--- title: 3 Causes of Stiff, Painful Fingers description: We use our hands every day, so putting up with stiff, painful fingers can be impossibly frustrating and have a significant impact on our ability to do everyday tasks. If you are dealing with stiff, painful fingers, the cause may not be immediately obvious. --- [![Orthopedic Institute Sioux Falls](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OrthopedicInstitute_Theme/oi-logo.png?width=287&name=oi-logo.png "Orthopedic Institute Sioux Falls")](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/) - CONTACT US - [CONTACT US](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/contact-us/contact-us/) - [LOCATIONS & HOURS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/contact-us/locations/) - RESOURCES - PATIENT RESOURCES - [LOGIN TO PORTAL](https://myidentity.platform.athenahealth.com/oauth2/auset0ja9xZ2Hniep296/v1/authorize?client%5Fid=0oaku1tngsTH20pA1296&idp=&nonce=unimplemented&prompt=&redirect%5Furi=https%3A%2F%2Foauth%2Eportal%2Eathenahealth%2Ecom%2Foauthresponse%2Ephp&response%5Ftype=code&scope=openid%20email%20communicator%2Eexternal%5Faccounts%2Eread&state=%7B%22LANGUAGE%22%3A%22en%22%2C%22COMMUNICATORBRANDID%22%3A%221%22%2C%22ANTIFORGERYTOKEN%22%3A%22389368d7d57fbfd28938af08753ad0a915a66425bea6f1b7c436f714973406ae%22%2C%22PRACTICEID%22%3A%2221545%22%2C%22IDENTITYPROVIDER%22%3A%22patient%5Fidentity%22%2C%22PORTALREDIRECTURL%22%3A%22https%3A%5C%2F%5C%2F21545%2D1%2Eportal%2Eathenahealth%2Ecom%5C%2F%22%7D) - [SIGN UP FOR PORTAL](https://21545-1.portal.athenahealth.com/?section=landing&sub=registration_wizard&CSRFPROTECT=NONE) - [PORTAL INSTRUCTIONS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/patient-resources/portal-instructions-and-login/) - [BILL PAY](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/patient-resources/bill-pay/) - [PATIENT FORMS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/patient-resources/patient-forms/) - [INSURANCE INFO](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/patient-resources/insurance-info/) - [BLOG](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.comhttps://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/) - [PATIENT REVIEWS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/patient-resources/patient-reviews-2/) - [FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/patient-resources/faqs/) - PROVIDER RESOURCES - [PATIENT REFERRAL FORM](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/provider-resources/patient-referral-form/) - [REHAB PROTOCOLS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/resources/provider-resources/rehabilitation-protocols/) - SERVICES - [WALK IN CLINIC: OI NOW](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/oi-now/) - [NECK AND SPINE](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/neck-and-spine/) - [SHOULDER AND ELBOW](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/shoulder-and-elbow/) - [HAND AND WRIST](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/hand-and-wrist/) - [HIP](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/hip-services/) - [KNEE](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/knee/) - [FOOT AND ANKLE](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/foot-and-ankle/) - [FRACTURES & TRAUMA](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/fractures-and-trauma/) - [SPORTS MEDICINE](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/sports-medicine/) - [PAIN MANAGEMENT](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/pain-management/) - [THERAPY & REHABILITATION](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/therapy-and-rehabilitation/) - [AQUATIC THERAPY](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/therapy-and-rehabilitation/physical-therapy/aquatic-therapy/) - [HAND THERAPY](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/therapy-and-rehabilitation/physical-therapy/hand-therapy/) - [PHYSICAL THERAPY](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/therapy-and-rehabilitation/physical-therapy/) - [IMAGING SERVICES](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/services/imaging-services/) - OUR TEAM - [PHYSICIANS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/our-team/physicians/) - [PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS & NURSE PRACTIONERS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/our-team/physician-assistants/) - [PHYSICAL THERAPISTS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/our-team/physical-therapists/) - [OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/our-team/occupational-therapists/) - [ATHLETIC TRAINERS](https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/our-team/athletic-trainers/) - [PEDORTHIST](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/our-team/pedorthist/) - ABOUT US - [CAREERS](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/about-us/careers/) - [ABOUT](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/about-us/about/) - [OI HISTORY](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/about-us/oi-history/) - [MISSION, VISION, & VALUES](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/about-us/mission,-vision,-%26-values/) - [OI CARES](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/about-us/oi-cares/) # Orthopedic Institute Blog # 3 Causes of Stiff, Painful Fingers Posted on December 18, 2018 ![OI_BlogPosts_Nov_1280x500_Fingers](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OI_BlogPosts_Nov_1280x500_Fingers.jpg?width=1280&name=OI_BlogPosts_Nov_1280x500_Fingers.jpg) We use our hands every day, so putting up with intense finger pain can be impossibly frustrating and have a significant impact on our ability to do everyday tasks. If you are dealing with pain and swelling in your hands and fingers, the cause may not be immediately obvious **Read on for 3 common causes of stiff, painful fingers. ** ## 1. Trigger Finger The tendon in your finger that controls it movement are surrounded by a protective sheath. This sheath allows the tendon to pull and retract smoothly. "Trigger finger," also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where your tendon's protective sheath becomes inflamed or irritated, which prevents the tendon from moving smoothly