What should I do if my finger joints are swollen and painful?

What to Do for Swollen and Painful Finger Joints

The treatment of swollen and painful finger joints begins with identifying the underlying cause.

Common causes generally fall into two major categories. The first involves non-infectious (aseptic) inflammation of the finger joints caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatic arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Such aseptic inflammation releases pain-inducing mediators, leading to swelling and pain in the finger joints.

Treatment for this type of condition typically involves symptomatic management with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aceclofenac, diclofenac, or celecoxib. Following the dosage and administration instructions provided in the drug labeling, continuous use for approximately one week usually results in significant relief of finger joint swelling and pain.

The second major category comprises purulent bacterial infections causing suppurative (infectious) arthritis of the finger joints. This condition is treated with either intravenous or oral antibiotics.