I don't have a permanently stuck finger, but I may get there before long. My fingers frequently get stuck for short periods of time, and it is happening more often. I'm sorry, but I don't know what the fix would be. Surgery maybe?
My index finger joints are getting bigger and bigger. I understand the anxiety about these very unattractive changes!

Same finger, two knuckles, each pushing the finger a different way, right?

I bet cortisone could at least help the one bending forward (like a closed fist). I hope you get to at least give it a try.

When you refer to the "first joint, are you referring to the top one, the DIP, or the one closest to your hand, the MCP?

Trigger finger (been there, done that, have a drawerful of t-shirts) is caused by swelling or other enlargement in the tendon that flexes the finger, causing it to get stuck in the tenosynovium, the sheath in the palm of the hand that the tendon ought to glide through. Usually it will stick, then spring open. If yours is staying stuck, you're a long ways down that road.

This is probably above your rheumy's pay grade. He/she should have referred you to an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hands. Cortisone, injected into the finger joints or the palm, is probably the first line treatment. After that, surgery.

The surgery is considered to be quite minor: a small incision in the palm of the hand through which they slit the tendon sheath to open it up. Usually works just great. Key word in the previous sentence is "usually".

If you have developed a swan-neck deformity, you might have some other fun stuff going on. Is the palm of your hand tight or hard feeling? Any bumps or nodules? Any visible or palpable cords running down your palm? If yes, I'll expound on that one later.

Thanks so much for all of this excellent information. I looked at some google images of swan neck deformity. Mine is actually the opposite. I refer to my joints in this order: knuckles, first joint, and second joint (the one nearest fingernail). My first joint is at a 90% angle to all my other fingers, and the second joint wants to turn upward.

Really, 51percent? Youve been getting these shots for years? Does your RA doc give them to you or do you go to an orthopedic specialist? I just dont understand why my doc has never even suggested this for me.

Altoclef, the information you provided is excellent. I dont think the palm of my hand is tight or hard. No, no nodules or visible palpable cords. I will ask about a referral. I think this finger is getting worse all the time and Im hoping to at least stop the decline.

Thanks again, all of you. This means a lot to me (to get your advice and experience on this).

If it's the reverse of a swan-neck deformity, it's probably a boutonniere deformity. In any case, it's past time to check in with the best hand specialist you can find.

I had trigger thumb surgery and it was no big deal. Quick recovery and stopped the triggering.

I don't think the doctors realize how horrifying it is to watch your hands deform.

I agree. After searching Google images, it sounds like boutonniere deformity. I second a hand surgeons opinion. So sorry, it sounds awfully painful.

I used to be in a forum and was able to post photos. Haven't tried it here nor do I see instructions, so I'm going to make an attempt. If no pic occurs, forgive the post!

I had surgery to fix my trigger finger, and it did not help. My middle finger would not bend all the way to make a fist. My rheumy gave me a cortisone shot and it fixed it within a week. I can't believe I was living with it all messed up. No problem since the cortisone shot. However, I will say that I had several cortisone shots before the last one worked. Some were given in my finger, and others in the palm of my hand. And sadly, don't remember which one finally worked. It is worth a shot:)