Finger Arthritis

When you make a fist, if you equate that simple motion with pain and stiffness, then perhaps you can sympathize with people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, a disease which affects 2.1 million Americans.¹ People with rheumatoid arthritis have trouble flexing their knuckles, including the large ones at the top of the fist called the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the hand. These knuckle joints act as hinges between the long bones in the hand and the smaller bones in the fingers.

If arthritis in your hands is affecting your quality of life, finger joint replacement may be an effective pain relief option. 

Finger Joint Anatomy

Learn about the anatomy of a healthy finger. 

Finger Arthritis Symptoms & Diagnosis

Review the symptoms and diagnosis of finger arthritis, including information on signs of rheumatoid arthritis.

References

1. RA affects 2.1 million Americans.
[Lawrence, R. C., Helmick, C. G., Arnett, F. C., Deyo, R. A., Felson, David T., Giannini, E. H., Heyse, S. P., Hirsch, R., Hochberg, Marc C., Hunder, G. G., Liang, M. H., Pillemer, S. R., Steen, V. D., and Wolfe, F. Estimates of the Prevalence of Arthritis and Selected Musculoskeletal Disorders in the United States. Arthritis & Rheumatism 41(5), 778-799. 1998].