Joint dysfunction is a fairly common problem among all age groups in the world population. Diseases that cause pain in the finger joints are usually seen in people over forty years old. Women and men are equally susceptible to this type of pathology.
Bones and joints provide high mobility to our body when performing any movement and physical activity. The fingers of the upper limbs, thanks to the moving phalanges, are able to perform quite clear and deliberate actions when performing delicate, meticulous work. However, such activity in 60% of cases leads to occupational disability in old age. For example, watchmakers, jewelers, engravers, seamstresses are more likely to have problems with their finger joints than representatives of other professions. Degenerative processes of the fingers can develop for many reasons besides professional activity. The following factors are considered the most common:
- rheumatism;
- arthritis;
- osteoarthritis
- joint?
- circulatory disorders in the upper extremities.
- hand injuries.
If the joints are swollen and sore when you bend your fingers, examination and treatment of the first symptoms of the disease is required. This problem is solved quite difficult, in the long run and not always successfully, especially in neglected forms.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease, which is characterized by damage to the connective tissue, ie destructive and degenerative changes in small joints. But rheumatoid arthritis is considered an extremely serious pathology because, in addition to damaging the cartilaginous surfaces, it causes severe catastrophic changes in the tissues of the heart (pericarditis, myocarditis). Kidneys, endocrine glands, blood vessels, lungs and mucous membranes may also suffer. The disease appears suddenly and is characterized by a very long course with periods of remission of symptoms and severe relapses. Disorders of the immune system lead to the fact that the cells of the immune system perceive the cells of the joint surfaces as foreign and begin to fight against them. This leads to destruction, deformity and immobility of the fingers.
The attack always falls on the small joints of the hands and fingers of the upper and lower limbs.
Symptoms
A patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis complains of joint pain when flexing his fingers. This symptom is one of the first to appear on both extremities. In addition, some subjective complaints are added:
- the pain increases at night and in the early hours of the day.
- there is stiffness in the movement of the fingers.
- there is a sub-febrile 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, characteristic of the development of the articular membrane of the joint, which is more sensitive to degenerative processes.
The appearance of such symptoms for any reasonable person should be a reason for immediate referral to a specialist to stop the disease in time and to keep under control its possible catastrophic manifestations.
Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis has an inherited predisposition, but there are factors that can trigger its onset.
Infectious diseases are considered as such, since the immune system fights the infection and, in turn, remains in the joints and bones of the body for a long time after the disappearance of visible symptoms. It is this struggle that triggers the aggression of the body's defenses against the joint cells themselves. Hypothermia and stressful situations can create conditions when the finger joints ache due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
It is impossible to completely cure such a disease, but it seems absolutely true to keep it under control and prevent its progression. Modern treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are quite effective and allow resistance to periods of remission of up to two years, which significantly improves the patient's quality of life. Doctors now use anti-inflammatory therapies with steroid and non-steroidal drugs. Biologically active complexes of drugs based on collagen and glucosamine are prescribed, which nourish the joint surface and prevent destruction.
The most important innovation in the treatment of this pathology is the use of specific enzymes that suppress the activity of immune cells.
The joint hurts due to the degenerative damage caused by these cells. Therefore, if such a drug is timely, with the required frequency affecting the cause of inflammation, then the condition will not get out of control. During the recession, doctors recommend physiotherapy courses for the finger and hand area.
Arthritis
Arthritis is considered a disease in which the cartilaginous layer between the joints is destroyed. This is due to circulatory disturbances in the lower layer of the periosteum. As a result, the cartilage does not receive adequate nutrition and begins to thin and break. The synovial fluid is reduced in volume or disappears completely. All of these factors lead to friction and inflammation. The small joints of the toes, feet and hands are less often affected than the large ones. Older people usually suffer from age-related changes in the tissues and blood circulation.
The risk is significantly increased in postmenopausal women, by about 30%, because hormonal changes cause dehydration, reduced cartilage elasticity and dryness of the joint surface.
The symptoms of finger arthritis are as follows:
- pain and stiffness
- crunching when you bend and stretch your fingers.
- swelling of the skin over the finger joints.
- the appearance of nodules and bumps in the form of growths.
- deformity of the affected foot;
- reduced sensitivity of the finger due to violation of the nerve in the affected area.
For the pain in the finger joint, the treatment methods include complex measures. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and ointments based on anesthetics, menthol or novocaine will help relieve inflammation and pain. For the restoration and nutrition of the joint, special preparations of biologically active action are prescribed. Along with this, the doctor prescribes a course of physiotherapy procedures. In severe cases, the injections are given directly into the joint capsule. It is important to understand that in advanced cases, it is impossible to restore mobility and normal finger function. Early visit to the doctor provides a good prognosis.
Arthritis
Another of the most common reasons for the question of why the joints in the hands hurt, experts call gout.
Gout is considered a metabolic disease, ie a violation of protein metabolism.
A large amount of uric acid leads to the deposition of crystals in the joints and kidneys in the form of salts. The joints of the feet and hands are most often affected, especially the base of the thumbs. The main symptoms of the disease are:
- very intense pain;
- violation of the mobility of the finger joint.
- crash during bending.
- hyperemia and swelling of the fingers.
The treatment of this pathology consists, first of all, in the organization of a diet with complete rejection of proteins and fatty foods, restriction of table salt and the inclusion of a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. The use of alcohol in any form and carbonated beverages is strictly prohibited. The volume of fluid you drink should increase to at least three liters per day. In case of pain, the affected finger should be kept calm.
Anti-inflammatory analgesics are used. If they are not effective, doctors resort to hormone therapy in the form of corticosteroids. Drugs in this group are able to quickly relieve inflammation and pain. Physiotherapy methods in this case are recommended only during the period of remission. We need to remember that gout is inherited, so with a history of obesity, you need to follow a diet low in protein and fat and also check your blood uric acid level. Obesity is considered a predisposing circumstance for the development of this type of pathology.