Finger rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition resulting in pain and swelling in the fingers, feet, and wrists. It is also called arthritis of the hand, as pain persists at the base of the thumb, knuckles, and other joints. While people usually experience swollen joints and stiffness, rheumatoid finger arthritis can also result in more severe symptoms, making it challenging to perform everyday activities. However, its symptoms can be managed through treatment.

Symptoms
Finger rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects joints in the hands and feet. The common symptoms of rheumatoid finger arthritis include:

Swelling, redness, and pain in the fingers
Pain or tenderness in one or more fingers
Stiffness in the finger joints in the morning or after long hours of inactivity
Possible symptoms include tiredness and changes in physical appearance

Risk factors
Finger rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that can affect the fingers, hands, wrists, and forearms. Many factors may contribute to the development of rheumatoid finger arthritis, including:

Age: Older adults are more likely to develop this condition than younger people.

Family history: If a close relative is affected by finger rheumatoid arthritis, one is at a higher risk of developing this condition.

Low or minimal physical activity: For those who lead a sedentary lifestyle and have not been active for an extended period, the risk of developing rheumatoid finger arthritis later on in life increases.

Diagnosis
A doctor diagnoses finger rheumatoid arthritis by evaluating the symptoms and conducting a physical examination. It is important to note that the diagnosis does not mean you have the condition. The examination consists of looking for signs of swelling, redness, or tenderness around the joints and fingers, bony lumps, and pain when moving the fingers or hand. Further, doctors examine the loss of range of motion using movement tests. Blood tests and joint scans may also be conducted to achieve a precise diagnosis and develop an appropriate finger rheumatoid arthritis treatment plan.

Treatment
Finger rheumatoid arthritis treatment can be extensive and vigorous, so the condition requires a thorough and precise diagnosis. Treatment is determined based on the severity of the condition. Doctors may recommend a variety of prescription options as finger rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Some prescription options can help one manage symptoms like pain and swelling. Others may bring down the swelling in the joints or reduce inflammation in the affected areas. Biological agents can help one manage moderate joint damage brought on by rheumatoid polyarthritis. These agents can also be administered right into a joint if one experiences severe symptoms like extreme pain or disability as the disease progresses.

Additionally, finger rheumatoid treatment could include the following options:

Doctors may recommend occupational therapy to help patients learn to use self-help devices for daily activities.
One may have to give up unhealthy lifestyle choices and make better food choices to manage the symptoms.
Adequate rest and sleep can help one manage the condition and avoid worsening the symptoms.

In addition to these factors, some believe that having certain genes makes one more susceptible to developing this condition alone or accompanied by autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis. If one notices one or more of the common symptoms, they should immediately consult a doctor to get timely treatment for finger rheumatoid arthritis. Immediate treatment is crucial to stop arthritis from spreading to other parts of the body.