Index Finger & Arthritis

Index finger arthritis is the degeneration of the cartilage between finger bones. A person can get index finger arthritis as he ages or as a result of certain conditions or injuries. Treatments can vary from topical solutions to various medications or exercises.

Significance

• An index finger

  Index finger arthritis can be disabling for some individuals and affect their ability to work. A person's index finger can become deformed with some types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Identification

• Osteoarthritis is the main type of arthritis to affect a person's index finger. Index finger arthritis can occur in either the DIP (digital interphalangeal) joint, the top joint in the index finger, or the PIP (proximal interphalangeal) joint, which is located in the middle of the index finger, according to Hand University.

Effects

• Arthritis can cause other conditions in a person's index finger such as gout, which causes inflammation from uric acid buildup, joint weakness and trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis where the finger will snap shut instead of closing smoothly.

Prevention/Solution

• Though there is no know cure for arthritis, people can relieve index finger arthritis symptoms with rest, ice treatments and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Considerations

• Some people believe that a healthy diet rich in vegetables can help improve arthritis symptoms. Moreover, once pain flare-ups are under control, exercises such as squeezing a tennis ball can strengthen finger muscles and relieve pressure on index finger joints.