A joint is a zone where two bones are connected. Every finger except for the thumb contains 3 joints. Swollen joints cause pain and disrupt hand functioning significantly. The condition interferes with the everyday tasks. Even holding a brush may trigger immense pain. Fluids accumulation in the body results from swollen finger joints.

Causes

Injury
Hand injury with significant impact to the joints in fingers may make them swell. Joint injuries are common in athletes. In case the injury is serious, a surgery is necessary to eliminate the joint pain.

Overuse
Excessive hand work during the day, can damage the joints. Pain in finger joints is a common complaint in manual laborers. Extra work causes undue strain which can result in swollen finger joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
This type of arthritis usually affects fingers, and is the main reason for swelling in finger joints. Arthritis triggers inflammation in the joints. In case of rheumatoid arthritis, swelling is not just limited to the finger joints and spreads to the nearby tissues. The tendons, muscles and ligaments holding the joint in the good position can be damaged too. The joints are stiff and this makes fingers motion rather difficult. If left untreated, there can develop joint deformity patterns which eventually cause damage of bone structure. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which white blood cells enter healthy cells, causing fever and fatigue.

Joint Infection
Swollen finger joints may indicate an infection. Surplus build up of fluids occur in the infected joints, caused by bacteria, fungus or a virus; this makes the joints swollen and red. Very often, an infection affecting some other body part can spread to any joints and provoke inflammation. To manage the condition, an immediate treatment is required.

Bone Fracture
A trauma like a bone fracture can trigger joint swelling. The painful joint brings discomfort and it is necessary to treat the bone as soon as possible. Swollen finger joints can indicate that there are problems with the bone.

Treatment commonly depends on the factors causing swollen finger joints. However, ice application to the affected joints and having enough rest is the best solution. If it is a joint infection, anti-fungal medicines or antibiotics should be used. A joint injury resulting in total rupture of the surrounding muscles requires a surgery and exercise program for muscles repairing and stabilizing the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is generally treated by non steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines.

Though, the drugs reduce inflammation and pain, they should be used according to the doctor’s instructions to avoid adverse effects. Application of special heating pads for about 10 - 15 minutes will help to alleviate the pain.