What is the cause for sore and stiff fingers, and which specialist should I see in Singapore?

Doctor's Answer

Photo of Dr Tzeyeong Teng
Dr Tzeyeong Teng

General Practitioner

thank you for your question. Although arthritis might be a cause of your symptoms, there are other conditions that can account for your symptoms such as a simple sprain of the joints of the fingers (from your exercise, from using computers etc). Furthermore, there are many subclasses of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis etc) and many conditions that can cause arthritis as part of the disease process including SLE.

It will be difficult to diagnose based on your submitted history, as a more elaborate history and physical examination may be required. If necessary your doctor may even order more specific investigations including further blood tests to look for autoimmune disorders, uric acid levels etc. as well as further imaging investigations such as X-rays of the hand, Ultrasound or even an MRI scan.

From a western medicine perspective, arthritis is due to degeneration of the joint, either from repeated wear and tear (normal process of aging) or due to inflammation from autoimmune conditions, gout, infections etc. There is no evidence to support contact with water or drinking cold drinks as a cause for arthritis šŸ™‚

Arthritis is certainly uncommon in a 33 year old, but may be one of the earlier symptoms of an underlying condition. As such you should definitely consult a doctor for further workup.

I would advise you to consult a Hand Specialist (doctor specialising in conditions of the hand) or a Rheumatologist (doctor specialising in conditions of the joints of the body). Treatment options range from simply giving your fingers sufficient rest to recover, using finger/wrist braces, oral painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines, to injections of steroids into the joint or even surgery depending on the diagnosis and severity of the condition.

Good luck!

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