Knuckle Joint Pain

The knuckles are joints in the hands that aid in the movement of the fingers. Knuckle joint pain can limit use of the hands and, if severe, can make simple tasks rather difficult to perform.

Causes

• Knuckle joint pain can be caused by simple knuckle injury, or diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout or osteoarthritis. Other causes include fractures, diabetes, peripheral artery disease, chemical or heat burns, nerve trauma, stroke or finger injury.

Symptoms

• Symptoms may include swelling and stiffness, in addition to the pain. According to Dr. Dean Smith in Houston, other symptoms include difficulty performing daily activities such as gripping utensils or a pen or pencil, writing or turning a key. Many people also notice their fingers “leaning” to one side over time.

Nonsurgical Treatment

• Nonsurgical treatment includes over-the-counter medications such as Advil or Aleve or prescribed medications for pain. Additionally, according to Desert Hand Associates, injections of anti-inflammatory medications are helpful in reducing pain and swelling.

Surgical Treatment

• If nonsurgical treatment doesn’t aid in relieving pain, surgery may be needed. According to Desert Hand Associates, there are two types of surgery: synovectomy (soft tissue replacement) and joint replacement (used in severe cases). Complications from joint replacement can arise--the artificial joint may break or wear down and a second joint replacement may be recommended down the road.

Rehabilitation

• Following surgery, the hand would be placed in a splint for several days. Therapy would typically last about four to six weeks and consist of special exercises.