Joint dysfunction is a very common problem among all age groups of the world population. Diseases that cause pain in the finger joints are usually seen in people over forty. Women and men are equally susceptible to this type of pathology.
Bones and joints provide our body with high mobility when performing any movement and physical activity. The fingers of the upper extremities, thanks to the movable phalanges, are able to carry out sufficiently clear and intentional actions when performing delicate and scrupulous work. However, this activity in 60% of cases leads to professional incapacity in old age. For example, watchmakers, jewelers, engravers and seamstresses are more likely to have problems with finger joints than representatives of other professions. Degenerative processes of the fingers can develop for several reasons, in addition to professional activity. The following factors are considered the most common:
- rheumatism;
- drop;
- osteoarthritis;
- arthrosis;
- circulatory disorders in the upper extremities;
- injuries to the hands.
If the joints swell and ache when bending the fingers, examination and treatment of the first symptoms of the disease is necessary. This problem is solved quite difficult, in the long term and not always successfully, especially in neglected ways.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease, characterized by damage to the connective tissue, namely destructive and degenerative changes in small joints. But rheumatoid arthritis is considered an extremely serious condition because, in addition to damaging the cartilaginous surfaces, it causes severe destructive changes in the heart tissues (pericarditis, myocarditis). Kidneys, endocrine glands, blood vessels, lungs and mucous membranes may also suffer. The disease occurs suddenly and is characterized by a very long course, with periods of decrease in symptoms and intense relapses. Disturbances in the immune system lead to the fact that immune cells perceive cells on joint surfaces as foreign and begin to fight them. This leads to 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 flexing the fingers. This symptom is one of the first to appear on both limbs. In addition, a number of subjective complaints are added:
- pain increases at night and in the early 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;
- nodules form on the surface of the fingers, characteristic of the growth of the synovial membrane of the joint, which is more susceptible to degenerative processes.
The appearance of such symptoms for every healthy person should be a reason for immediate referral to a specialist, in order to stop the disease in a timely manner and keep its possible destructive manifestations under control.
Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis has a hereditary predisposition, but there are factors that can trigger its occurrence.
Infectious diseases are considered as such, since the immune system fights the infection and this, in turn, remains in the joints and bones of the body for a long time after the visible symptoms disappear. It is this fight that causes the aggression of the body's defenses against the cells of the joints themselves. Hypothermia and stressful situations can create conditions when finger joints ache due to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
It is impossible to completely cure this disease, but it seems very real to keep it under control and prevent further progression. Modern methods of rheumatoid arthritis therapy are very effective and allow them to resist periods of remission of up to two years, which significantly improves the patient's quality of life. Doctors now use anti-inflammatory methods of treatment with steroids and non-steroids. Biologically active 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 pathology is the use of specific enzymes that suppress the activity of cells in the immune system.
The joint hurts due to the degenerative damage caused by these cells. Therefore, if such medication arrives in a timely manner, with the necessary frequency to affect the cause of the inflammation, the situation will not get out of control. During the period of remission, doctors recommend courses in physical therapy procedures for the area of the fingers and hands.
arthrosis
Arthrosis is considered a disease in which the cartilage layer between the joints is destroyed. This is due to circulatory disturbances in the lower layer of the periosteum. Consequently, the cartilage does not receive enough nutrition and begins to thin and crack. Synovial fluid decreases in volume or disappears completely. All of these factors lead to friction and inflammation. Small joints of the fingers, feet and hands are affected less often than large ones. Elderly people usually suffer from age-related changes in tissues and blood circulation.
The risk increases significantly in postmenopausal women, by about 30%, because hormonal changes cause dehydration, reduced cartilage elasticity and dryness of the joint surface.
The symptoms of arthrosis of the fingers are as follows:
- pain and stiffness;
- crush when flexing and extending fingers;
- swelling of the skin on the finger joints;
- the appearance of nodules and bumps in the form of growths;
- deformity of the affected toe;
- Decreased fingertip sensitivity due to a violation of innervation in the affected area.
For finger joint pain, therapeutic methods include complex measures. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anesthetics, menthol, or novocaine-based ointments help relieve inflammation and pain. To restore and nourish the joint, special preparations with a biologically active action are prescribed. Along with that, the doctor prescribes a course of physical therapy procedures. In severe cases, injections are used directly into the joint capsule. It is important to understand that in advanced cases, it is impossible to restore mobility and normal functioning of the fingers. A timely visit to the doctor provides a good prognosis.
Drop
Another of the most common reasons for asking why the joints in my hands hurt, experts call it gout.
Gout is considered a metabolic disease, that is, 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 the most affected, especially the base of the thumbs. The main symptoms of the disease are:
- very intense pain;
- violation of finger joint mobility;
- crunchy when folding;
- hyperemia and swelling of the fingers.
The treatment of this pathology consists, first of all, in organizing a diet with total rejection of proteinaceous and fatty foods, limiting table salt and including 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 a day. In case of pain attacks, the affected finger must be kept at rest.
Anti-inflammatory analgesics are used. If they are not effective, doctors turn to hormone therapy in the form of corticosteroids. Drugs in this group are able to quickly relieve inflammation and pain. Physiotherapeutic treatment methods, in this case, are only advisable during the period of remission. It should be remembered that gout is hereditary, so with a heavy history, you should follow a diet low in protein and fat, in addition to controlling the level of uric acid in your blood. Obesity is considered a predisposing circumstance for the development of this type of pathology.