"Leaving it untreated can lead to fingers not moving at all"... Four diseases that cause finger pain

Degenerative arthritis

Degenerative arthritis is a disease in which the cartilage protecting the joints wears down, leading to inflammation. Aging and high-intensity exercise are major causes. While it is commonly believed that arthritis occurs mainly in the knees or ankles, it can develop in any joint area. Joints that are used frequently are more vulnerable, and the fingers are one of the areas where arthritis can surprisingly develop easily due to frequent use. Symptoms of degenerative finger joint arthritis include aching or tingling in the finger joints. These symptoms tend to worsen after extensive use of the fingers. Additionally, weakness in the hands makes it difficult to pick up objects, gripping fists becomes hard, and the fingertips may become thicker or deformed compared to before. Since the fingers are joints used constantly in daily life, and degeneration progresses quickly, early treatment is crucial.

Gout

Gout patients can also experience pain in their fingers. Gout is a condition where uric acid, which is not excreted through urine, accumulates in the joints, with swelling and pain being the main symptoms. Therefore, if your finger suddenly swells and feels hot, it is necessary to suspect gout. It can also be accompanied by severe pain or the joints becoming bumpy. Gout requires visiting a hospital for medication treatment. Additionally, dietary management is necessary, such as avoiding foods that increase uric acid synthesis, like beef, lamb, and beer.

Trigger finger

Trigger finger is a common condition that causes finger pain. It occurs when nodules form on the tendons necessary for bending the fingers, often due to excessive use of the hand. When stress is placed on the tendons rather than the cartilage during hand use, trigger finger develops. Moving the finger produces pain and a clicking sound like pulling a trigger. If the symptoms are mild, they can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory painkillers, warm compresses, and rest, but if the symptoms are severe enough to prevent finger movement, surgery to release the pulley should be considered.

De Quevréven tendinitis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is an inflammatory condition caused by hand use, such as lifting heavy objects with the hand or wrist, leading to thickening of the fibrous membrane beneath the thumb. It mainly occurs in women aged 30 to 50, with pain appearing only in the area from the outside of the thumb to the wrist. Immobilization with a splint or steroid injection therapy may be considered.