Finger Stiffness: Causes and When to See a Doctor

Q: Finger Stiffness: Causes and When to See a Doctor

Dear Netizen： There are many causes of finger stiffness, with the most common being overuse leading to tendon inflammation, which can slow the return of tissue fluid and result in finger stiffness or swelling. <br>It is recommended to reduce hand activities, such as avoiding heav

Finger stiffness

My mother is 52 years old and has recently been experiencing stiffness in her fingers at night, making them difficult to move.
She says it takes about 20 minutes after waking up for them to return to normal.
What could be the cause of this, and should she see a doctor? I experienced something similar during winter, which I thought was due to the cold.
I just needed to get up for a moment to feel better, so I didn't think it was a big deal.
Is there a connection? Why is my mother experiencing this, and if she needs to see a doctor, which specialist should she consult? Thank you.

Additionally, I have a question about myself.
Since childhood, whenever I write for more than about ten minutes, my wrist becomes very sore.
What could be the reason for this? It causes me a lot of discomfort.
Is it due to underdeveloped hands? Is there a solution? Do I definitely need to see a doctor? Thank you.

Xue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/04/26

Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics

Dear Netizen: There are many causes of finger stiffness, with the most common being overuse leading to tendon inflammation, which can slow the return of tissue fluid and result in finger stiffness or swelling.
It is recommended to reduce hand activities, such as avoiding heavy lifting and minimizing household chores, while allowing for more rest or applying heat to the hands.
If these suggestions are followed but no improvement is seen, it would be best to consult an orthopedic or hand surgery clinic for examination and treatment.
If there is underdevelopment of the hands, the size difference between the two hands is usually noticeable; if the sizes are similar, it is likely not an issue of hand underdevelopment.
This may be related to factors such as hand muscle endurance, improper force application, or poor use of writing instruments.
If you are still concerned, you can certainly visit an orthopedic or hand surgery clinic to check for other potential issues.
Wishing you health and safety! Sincerely, Dr.
Chen

Reply Date: 2010/04/26

More Info

Finger stiffness, especially when it occurs during the night and resolves after a short period, can be attributed to several potential causes. In your mother's case, at 52 years old, there are a few common reasons that might explain her symptoms.

1. Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that can lead to stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. As we age, the cartilage in our joints can wear down, leading to pain and stiffness.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition that can cause joint stiffness, especially in the morning. It often affects multiple joints and can be accompanied by swelling and pain.

3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and stiffness in the fingers, particularly at night.

4. Raynaud's Phenomenon: This condition causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict excessively in response to cold or stress, leading to temporary stiffness and color changes in the fingers.

5. Cold Weather: As you mentioned, cold temperatures can lead to temporary stiffness in the fingers. When the body is exposed to cold, blood flow to the extremities can decrease, leading to stiffness and discomfort.

Given that your mother experiences stiffness that resolves after about 20 minutes, it may be less likely to be a severe condition, but it is still advisable for her to consult a healthcare professional. A primary care physician or a rheumatologist would be appropriate for evaluating her symptoms. They can perform a physical examination, review her medical history, and possibly order imaging studies or blood tests to determine the underlying cause.

Regarding your own experience of wrist discomfort after writing for extended periods, this could be related to several factors:
1. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): This is common among individuals who perform repetitive tasks, such as writing. It can lead to discomfort in the wrist and fingers due to overuse.

2. Poor Ergonomics: If your writing posture is not optimal, it can lead to strain on the wrist and fingers. Ensuring that your writing surface is at the right height and that you are using proper hand positioning can help alleviate discomfort.

3. Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the wrist can cause pain and discomfort, especially during repetitive movements.

4. Nerve Compression: Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, if the nerves in your wrist are compressed, it can lead to discomfort during activities like writing.

To address your wrist discomfort, consider the following strategies:
- Take Breaks: Regularly take breaks while writing to stretch and rest your hands and wrists.

- Ergonomic Adjustments: Ensure that your writing posture is comfortable. Use a supportive chair and desk, and consider using ergonomic writing tools.

- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the wrist and fingers can help improve flexibility and reduce discomfort.

- Consult a Doctor: If the discomfort persists or worsens, it may be beneficial to see a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or a physical therapist, who can provide tailored advice and treatment options.

In summary, while your mother's finger stiffness may be due to a variety of causes, it is advisable for her to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation. Your wrist discomfort may also warrant attention, especially if it affects your daily activities. Taking proactive steps to address these issues can lead to improved comfort and function.

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