osteoarthritis?
To make a diagnosis, a combination of symptoms, clinical examination, and imaging is usually required.
1. Symptom assessment
During an evaluation, the doctor will assess factors such as finger stiffness and how long the symptoms have been present.
2. Clinical examination
During the clinical examination, joint mobility is assessed, along with swelling or nodules in the fingers and pain response during movement or pressure.
3. Imaging
Imaging can be particularly useful if the diagnosis is unclear or if early changes need to be detected. Different imaging methods can reveal different types of changes.
- X-ray shows changes in the bones
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can detect early changes in cartilage, soft tissues, and surrounding structures
MRI of the hand – a more detailed assessment
If osteoarthritis in the fingers is suspected, an MRI of the hand can provide more detailed information than a standard X-ray. Some advantages of MRI include:
- It can detect changes early
- It visualizes cartilage, bone, and soft tissues
- It can help distinguish osteoarthritis from other conditions
An MRI examination is a good option if you want clarity about your symptoms, as it enables a thorough assessment of finger pain.
When should you seek medical care?
You should consider seeking evaluation if you:
- Have had finger pain for a prolonged period
- Experience night pain or morning stiffness
- Notice reduced grip strength
- Develop visible changes in the joints
An early diagnosis can make it easier to understand the cause of your symptoms and choose the right next steps.