What causes arthritis in fingers?

There are multiple potential causes of arthritis in the fingers, including:

1. Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis and is seen in people as they age. It results from the wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage in the joints, including the fingers.

3. Psoriatic Arthritis: This condition affects people with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches of skin. Psoriatic arthritis can cause inflammation in the joints of the fingers, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.

4. Gout: This condition occurs due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, which causes severe pain, inflammation, and swelling in the affected areas, including the fingers.

5. Infectious Arthritis: This type of arthritis is caused by an infection in the joint, such as a bacterial or viral infection, which leads to inflammation, pain, and swelling.

6. Post-traumatic arthritis: This can develop after an injury to the finger joint, such as a fracture or dislocation. The damage caused to the joint can lead to the development of arthritis over time.

7. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): This is a group of arthritic conditions that affect children and adolescents, and can involve inflammation in the joints of the fingers.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis to determine the specific cause of arthritis in your fingers and receive appropriate treatment.