56M, Non-Smoker, Healthy and no known medical issues - waking up with stiff fingers on right hand and can't make a fist. Usually gone within an hour of waking up.
Hi all,
So glad I discovered this subreddit!!! So over the past month or so, I've been waking up with very stiff fingers on my right hand only; left hand is fine (for reference; I am right-handed). And I can't immediately make a fist. Within the hour or so, it slightly dissipates and I am able to go about my day with very little discomfort, and am able to grip things and make a fist. There is no tingling in my fingers either. Very warm water soaks seem to alleviate it upon waking, and cold compresses/packs (alternating between both throughout the day).
After experiencing these symptoms for a few weeks, I finally decided to go visit with an orthopedic doctor; and they took x-rays and decided to do bloodwork to rule out anything autoimmune.
All my bloodwork came back negative for rheumatoid arthritis, and during the actual visit, she reviewed the x-rays of both hands with me, and did not notice any signs of early arthritis (56 yo male here). I initially thought that the "knuckle pads" on my affected hand were related somehow, but she ruled them out as benign when examining my x-rays, and mentioned that my joints seemed healthy.
During the actual consult, I explained to the doctor that for the past few months I've been doing a lot of manual labor (painting/rollers/drywall/mudding, etc) and helping my partner remodel several rooms in his house. It's not my profession though; I am a designer by trade (working on computers/3D modeling/digital sketching) & currently unemployed. But I've been using this downtime to keep myself distracted and helping him out.
Considering my results coming back negative, she's convince I am experiencing overuse from repetitive activities; maybe gripping too hard (paint rollers/mudding tools), and to give my hand a rest; take NSAIDs, and she placed me on Diclofenac Sodium pills (2x a day - though I am not responding to it). She also recommended I start with Hand Therapy sessions (I have an appt. in 2 weeks).
Anyone else experience something similar (tradespeople/painters, etc?) and will it ever go away if I ease off from the activity? I am taking a break from the offending activities to see if there is any change. Would appreciate any insight here. Thanks in advance!!!
NOTE: please disregard my fingers/cuticles/skin around nails: I suffer from Dermatophagia/skin-biter (have been for decades).
Posted Jun 4, 2026, 1:00 AM UTC