and can cause your finger to become locked in a bent position. Trigger finger is more common in women than in men, and individuals with careers or hobbies that require repeated or long-term gripping are at an increased risk of developing trigger finger. ## 2. Arthritis If you're experiencing pain and stiffness in your hand, you may be suffering from arthritis. Arthritis comes in many shapes and sizes, with two of the most common types being osteoarthritis—the wearing away of cartilage in your hand due to injury or age—and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. Regardless of the type of arthritis, it's important to see a specialist as soon as possible if you think you may have developed it. Complications from arthritis can lead to bigger problems down the road if left unchecked, and early intervention is key. The pain and swelling you feel can often be managed using NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, but if your pain is persistent, see a hand and wrist specialist for an evaluation as soon as possible to discuss your treatment options. For more information on arthritis pain, read this great explanation from the Arthritis Foundation: [Sources of Arthritis Pain](https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/understanding/types-of-pain.php). ## 3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by increased pressure on the nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. The nerve, called the median nerve, controls the movement of all of your fingers except your pinky and, when the median nerve is under pressure, these fingers can feel pain, numbness or the sensation that they are asleep.Carpal tunnel is common amongst people who type at their computer and can also result from excessive mobile phone usage.  In some cases, carpal tunnel can be treated by applying heat, immobilization of the wrist or through medications and inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs.  #### If you're experiencing stiffness or pain in your fingers, make an appointment with one of our wrist and hand specialists, Dr. Curd & Dr. Jones, at the Orthopedic Institute. [![Make an Appointment Button](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2098802/88d086ab-8ed2-4765-ac82-971f4c18651f.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2098802/88d086ab-8ed2-4765-ac82-971f4c18651f) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com%2F3-causes-of-stiff-painful-fingers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com%2F3-causes-of-stiff-painful-fingers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com%2F3-causes-of-stiff-painful-fingers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com%2F3-causes-of-stiff-painful-fingers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=3%20Causes%20of%20Stiff%2C%20Painful%20Fingers) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com%2F3-causes-of-stiff-painful-fingers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com%2F3-causes-of-stiff-painful-fingers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ‹ [5 Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/5-treatment-options-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrome) [The Best Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis and Tennis Elbow](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/the-best-treatment-for-plantar-fasciitis-and-tennis-elbow) › ### Subscribe for OI Updates ### Posts by Topic - [General Health (51)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/general-health) - [News (32)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/news) - [Training and Exercise (21)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/training-and-exercise) - [Child Health (16)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/child-health) - [Insider (11)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/insider) - [Senior Health (10)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/senior-health) - [News and Events (6)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/news-and-events) - [Back Pain (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/back-pain) - [Iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/iliotibial-band-it-band-syndrome) - [Orthopedics (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/orthopedics) - [Physical Therapy (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/physical-therapy) - [Plantar Fasciitis (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/plantar-fasciitis) - [Radial Pulse Therapy (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/radial-pulse-therapy) - [Tendinitis (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/tendinitis) - [Tennis Elbow (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/tennis-elbow) - [inflammation (2)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/inflammation) - [Achilles pain (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/achilles-pain) - [Athletic Training (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/athletic-training) - [Back, neck, or spine pain (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/back-neck-or-spine-pain) - [Hamstring Stretch (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/hamstring-stretch) - [Joint Pain (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/joint-pain) - [Muscle Activation (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/muscle-activation) - [Neutral Spine (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/neutral-spine) - [Posture (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/posture) - [Shin splints (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/shin-splints) - [Squatting (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/squatting) - [Stretching (1)](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/topic/stretching) see all ### [News](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/category/news/) [![Orthopedic Institute Sioux Falls](https://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/hubfs/OrthopedicInstitute_Theme/oi-logo-footer.png)](http://www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com) 810 E 23rd St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 | [(605) 331-5890](tel:16053315890) - - -