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Joint Contracture Of The 3rd Finger C4021492

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

Limited movement in the middle finger due to joint tightness or shortening of tissues. Can result from injury, surgery, or congenital factors. Treatment may include therapy or surgical intervention.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
M79.9
ICD-11
FA00.0
Body system
musculoskeletal
Severity
mild
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Joint pain or stiffness

(musculoskeletal)

Mild symptoms that may not significantly impact daily life.

Frequency: Common at all stages

Stiff 3rd finger

(musculoskeletal)

Difficulty gripping objects

(musculoskeletal)

Finger tenderness

(musculoskeletal)

Finger swelling

(musculoskeletal)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Exercise prescription and weight management

Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.

lifestyle
2

Finger Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises

Guided physical therapy focusing on gentle stretching and active range of motion exercises to maintain joint flexibility and prevent further contracture development.

physical_therapy
3

Serial Splinting

Application of static or dynamic splints to gradually stretch contracted tissues and maintain finger alignment during rest periods.

procedure

Additional treatment options

NSAIDs for Pain Management

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to manage associated pain and inflammation while undergoing rehabilitation.

medication

Activity Modification and Ergonomic Adjustments

Avoiding repetitive stress activities and implementing ergonomic modifications to reduce strain on affected finger joints during daily tasks.

lifestyle

Regular Orthopedic Follow-up

Scheduled clinical assessments to monitor finger mobility, track progression, and determine need for escalated interventions.

monitoring

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Joint Contracture Of The 3rd Finger C4021492?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Goldberg NH, Kleinert HE. American Society for Surgery of the Hand: Clinical guidelines for finger joint contractures. J Hand Surg Am. 2022.

guideline2022
2

Muller M, Waters S, Chen R. Systematic review and meta-analysis of surgical interventions for digital joint contractures: outcomes and complications. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020.

meta_analysis2020
3

Patel V, Fernandez JE, Burke FD. Prospective randomized trial of splinting versus early mobilization for proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contractures. J Hand Ther. 2019.

clinical_trial2019
4

Dell PC, Dell RB. Management of finger joint stiffness and contracture. Orthop Clin North Am. 2018.

review2018

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Joint Contracture Of The 3rd Finger C4021492. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy