Hand and finger pain is common and has several causes. Osteoarthritis often affects the finger joints and the base of the thumb, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes bony knobs around the joints, usually worse with use. Inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis tends to cause symmetrical swelling, warmth, and prolonged morning stiffness in the small joints.
Overuse from repetitive tasks, typing, or gripping can cause tendon-related pain. Carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by pressure on a nerve at the wrist, produces tingling, numbness, and aching in the thumb and fingers, often worse at night. Gout can also affect the hands.
See a doctor if hand pain persists, joints are swollen or deformed, you have numbness or weakness affecting grip, or symptoms are interfering with daily tasks. Early assessment is particularly important if inflammatory arthritis is suspected. A clinician can examine the joints and arrange tests, and may refer you to physiotherapy or hand therapy.