Fingers are the main tool that we can use to perform a variety of work functions. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is difficult to do their direct assignments or do homework when the joints of the fingers are sore. Medical help is needed when the first painful sensations appear. Otherwise, in advanced stages, serious consequences related to the destruction of the joints are possible.
What to do if finger joints hurt? It is necessary to contact a rheumatologist as soon as possible for examination and treatment. Only when the specialist determines the real cause of the pain and clarifies the diagnosis, he can choose an effective treatment regimen and prescribe the necessary drugs.
Why do the finger joints hurt - the main reasons
There are many reasons that can trigger joint pain. The factors that cause pathological changes in the joints are:
- the influence of the external environment (e. g. persistent hypothermia, bodily harm);
- professional factor associated with a constantly increased load on the joints;
- hormonal disorders;
- disorders of the immune and endocrine systems;
- hereditary factor;
- chronic infectious diseases.
The finger joints are often painful during pregnancy, and this condition is explained by a lack of calcium, which is most clearly manifested during this period. An increase in the production of the hormone relaxin (which negatively affects the condition of cartilage tissue), as well as a weakening of immunity associated with restructuring a woman's body during pregnancy, also play a role.
In addition, experts identify a number of diseases that lead to the deformation and destruction of joints and are accompanied by a characteristic symptom - pain. These are pathologies like:
- infectious arthritis;
- osteoarthritis;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- psoriatic arthritis;
- rhizarthrosis;
- gout;
- stenosing ligamentitis.
Let's dwell on the symptoms of diseases that cause joint damage, and talk about the methods of diagnosing and treating such pathologies.
The joints of the fingers hurt - what diseases can we talk about
The causes of pain in the finger joints are most likely linked to one of the following diseases:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with damage to the small joints of the arms and legs. The inflammatory process often affects the metacarpophalangeal joints of the middle and index fingers. If your fingers are swollen and your joints hurt in the morning, it could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
As the inflammatory process worsens, the skin over the joints swells, turns red, feels hot, and you can feel tight nodules underneath. The pain is so severe that a person cannot make a fist. Symmetrical damage to the joints of both hands is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. The main symptom of the disease is morning joint stiffness, accompanied by increased pain.
The pain usually subsides in the evening. The danger of the disease is that the diagnosis is usually made at a later date, when the cartilage tissue has already been destroyed. If your joints hurt and your fingers go numb, try not to postpone the visit to the doctor, otherwise a neglected inflammatory process will lead to deformation of the fingers and hands and result in disability.
Psoriatic arthritis
This is one of the forms of psoriasis when, in addition to skin manifestations, the distal (nail) joints of the phalanges of the fingers are involved in the inflammatory process. At the same time, a change in their shape is observed, they swell, swell, do not bend, the skin becomes red and inflamed, and the fingers themselves become like sausages.
Incidentally, when the finger joints of the right hand hurt (for example, the index finger and little fingers), a preliminary diagnosis can be made with certainty if the finger joints of the left hand hurt. With psoriatic arthritis, the inflammatory process is asymmetrical, that is, the phalanges of the middle and ring fingers are affected.
Infectious and septic arthritis
These diseases usually occur with severe joint pain and a deterioration in general condition, which manifests itself in fever, chills, fever and symptoms of body poisoning.
Inflammation of a joint of a viral or bacterial nature is often associated with damage to a joint, in which infectious agents penetrate through skin damage. But not uncommon, and polyarthritis, when several joints are infected at the same time, in this case the inflammatory symptoms are particularly pronounced.
Osteoarthritis
This disease is not of an inflammatory nature and manifests itself in a deformity of the joints, their gradual thickening and limited mobility. If the joint on the finger hurts when bending, the fingers take the shape of a spindle with a characteristic thickening in the center, which indicates the development of osteoarthritis.
The disease is typical of the elderly and is more often diagnosed in women after 40 years of age, which is associated with changes in hormone levels and the onset of menopause. In addition, professional factors, metabolic disorders, and genetic predisposition can be the causes of osteoarthritis.
