Golf can oftentimes trigger finger pain. It is important to note that arthritis can lead to finger pain especially in the joints. Other possible causes of pain after playing golf include tendonitis or even a fracture.
Can arthritis cause finger pain?
Arthritis is characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints but can take on various forms. In osteoarthritis, it is due to the wear and tear of the joint and typically affects the knees of older adults.
As for rheumatoid arthritis, it is an auto-immune ailment that affects individuals in their 30s and 40s. It can also affect the hands, thus tight gripping on a golf club can lead to finger pain.
The other forms of arthritis that causes finger pain can be managed using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy and even surgery.
Trigger finger
In case the pain is mainly isolated in the base of some fingers after playing golf, it might be an indication of an isolated flexor tendonitis. It is important to note that the flexor tendons are responsible for linking the forearm muscles to the fingers and if subjected to continuous flexing and squeezing of the fingers in sports including tennis and golf, it leads to the development of flexor tendonitis.
In most cases, the pain can be managed using cortisone injections as well as allowing the hand to rest or using supportive splints.
Hamate bone fracture
This injury is commonly due to the repeated impacts at the heel of the hand. If there is tenderness or swelling in the wrist and finger pain especially in the little finger, it is an indication of the injury.