text: what causes arthritis in the finger joints? i wake up in the morinings and my hands are all cramped and they really ache, till i can put them in some warm water to relieve the stiffness. you ask a very important question.  most types of arthritis are least active in the morning and you feel more pain as the day goes on.  if you have morning stiffness you probably have true rheumatoid arthritis.  it is very important to see a doctor for this because it is not treated like other kinds of "usual" arthritis.  the special medicines for rheumatoid arthritis can save your joints from serious damage.  thanks for asking this question.  good luck!