About two weeks ago, the middle finger on my right hand suddenly became very painful in the joint at the base of the finger. I have never noticed any pain in this finger (or any other fingers for that matter) before now. It now hurts when I prune the plants, clean the car windows with a squeegee, anything that puts any pressure on that finger. Occasionally it throbs so intensely, like a very intense flu-like pain that passes after about a minute. I don't see any swelling, it's not tender to the touch, and I know I didn't injure it.

Does this sound familiar? Is this the beginning of something, or just one of those passing aches and pains that comes and goes and makes you wonder what's going on?

Jen

That seems to be an arthritis. Try treating it with natural methods first and if the symptoms still persist, then that's the time you consult your doctor's advice for some meds to take in.

Metacarpophalangeal (MP or MPC) joints are those large joints in the hand at the base of each finger. They serve as complex hinge point and are essential for both gripping and pinching activities. Finger joint pain can have an impact on the simplest of daily tasks, such as holding a cup or even using utensils.

Smaller joints in the hand and those where the thumb is connected to the wrist are the ones most affected by finger joint pain. MP joints are less commonly affected by conditions relating to arthritis. The hand and CMC joint (where the thumb connects to the wrist) are typically more susceptible. Nevertheless, rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis that affects the MP joints. In this situation, the joint lining called synovium generates chemical factors that damage and inflame the cartilage and tissues like the ligaments and tendons. The result of this is that joint surfaces are damaged and fingers come to an ulnar-deviated position. This is a position that points each finger in the direction of the little finger.

Other conditions of finger joint pain can produce throbbing, distortion, and movement loss. Post-traumatic arthritis arises when previous injuries result in the slow loss of joint cartilage, resulting in pain and stiffness. These findings are similar with those inherit in osteoarthritis. Post-traumatic arthritis and OA most generally affect the middle finger, index, and thumb. The rate of deformity and distortion is less severe in these conditions when compared to rheumatoid arthritis. Psoriasis, infection and gout are other conditions that trigger MP joint arthritis.

My Auntie experienced very painful finger swelling.

Regards allan_grow