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Overview
Common with age.
Hand exercises help.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonPainful joints.
Causes
Caused by osteoarthritis.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause hard bony bumps on finger joints. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Osteoarthritis of the handSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
Wear and tear of the cartilage in the finger and thumb joints.
What you can do at home
- Warm water soaks.
Medicines
Pain relievers.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Pain
The exam
A hand exam.
Tests
- X-ray
Prevention
Stay active.
- Hand exercises
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.