Joint dysfunction is a fairly common problem in all age groups of the world population. The disease, which causes pain in the joints of the fingers, is common in people over the age of forty. Both men and women are susceptible to this disease.
Bones and joints provide high mobility of our body when performing any movement and physical activity. The fingers of the upper limb, thanks to the mobile phalanges, are able to perform actions with sufficient clarity and purpose when performing delicate, careful tasks. However, such activity in 60% of cases leads to occupational disability in old age. For example, watchmakers, jewelers, engravers, tailors are more likely to have problems with knuckles than representatives of other professions. The degenerative process of the finger can develop for many reasons, in addition to occupational activity. The following factors are considered the most common:
- Rheumatism;
- Gout;
- osteoarthritis;
- arthropathy;
- circulatory disorders in the upper extremities;
- hand wound.
If the joints are swollen and painful when flexing the fingers, the first symptoms of the disease should be examined and treated. This problem is solved quite difficult, long and not always successful, especially the types of cards that are ignored.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease, characterized by damage to the connective tissues, specifically, destructive and degenerative changes in the small joints. But rheumatoid arthritis is considered an extremely serious pathology, because, in addition to damage to the cartilage surface, it causes severe destructive changes in the tissues of the heart (pericarditis, myositis. heart). Kidneys, endocrine glands, blood vessels, lungs, and mucous membranes may also be affected. The disease occurs suddenly and is characterized by a very long course with a period of gradual abatement of symptoms and a clear recurrence of symptoms. The disorder in the immune system leads to the fact that the immune cells perceive the cells of the joint surface as foreign objects 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 extremities.
Symptom
A patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis complains of joint pain when flexing the fingers. This symptom is one of the first to appear on both limbs. Furthermore, some subjective claims are added:
- the pain increases at night and in the early hours of the day;
- there is stiffness in the movements of the fingers;
- have a sub-threshold temperature of up to 38 degrees;
- symptoms of intoxication generally appear in the form of increased fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, weight loss;
- On the surface of the fingers, nodules are formed, which characterize the development of the synovial membrane of the joints, where it is most susceptible to degeneration.
The appearance of such symptoms in every healthy person should be a reason for immediate referral to a specialist in order to prevent the disease in time and control its potentially devastating manifestations.
Reason
Rheumatoid arthritis has a genetic predisposition, but there are factors that can trigger its occurrence.
Infectious diseases are considered as such, because the immune system fights off the infection, and it stays in the joints and bones of the body for a long time after the obvious symptoms have subsided. It is this struggle that causes the aggression of the body's defenses against the cells of the joints themselves. Hypothermia and stressful situations can facilitate painful finger joints due to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
The treatment
It is not possible to completely cure such a disease, but it seems quite realistic to keep it under control and prevent progression. Modern rheumatoid arthritis treatments are quite effective and allow prolongation of remission up to two years, which significantly improves the patient's quality of life. Currently doctors use steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Bioactive drug complexes based on collagen and glucosamine are prescribed, which nourish the joint surface and prevent destruction.
The most important innovation in the treatment of this disease is the use of specific enzymes that block the action of immune cells.
Joints are painful due to degenerative damage caused by these cells. So, if a drug is given in time, with the necessary frequency to act on the cause of the inflammation, then the situation will not get out of control. During remission, doctors recommend physical therapy courses for the finger and hand area.
Arthritis
Arthritis is considered a disease in which the cartilage between the joints is destroyed. It is due to a circulatory disorder in the lower layer of the periosteum. As a result, the cartilage does not receive enough nutrition and begins to thin and crack. Joint fluid decreases in volume or disappears completely. All of these factors lead to friction and inflammation. The small joints of the fingers, feet, and hands are less affected than the large joints. Usually older people suffer from age-related changes in tissues and blood circulation.
The risk increases significantly in postmenopausal women, by about 30%, due to hormonal changes that cause dehydration, decreased elasticity of cartilage and dryness of joint surfaces.
Symptoms of finger joint disease are as follows:
- pain and stiffness;
- crunching when flexing and extending the fingers;
- swelling of the skin on the joints of the fingers;
- the appearance of nodules and bumps in the form of growths;
- deformity of the affected toe;
- decreased sensitivity of the fingertips due to a violation of the clarity of the affected area.
For finger joint pain, treatment includes complex measures. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and ointments based on anesthetics, menthol or novocaine will help reduce inflammation and pain. To restore and nourish the joints, special preparations with biological activity are prescribed. Along with this, the doctor prescribes a course of physical therapy procedures. In severe cases, the injection is used directly into the joint capsule. It is important to understand that in advanced cases it is not possible to return to normal mobility and functioning of the fingers. Timely medical examination gives a good prognosis.
Gout
One of the most common reasons why the joints on the hands hurt, experts call gout.
Gout is considered a metabolic disease, namely a violation of protein metabolism.
Large amounts of uric acid lead to the deposition of crystals in the joints and in the kidneys as salts. The joints of the feet and hands most commonly affected are the base of the thumbs. The main symptoms of the disease are:
- very severe pain;
- violation of mobility of the joints of the fingers;
- crunching when bent;
- congestion and swelling of the fingers.
Treatment of this pathology, first of all, consists in organizing a diet with the complete elimination of foods rich in protein and fat, limiting salt intake and including a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. diet. It is strictly forbidden to use alcohol in any form and carbonated drinks. The volume of liquid you drink should increase to at least three liters per day. In case of pain, the affected finger should be kept still.
Anti-inflammatory analgesics are used. If they don't work, doctors resort to hormone therapy in the form of corticosteroids. Medications in this class are able to quickly reduce inflammation and pain. Physical therapy in this case is recommended only during remission. It should be remembered that gout is hereditary, so with a history of severe disease, you should stick to a diet low in protein and fat, and control uric acid levels in the blood. Obesity is considered a precondition for the development of this type of pathology.