Joint dysfunction is a very common problem among all age groups of the world's population. Diseases that cause pain in the joints of the fingers are commonly seen in people over the age of forty. Women and men are equally susceptible to this pathology.
Bones and joints provide high mobility to our body during any movement and physical activity. The fingers of the upper extremities, thanks to the moving phalanges, are able to make quite clear and purposeful movements while performing delicate, honest work. However, in 60% of cases, such activities lead to occupational disabilities in old age. For example, watchmakers, jewelers, engravers, and seamstresses have more problems with finger joints than other professions. Degenerative processes of the fingers can develop for many reasons in addition to professional activity. The following factors are considered the most common:
- rheumatism;
- gout;
- osteoarthritis;
- osteoarthritis;
- circulatory disorders in the upper extremities;
- hand injuries.
If the joints become swollen and painful when bending the fingers, examination and treatment of the first symptoms of the disease are required. This problem is very difficult, long-term and not always successfully solved, especially in neglected forms.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by damage to connective tissue, ie destructive and degenerative changes in small joints. However, rheumatoid arthritis is an extremely serious pathology, because in addition to damage to cartilage surfaces, it causes serious destructive changes in heart tissue (pericarditis, myocarditis). Kidneys, endocrine glands, blood vessels, lungs and mucous membranes can also suffer. The disease occurs suddenly and is characterized by a very long course with a decrease in symptoms and bright relapses. Disorders of the immune system cause immune cells to perceive and fight the cells of the articular surfaces as foreign. This causes destruction, deformation and immobility of the fingers.
The attack always falls on the small joints of the hands and fingers of the upper and lower extremities.
Symptoms
A patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis complains of joint pain when bending his fingers. This symptom is one of the first to appear in both bodies. In addition, a number of subjective complaints are added:
- pain increases at night and in the first hours of the day;
- there is stiffness in the movement of the fingers;
- There is a subfebrile temperature of up to 38 degrees;
- symptoms of general intoxication appear in the form of increased fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, weight loss;
- On the surface of the fingers, nodules are formed, which are characteristic of the growth of the synovial membrane of the joint, which is most sensitive to degenerative processes.
For anyone in their right mind, the appearance of such symptoms should be a reason to immediately consult a specialist to stop the disease in time and control the possible destructive manifestations.
Reasons
There is a hereditary predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis, but there are factors that can cause it.
As the immune system fights infection, it is considered an infectious disease, and it stays in the joints and bones of the body for a long time after the visible symptoms disappear. It is this struggle that causes the body's defense systems to invade the cells of the joints. Hypothermia and stressful situations can cause painful conditions in the joints of the fingers due to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
It is impossible to completely cure such a disease, but it seems very realistic to keep it under control and prevent its progression. Modern treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are very effective and allow the patient to withstand remission periods of up to two years, which significantly improves the quality of life. Doctors now use steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Biologically active drug complexes based on collagen and glucosamine, which nourish and prevent the destruction of the articular surface, are prescribed.
The most important innovation in the treatment of this pathology is the use of special enzymes that suppress the activity of immune cells.
Joint pain due to degenerative damage caused by these cells. Therefore, if such a drug is available in time, as soon as necessary to affect the cause of inflammation, the situation will not get out of control. During remission, doctors recommend courses of physiotherapy procedures for the area of the fingers and hands.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a disease in which the cartilage layer between the joints is destroyed. This is due to circulatory disorders in the lower layer of the periosteum. As a result, the cartilage is malnourished and begins to thin and crack. Synovial fluid decreases in volume or disappears completely. All these factors cause friction and inflammation. Small joints of the fingers, toes, and hands are less affected than adults. Older people usually suffer from age-related changes in tissues and blood circulation.
The risk increases in postmenopausal women by about 30% because hormonal changes cause thirst, decreased cartilage elasticity, and dryness of the articular surface.
Symptoms of finger osteoarthritis include:
- pain and stiffness;
- crunch when bending and extending fingers;
- swelling of the skin on the joints of the fingers;
- appearance of nodules and bumps in the form of growth;
- deformation of the affected finger;
- decreased sensitivity of the fingertip due to impaired innervation in the affected area.
Treatments for finger joint pain include complex measures. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and ointments based on anesthetics, menthol or novocaine will help relieve inflammation and pain. Special biologically active actions are prescribed to restore and nourish the joint. In addition, the doctor prescribes a course of physiotherapy procedures. In severe cases, the injection is applied directly to the joint capsule. It is important to understand that in advanced cases, it is not possible to restore the mobility and normal functioning of the fingers. A timely visit to the doctor gives a good prognosis.
Gut
One of the most common reasons for the pain in the joints of the hands, experts call gout.
Gout is considered a metabolic disease, ie a disorder of protein metabolism.
Large amounts of uric acid cause the formation of salt crystals in the joints and kidneys. The joints of the feet and hands are most affected, especially the soles of the toes. The main symptoms of the disease are:
- very strong pain;
- impaired mobility of the finger joints;
- shake while bending;
- swelling and hyperemia of the fingers.
The treatment of this pathology consists, first of all, of a diet with complete rejection of protein and fatty foods, restriction of table salt and the inclusion of large amounts of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. The use of alcohol and carbonated beverages in any form is strictly prohibited. The amount of fluid you drink should increase to at least three liters a day. During pain attacks, the affected finger should be kept at rest.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers are used. If it is not effective, doctors prescribe hormone therapy in the form of corticosteroids. Drugs in this group can quickly eliminate inflammation and pain. In this case, physiotherapy is recommended only in remission. It is important to remember that gout is hereditary, so with a loaded history, you should follow a diet low in protein and fat, as well as monitor the level of uric acid in the blood. Obesity is a condition prone to the development of this type of pathology.