Pinpoint

Hand

Finger Pain

Finger pain can involve the intrinsic hand muscles, flexor and extensor tendons, and the small joints of the fingers. Common causes range from trigger finger and arthritis to tendon strain from repetitive typing or gripping activities.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of any pain or medical condition.

Common Causes

1

Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)

2

Osteoarthritis of the finger joints

3

Extensor or flexor tendon strain

4

Dupuytren's contracture pulling fingers into flexion

5

Repetitive strain from typing or musical instruments

Muscles in This Area

8

Hand

Set of lumbricals of left hand

Worm-like muscles in left hand palm flexing knuckles while extending fingers for writing/gripping. Essential for fine motor fitness tasks.

Lumbrical strainDupuytren's contracture

Hand

Set of lumbricals of right hand

Same as left but right hand; key for dexterity.

Same as left

Hand

Set of dorsal interossei of left hand

These four small fan-shaped muscles on the back of the left hand abduct the fingers away from the middle finger. They work with other intrinsics for fine motor control and grip strength. Important for grip-intensive fitness like climbing or weightlifting.

Dorsal interossei strainUlnar neuropathyHand osteoarthritis

Hand

Set of dorsal interossei of right hand

These four small fan-shaped muscles on the back of the right hand abduct the fingers away from the middle finger. They enable precise finger spreading and grip control. Crucial for hand-intensive sports and weight training.

Interossei tendonitisCarpal tunnel syndrome variantRheumatoid arthritis hand

Hand

Set of palmar interossei of left hand

Three muscles in left palm adducting fingers toward middle. Grip power for fitness.

Palmar interossei strain

Hand

Set of palmar interossei of right hand

Right palm adductors for grip.

Same

Forearm

flexor digitorum superficialis

This superficial forearm muscle flexes the middle joints of fingers 2-5, key for precise hand control in sports like tennis or guitar playing. It sits in the anterior forearm, aiding in everything from typing to throwing. Balanced strength prevents imbalances with extensors.

Flexor digitorum superficialis tendinopathyMedial epicondylitisCarpal tunnel syndrome

Forearm

flexor digitorum profundus

Located in the deep anterior forearm, the flexor digitorum profundus flexes the distal joints of fingers 2-5, enabling a strong grip. It's vital for power activities like rock climbing, weightlifting, or crushing a grip trainer. Weakness here leads to dropped fingers and poor hand function.

Flexor digitorum profundus strainTrigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)Anterior interosseous syndrome

Stretches That May Help

Lumbrical stretch
Finger extension stretch
Same as left
Finger spread with rubber band
Dorsal hand stretch
Interossei abduction stretch
Finger spread stretch
Dorsal interossei mobilization
Hand extensor stretch
Finger adduction stretch
Same
Reverse prayer stretch
Forearm flexor wall stretch
Finger spread extension
Prayer stretch with finger extension
Wrist flexor stretch
Finger extensor glide

Recommended Exercises

12

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if a finger is locked in a bent or straight position, there is visible joint swelling or deformity, you have numbness in specific fingers, or if a finger is dislocated or fractured.

Self-Care Tips

1

Gently stretch and mobilize each finger joint through its full range

2

Soak hands in warm water to relieve stiffness

3

Avoid repetitive gripping that worsens symptoms

4

Use ergonomic tools to reduce finger strain during work

Related Hand Pain

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Activities & Sports

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