Gout
This disease is caused by metabolic disorders in which uric acid salts build up in the joints. Most commonly, gout is diagnosed in men between the ages of 40 and 60. This is due to excessive consumption of fatty, spicy and salty foods, as well as alcohol addiction.
The lesion mainly affects the toes, but if the disease is atypical, the metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumb in the hands can also be affected. The pain with gout is burning, unbearable. They differ in their intensity and are accompanied by swelling and reddening of the skin in the area of the affected joints.
Stenosing ligamentitis
This pathological condition looks like osteoarthritis or arthritis. Therefore, an x-ray is needed to clarify the diagnosis. The main symptoms are: pain when bending and stretching the fingers, sometimes the joint can wedge in a bent state and you need to make some effort to straighten it.
If the joint of the middle finger hurts and characteristic clicks can be heard during the extension, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. With an exacerbation of the inflammatory process, numbness of the fingers appears, a burning sensation, swelling, bluish skin tone in the affected area.
Rhizatrose
If the thumb joint hurts on the hand, it can be a sign of this pathology. The disease is usually associated with constant overload of the joint, the intrusion of infection, or trauma. A common symptom is increased pain when performing certain actions, such as: B. Turning door handles, turning a key in a lock or opening covers.
It is necessary to treat the disease as early as possible, otherwise the joint will be deformed and the pain will become constant, and a person will be followed even at rest. Over time, bony growths form on the base of the thumb, rendering the hand virtually immobile and causing disability, as the slightest movement causes excruciating pain.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
This disorder is neurological in nature as it develops from compression of the median nerve by the wrist. This happens due to regular loads on the joints and ligaments of the hand. People who have to work with their fingers because of their job are at risk (stenographers, computer technicians, musicians, artists). Pain is usually localized in the thumb and forefinger, and the accuracy of movements when performing certain actions is impaired. In addition, compression of the nerve can cause poor blood flow and numbness of the fingers.
Pinching of the spinal nerves, bursitis, rheumatological pathologies, an unhealthy lifestyle and other factors can lead to pain in the wrists. It is important to watch out for alarming symptoms in good time and seek qualified help.
Which doctor can help if the finger joints hurt?
In the initial phase, you can make an appointment with a therapist who will refer you to a close specialist (doctor - rheumatologist) after taking an anamnesis. It is this specialist who deals with joint diseases, he will provide the necessary help and make an accurate diagnosis.
You may also need to consult a surgeon or neurologist. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment, taking into account the cause of the joint damage, the severity of symptoms, possible contraindications and the individual characteristics of the patient.
Diagnosis
The activities necessary for correct diagnosis are visual examination, laboratory tests of blood, urine, and referral of the patient for X-ray examination. An x-ray of the hands usually gives the necessary insight into the nature of the pathology and the degree of joint damage.
To get the most complete information about the nature of the pain and the causes of the inflammatory process, the doctor can refer the patient for an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. These are the most modern and informative methods of research that will allow you to identify the slightest changes in the earliest stages of the disease and prevent its further development, as well as the serious consequences of deformation and destruction of the joints.
Sometimes if you suspect gout, a special blood test will be done to check uric acid levels. To identify pathological changes in bone tissue, a contrast discography method using a special dye is used.
The currently most effective diagnostic method is electrospondylography, which was used a few years ago. This procedure allows you to examine the parts of the spine that are responsible for the functioning of the upper limbs, and at an early stage, identify pathological deviations from the norm.
Treatment methods
After the diagnosis, the doctor selects a therapy regimen, depending on what is causing pathological changes in the joints. The principles of treatment when the joints of the hands hurt are based on the use of drugs, physical therapy procedures, therapeutic exercises, adjustment of diet and lifestyle.
In the event of an inflammatory process, the doctor will prescribe pain relievers, hormonal or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These can be systemic drugs (oral tablets) or external drugs in the form of ointments, creams, and sprays that help to relieve pain quickly. The doctor may prescribe hormonal agents in the form of injections into the joint cavity for severe pain. Such procedures quickly alleviate the patient's condition and contribute to the transition of the disease into a state of remission. With infectious arthritis, antibacterial agents are prescribed.
