Causes of Finger Joint Stiffness and Pain After Waking Up

Generally, the causes of finger joint stiffness and pain after waking up include local compression, prolonged exposure to cold air or cold water, tenosynovitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative arthritis. Treatment methods include maintaining correct sleeping posture, applying warm compresses, and using medications as directed by a physician. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow medical advice for treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Local Compression: During sleep, if the fingers are compressed by other parts of the body, it may lead to poor blood circulation, causing local ischemia and hypoxia in the finger joints, thereby resulting in stiffness and pain. No specific treatment is required; appropriate massage of the finger joints can help improve blood circulation and alleviate pain and stiffness.

2. Prolonged Exposure to Cold Air or Cold Water: Keeping the hands exposed to cold air or cold water for extended periods can cause local vasoconstriction, reduced blood circulation, and insufficient joint lubrication, leading to stiffness and pain, often accompanied by decreased skin temperature in the fingers. It is important to keep warm and avoid prolonged exposure to cold air or cold water. Soaking fingers in warm water can help improve local blood circulation and relieve pain and stiffness.

3. Tenosynovitis: Tenosynovitis occurs due to frequent finger movements or prolonged strain, causing the tendons to repeatedly rub within the tendon sheath, leading to an aseptic inflammatory response. The inflammation causes thickening and narrowing of the tendon sheath, limiting finger joint movement and causing stiffness, pain, snapping, or catching sensations. Medications such as Huoxue Zhitong Capsules, Sanqi Shangyao Capsules, and Diclofenac Sodium Sustained-Release Tablets may be used as directed by a physician to promote blood circulation and provide anti-inflammatory effects.

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a reactive condition following bacterial infection. The disease primarily affects the synovial membrane of the joints, causing congestion, edema, and increased fluid accumulation in the joint cavity, leading to joint pain and stiffness, often accompanied by joint pain. Pain-relief medications such as acetaminophen tablets, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, and ibuprofen capsules may be taken under a doctor's guidance.

5. Degenerative Arthritis: Degenerative arthritis is a chronic joint disease. In finger joints, degenerative arthritis can lead to narrowed joint spaces and uneven joint surfaces, causing joint pain and stiffness, often accompanied by a sensation of friction or abnormal sounds. Surgical treatments such as joint debridement, joint fusion, or artificial joint replacement may be considered under a doctor's guidance.

In daily life, avoid overusing the fingers and regularly perform finger joint exercises and maintenance.