Seohyun Overdid Her Hobby — and Developed an Incurable Condition

Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun recently revealed that her passion for a new hobby led to an unexpected health issue.

In a recent appearance on the YouTube show Level Up with Hyoyeon, Seohyun shared that she’s a huge fan of pianist Lim Yunchan and has been practicing piano for up to 10 hours a day. She even brought a piano into her home and set up a soundproof room to support her new passion.

But the dedication came at a cost. Seohyun admitted that she developed finger arthritis from overusing her hands. Her fingers became so swollen that she couldn’t even wear rings. Fortunately, after receiving proper instruction from a professional teacher, her symptoms have since improved.

What Is Finger Arthritis?

Finger arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints of the fingers. It’s especially common among people who frequently use their hands — such as musicians, cooks, or those who perform repetitive hand movements.

Though easy to overlook in daily life, arthritis can significantly reduce quality of life when it interferes with simple tasks like gripping or turning objects. In severe cases, it can even disturb sleep due to constant discomfort.

There are two main types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Seohyun’s case is likely osteoarthritis — the more common form that typically affects the fingers. This degenerative condition occurs when the cartilage between joints wears away, causing bones to rub against each other and leading to pain and inflammation.

Early Signs and Risks

Early symptoms of finger osteoarthritis include stiffness, mild pain, and difficulty moving the fingers, especially in the morning. Over time, the condition can worsen, causing swelling, joint deformities, or even bony nodules at the finger joints, such as Heberden’s nodes or Bouchard’s nodes.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. It often affects both hands symmetrically, with chronic pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent damage.

Causes and Diagnosis

Risk factors for finger arthritis include aging, genetics, repeated hand use, injuries, hormonal changes, obesity, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI, and blood tests for inflammatory markers or rheumatoid factor if autoimmune disease is suspected.

Treatment and Prevention

There’s no complete cure for finger arthritis, but symptoms can be managed effectively. Treatment often includes:

-Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

-Immunosuppressants (for rheumatoid arthritis)

-Physical therapy and finger stretching exercises

-Heat therapy to boost circulation

-Supportive finger splints to reduce strain

Newer non-surgical treatments like injection therapy, radiofrequency treatment, and shockwave therapy are also available. In severe cases involving joint deformity, surgical options such as joint replacement or fusion surgery may be considered.

Prevention is key. To protect your fingers:

-Avoid overuse and repetitive movements

-Take regular breaks from smartphone use

-Maintain a balanced diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and joint-friendly nutrients

-Stay physically active and manage your weight to reduce pressure on joints

Seohyun’s case is a reminder that even something as beautiful as music requires moderation. Passion is powerful—but so is self-care.

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