The development of degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system is facilitated by a decrease in the chondroitin level in the cartilage tissue of the joint. Therefore, patients are prescribed drugs - chondroprotectors, which can stop the further destruction of the joint and restore the structure of cartilage tissue.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy methods are an important aspect of complex treatment. These include electrophoresis with novocaine, UHF, magnetotherapy, laser treatment, amplipulse therapy, phonophoresis. The number of sessions and the duration of treatment are determined by the doctor individually.
Therapeutic exercises and massages are necessary to restore the mobility of the joints, improve blood circulation and metabolic processes. During the periods of remission of the disease, the patient is recommended to undergo manual therapy with balneotherapy (treatment with natural mud). A spa treatment with a trip to favorable climatic zones has a very good effect.
In addition, the patient is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle, stop drinking and smoking, and adhere to some dietary restrictions. It is recommended to completely exclude fatty meat and fish from the diet and to abandon dairy and fermented milk products with a high fat content. Smoked meat, spicy, salty, pickled dishes, spices, mayonnaise, citrus fruits, baked goods, strong tea and coffee are prohibited. Do not eat foods containing oxalic acid (rhubarb, sorrel, spinach).
The daily menu should include low-fat sour milk beverages, herbs, salads made from fresh vegetables with vegetable oil, lean meat, seafood and low-fat fish. Fruits, berries, nuts, ginger, figs, natural vegetable oils with a high content of omega fatty acids (especially flaxseed and olive oil) are useful. An increased drinking regime is recommended up to 1. 5-2 liters of clean drinking water per day.
Alternative means
Today you can find many innovative products for the treatment of joint pain on the shelves of pharmacies. The most suitable drug is selected by a specialist.
Recipes for traditional medicine
Folk remedies for pain in the finger joints complement the main treatment regimen, bring relief and accelerate recovery.
- In the event of an exacerbation of the inflammatory process, you can apply a gauze napkin dipped in apple cider vinegar or vinegar to the sore joint. This will help relieve pain, reduce burning, and reduce swelling. You can make compresses from baked onions, boiled potatoes, or heating with hot sea salt and rubbing with fir oil.
- Baked onion ointment. The onion head is baked in the oven, cooled, chopped. The resulting mass is mixed with an equal amount of liquid honey and vegetable oil (1 tsp each), 10 g of beeswax and 20 g of dry herb of the golden mustache are added. The composition is boiled in a water bath, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes homogeneous and thickens. The finished ointment is slightly cooled and removed from the stove. Rub into sore joints in warm form and put cotton gloves over them. The procedure is best done at night.
- Honey mustard ointment. To prepare the ointment, mix 5 g of mustard with 1 tsp. Honey, add a large spoon of olive oil and 20 g of dry Caucasian hellebore leaves. Then the mixture is evaporated to a thick, homogeneous state in a water bath, cooled, and used for daily treatment of diseased joints.
- Compressed. Compresses made from natural ingredients play a special role in relieving pain and inflammation. You can boil potato tubers, mash them, wrap hot in a gauze napkin and apply to the affected area. The same therapeutic effect has ordinary salt, which is preheated in a pan. Dry heat can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is recommended to use ordinary chalk as a compress. It should be crushed, mixed with a fermented milk drink, soaked in a gauze napkin and made into a compress overnight. Steamed oatmeal can also be used for the same purpose.
- lilac tincture. Decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs have a good anti-inflammatory effect, improve blood circulation and restore mobility to the affected joints. The tincture is prepared in the spring, as soon as the lilac blooms. Collect the inflorescences, fill them with alcohol or vodka and insist in a dark place for 3 weeks. The finished tincture is filtered and rubbed into sore joints. Gloves are then put on to keep the hands warm.
There are many popular recipes for treating joint pain. Do not forget to consult your doctor first and get his approval for the procedure, so that it will be beneficial to use them.