I agree that it sounds more like osteoarthritis. My Rheumatologist told me I have a severe case if RA & Osteoarthritis in my hands. She said when the swelling & pains in my hands are for a longer periods of time watch for the finger/thumb to start moving/twisting & or freezing (can't bend). My thumbs were the first to have this happen. I can no longer do a thumbs up sign because they both have bent away from my plams. It is kind of odd when it happens. Now my right ring finger won't bend all the way down to make a solid grip. Again, odd. I can see my left ring finger is starting to do the same thing. Yeah, surgery might be an option. But there's no guarantee of that. Plus most likely my other fingers will "move" & I'm not sure I want to ho through more than 1 maybe 2 surgeries. I have found finger exercises & warm water have helped with the swelling & pain. Work with you PCP & Rheumatologist to see what will be the best things for you.

I am told repeatedly and have received those awful injections like you Snowy1 way too many times. RA dr sent me to hand surgeon. He said it was from the arthritis and that his shots would give me a years relief. Not even a weeks worth! Currently I can only use lft hand. See my dr on the 27th. As my fingers swelled I bought new rings because Ive worn rings forever. size 8 doesn't fit my little finger! Guess Im donewrings

My RA attacked my wrists and fingers first. I did see an orthopedic surgeon first. When it became unbearable in my fingers my orthopedic surgeon recommended cortisone injections into my finger joints. She warned me that it would be extremely uncomfortable. She wasn’t wrong. Those injections were a 10 on a 1 -10 chart. I cried and my husband held my other hand as I sobbed. It worked. I have yet had to do it again and that was 8 years ago.

Your case sounds relatively mild. I suggest seeing an orthopedic surgeon to consult about your finger. There are lots of possibilities with the small joints.

I’m so very sorry to hear that cortisone didn’t help your fingers. 😢 please post if you do find a solution. Anything I can add to my toolbox is helpful