Joint pain in the fingers: from injuries to infections as possible causes

Joint pain in the fingers can significantly impact daily life. The causes are varied and range from simple injuries such as bruises or sprains to serious chronic or infectious diseases. An accurate diagnosis is essential in order to treat the symptoms in a targeted manner and prevent long-term damage. In this blog, you will learn more about the most common causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches for joint pain in the fingers.

Table of Contents

• Common causes of joint pain in the fingers
• Injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Disseminated gonococcal infection
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Osteoarthritis
• Summary

Common causes of joint pain in the fingers

Injuries

Injuries are a common cause of joint pain in the fingers. Sprains, bruises, or fractures can cause acute pain. These often result from accidents, such as falls onto the hand or strong force applied to the fingers during sports or daily activities. Typical symptoms that may occur include:

• Swelling

• Redness and warmth

• Limited mobility

• Sharp pain

What treatment options are available?

In the case of serious injuries (e.g., fractures), a doctor should be consulted immediately. Relief measures include:

• Rest: Avoid further strain on the affected finger.

• Cooling: Reduces swelling and pain; ideally applied for 15–20 minutes every few hours.

• Elevation: Reduces blood flow and swelling.

• Stabilization: Light bandages or splints help protect and support the joint.
  
  Source: MedlinePlus, 2022

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can indirectly cause joint pain in the fingers. It occurs when a nerve in the wrist that controls finger movement and sensation becomes compressed. As a result, improper or unnatural movements are used to compensate, which can then lead to joint pain in the fingers. Classic symptoms that may appear include:

• Numbness and tingling

• Weak grip strength

• Radiating pain

What treatment options are available?

Treatment includes wrist splints to immobilize the area, especially at night. Physical therapy can help restore mobility, while cooling can reduce swelling and mild inflammation. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often associated with other conditions that promote swelling or tissue changes. Common examples include rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disorders. For this reason, treatment should not be delayed.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, 2024; NHS, 2024

Disseminated gonococcal infection

Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) is a serious complication of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhea, which is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. "Disseminated" means that the infection spreads from the mucous membranes of the genital area through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.

What symptoms may occur?

Gonorrhea often presents without symptoms, especially in women. When symptoms do occur, they are typically localized: Men often experience burning during urination and purulent discharge; women may have vaginal discharge, pain during urination, or intermenstrual bleeding. If the infection spreads throughout the body and affects the finger joints, the following symptoms may occur:

• Swelling and pain in the affected joints, often accompanied by restricted mobility

• Redness and warmth

• Fever

• Skin rashes

Gonococcal infections are usually treated with antibiotics, and early treatment is essential to avoid complications such as DGI. Since transmission occurs through unprotected sex, it is important to treat partners as well and practice safer sex. STI testing is the most reliable way to detect asymptomatic infections early.

Source: CDC, 2021

Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections can help identify complications such as DGI at an early stage. Modern testing methods even allow for convenient home-based screening.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that often affects the small joints in the fingers. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. In this case, the inner lining of the joints is attacked, leading to inflammation, joint pain, and tissue damage. Symptoms that may occur with RA include:

• Symmetrical pain: Pain occurs in the same joints on both hands or fingers.

• Morning stiffness: Joints feel stiff for more than 30 minutes after waking and are difficult to move.

• Swelling and redness: The inflamed joints are swollen and may appear red.

• Warmth: The affected joints feel warm due to inflammation.

• Fatigue and fever: Patients often feel tired and may experience a low-grade fever.

• Deformities: As the disease progresses, joints can change shape and develop malpositions.

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and prevent joint damage. Anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids are used. In the long term, specific medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) help calm the immune system and slow disease progression. Physical therapy and exercise also help maintain joint function.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, 2024; NHS, 2023

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, results from age- or stress-related cartilage degradation in the joints. It is also known as joint wear. The breakdown of cartilage causes bones to rub against each other, leading to joint pain during movement, and later even at rest. Other symptoms include stiffness, swelling, bony deformities (e.g., Heberden’s nodes), and grinding sounds.

As there is no cure, treatment focuses on relieving pain, maintaining mobility, and slowing the disease's progression:

• Medications: Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory ointments.

• Physical therapy: Improves mobility and strengthens muscles.

• Assistive devices: Splints or other tools to relieve pressure on joints.

• Surgical interventions: Joint replacement or corrective surgery in severe cases.

• Lifestyle measures: Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling.
  
  Sources: Cleveland Clinic, 2023; Mayo Clinic, 2021

Summary

Joint pain in the fingers can result from a variety of causes, including injuries, inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), chronic joint wear (osteoarthritis), or infections (e.g., disseminated gonococcal infection). Common symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility. An early diagnosis by a physician is crucial to clarify the cause and initiate appropriate relief measures. Treatment approaches range from rest, cooling, and physical therapy to medication and surgical intervention.