Hand Stiffness and Swelling

The symptoms you describe certainly suggest an arthritis is there.  Depending on which joints are affected, there are many different causes of arthritis in the finger joints.

When stiffness and swelling of the joints is persistent for more than a few days, it is recommended that you have an evaluation by your physician.  Your evaluation may also include X-Rays, and lab tests. This is important to determine the type of arthritis that is present.  

Often patients will start by taking over the counter medications such as acetaminophen (eg Tylenol) or inuprofen (eg Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (eg Alleve), but these should be discussed with your physician first.  Depending on the type of arthritis that is suspected, additional medications or tests may be needed. 

In many cases a rheumatologist will also be consulted to confirm the form of arthritis and start necessary treatment.