Osteoarthritis of the fingers is a common condition. It occurs because the cartilage surrounding the joints of the fingers begin to wear out. This places undue stress on the joints. Bony growths, known as osteophytes, may develop at the joints. The joints then become painful and tender.

The joints closest to the finger nails are called distal interphalangeal joints (DIP). The middle finger joints are known as proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP). Osteoarthritis in the PIP joints usually means that it will also occur in the DIP joints. It tends to affect both hands will equal intensity. However, the joints at the knuckles are not usually affected by osteoarthritis.

A more aggressive form of the disease is known as erosive osteoarthritis. With this condition the joints of the fingers become more inflamed and there is more swelling and resultant pain.

The joints of the finger are hinge joints. They are used extensively. With use the cartilage of the DIP and PIP finger joints can begin to wear away. Thus the ends of the bone become exposed. The unprotected joints surfaces are now able to rub against each other, causing the pain of osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, the damaged cartilage does not repair itself over time.

Osteoarthritis of the DIP joints may be accompanied by the growth of knobs on the side of the joint, known as Heberden’s nodes. These occur more frequently in women than in men. Similar nodes on the PIP joints are known as Bouchard’s nodes. Osteoarthritis of the DIP joints may also be accompanied by mucus cysts around the fingernails.

Rest, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy are the most common treatments to effect minimization of pain and the limitation of loss of hand motion. When the joints become unstable, surgery may be an option. Over the counter medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are the usual pain relief medications used for finger osteoarthritis.