Fingers stay swollen

Right hand fingers not thumb stay swollen all the time.  They have been this way for two years.  Have been given steroids and they work through treatment but afterwards things return.  Swelling can be severe at times and any movement will split the skin.  Fingers stay swollen all day long.  Main swelling is atop of the middle joint.  A doctor at the clinic said osteoarthritis from xray.  She gave me naproxen which I cannot take.  What else can cause this and is NSAIDs the only line of treatment.  Thank you for your time.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? What other symptoms are present? Aside from osteoarthritis, finger or joint swelling may be caused by a variety of issues such as gout, other forms of arthritis such as psoriatic or reactive arthritis and even autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus. If you can not take the medication prescribed, it is best that you inform  your attending physician about this for proper management. Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation as well as complementary and alternative medicine like acupuncture may also help. Take care and do keep us posted.
Alternative Names
Swelling of a joint