Your finger joints sustain an incredible amount of pressure and movement.
Theyre built to sustain the stress, but only up to a point.
As a result, repetitive use injuries and arthritis are common.
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Finger sprains and accidents also account for many finger joint problems.
Prompt treatment for injuries ensures you regain optimal joint strength and function.
Conditions like arthritis require diligent care to slow or stop progressive joint damage.
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Anatomy
The hand contains 14phalangesthe bones that make up the fingers.
(The term “phalanx"is singular, referring to one finger bone.)
Each finger contains three and the thumb has two phalanges.
Joints
The phalanges are named by how far they are from the rest of your body.
The bone closest to your palm is the proximal phalanx.
The bone next to it is the middle phalanx.
The last of these bones is the smallest and farthest away and is called the distal phalanx.
However, the thumb only has distal and proximal phalanges.
Your finger joints are located between the phalanges.
They include:
The finger joints are similar in structure to your knees.
The surfaces where bones meet to form the joints are covered in cartilage.
The cartilage allows the bones to move smoothly without rubbing together and causing friction.
The synovium releases fluid that lubricates and nourishes the joint and removes waste.
For example, the fetus might have fewer or extra fingers or fewer joints in a finger.
Examples of conditions that cause finger and finger joint defects includepolydactyly,syndactyly, cleft hand, andbrachydactyly.
Polydactylyinvolves having extra fingers or toes.
An extra finger could be attached to extra joints or an extra bone.
This condition is either simple or complex.
When it is simple, only skin connects the digits.
Both types of syndactyly affect the movement of and the ability to bend the finger joints.
With cleft hand, movement of the finger joints can sometimes be restricted.
Function
Your fingers are vital for completing everyday tasks.
The muscles in your forearm have tendons that connect to your fingers.
Flexor muscles and tendons bend your fingers, while extensors straighten them.
Another interesting feature of the finger joints and hands is the ability to grip all types of objects.
The hands can grip in two wayswith a power grip or a precision grip.
This grip usually involves the use of the thumb and index fingers.
Joint Conditions
Problems with the finger joints can occur from many health conditions and injuries.
That rubbing causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Unlike osteoarthritis, RA develops in the same joint on both sides of the body.
Psoriatic arthritis(PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis that develops in people with psoriasis.
However, you’re able to also have gout in your finger joints.
You may also have bruising and swelling and limited movement in the affected finger.
Older adults are susceptible to injuries and fractures because people lose bone strength and muscle mass with age.
Older adults also have a higher risk of injury because of changes to their vision or balance.
Any hard force on the inside of the thumb can injure the UCL.
Repetitive movements strain the ligament, causing small tears and inflammation that get worse without treatment.
Age-related tissue degeneration can also injure the ligament.
A dislocation can occur when the finger joint is pushed out of its alignment.
Trigger Finger
Trigger fingeris a pop in of repetitive stress injury.
Repeated movements cause inflammation and swelling that limit thumb and finger joint movement.
Stiffness lessens with movement and use of the affected finger joints.
Treatment
Treatment for conditions that affect the finger joints is based on the cause and symptoms.
Fractures and torn ligaments and tendons might need surgery.
Surgery repairs the damage and restores function to the finger joints and/or an affected hand.
Finger sprains and dislocations need a correct diagnosis and immediate care.
Your healthcare provider might also recommendphysical therapyafter the affected joint has healed.
Physical therapy can help restore mobility, range of motion, and strength.
Splinting can keep the affected joint from moving.
If nonsurgical treatments dont help, your healthcare provider might recommend surgery.
Another option is surgery to remove the damaged joint and replace it with a new one.
Medications are also included in your treatment.
You may need medicines to reduce inflammation and lower uric acid production.
Theyre constantly working, exposing them to stress and strain that can lead to many joint conditions.
Finger joints may develop arthritis, fractures, and dislocations.
The joints are also affected by inflammation and tears in the tendons and ligaments.
Most acute and repetitive use injuries are treated with immobilization and medications.
However, some joint conditions may need surgery or, in the case of arthritis, a joint replacement.
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