###Human: What causes numbness in fingers with swollen joints? ###Assistant: Hi. Yes, the possibility of inflammatory arthritis is definitely there, however that can be confirmed only when a rheumatologist examines you. The other symptoms are prolonged stiffness in your hands lasting more than half an hour, swollen knuckles and tenderness. The pain which is usually worse in the morning and better after rest. This pain usually gets better with anti-inflammatory medicines. This is confirmed by doing a rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ESR, CRP done. I suggest do hot fomentation and mild exercises too. Make sure that levels of vitamin D are fine.