Why do finger joint pains occur and how are they treated?

Finger joint pain can occur for a number of reasons. Any pathological condition requires competent treatment.

Joint diseases require an integrated approach. It includes the use of medication, diet, physical therapy, special gymnastics, and alternative medicine.

Possible Causes of Finger Joint Pain

Joint pain can occur at any age. There are many possible reasons for this phenomenon.

Poliosteoarthritis

Pain in the joints of the fingers in 40% of cases is caused by this cause. This pathology is also often called polyarthrosis or knotty fingers. It belongs to dystrophic diseases and is characterized by slow progression, so patients often ignore the first stage of the disease.

The disease most often affects people over 50 years old and rarely occurs in people under 40 years old.

The causes of polyosteoarthritis are often called heredity, but there are other factors that cause it:

• climax;
• violation of material exchange;
• pathology of the thyroid and other endocrine glands;
• diabetes mellitus.

Joints contain cartilage that begins to break down. This means that natural lubrication is affected, causing dryness and cracking.

Due to the lack of lubrication and drying, the articular cartilages rub against each other, causing an inflammatory process. Against this background, an abnormal inflammatory joint fluid is produced that expands the joints from the inside. As a result, its deformation occurs, accompanied by painful sensations.

Polyosteoarthritis is accompanied by other symptoms. They are represented mainly by Bouchard and Heberden nodules:

• Bouchard's nodulesare characterized by slow development without complications. They usually form on the lateral surfaces of the joints, giving them a fusiform shape.
• Heberden's nodulesaffect the distal interphalangeal joints in their dorsal and lateral parts. They are characterized by a symmetrical development in both hands. The formation of nodules is often accompanied by swelling and redness of the skin around the joints. Painful and burning sensations appear, although in 30% of cases the pathology is asymptomatic.

As polyosteoarthritis progresses, joint stiffness increases. The consequence of the pathology is knotty fingers.

Rheumatoid arthritis and Still's disease

This disease belongs to systemic connective tissue pathologies and has a complex autoimmune pathogenesis. Pathology rarely manifests itself in patients under 30 years of age. In men, it occurs 5 times less often.

The signs of rheumatoid arthritis depend on its stage:

1. The initial stage of the disease is characterized by periarticular edema of the bursae. This leads to pain, swelling of the periarticular region, and a local increase in temperature.
2. In the second stage, cells begin to divide rapidly, as a result of which the synovium becomes more dense.
3. In the third stage, inflamed cells produce an enzyme that affects both cartilage and bone, so the affected joints are often deformed. This stage is accompanied by increased pain and loss of motor functions.

There are three groups of possible causes of rheumatoid arthritis:

• Inheritance.
• Infections. Pathological changes can be caused by some paramyxoviruses, herpes viruses, hepatoviruses, retroviruses.
• Triggers. Pathological changes can be triggered by hypothermia, intoxication, stress, taking certain medications, hyperinsolation, endocrinopathy.

Still's disease is a form of rheumatoid arthritis. It is usually accompanied by a fever, rash, and itching. This disease is most often diagnosed in children. In addition to the joints, Still's disease can affect the lymph nodes, cause pleurisy, pericarditis.

Psoriatic arthritis

This pathology is one of the forms of arthritis and can occur after 20 years. It develops against the background of psoriasis, but in some cases precedes it.

In addition to painful sensations, the pathology is accompanied by the following signs:

• joint swelling;
• Acquisition by the skin in the periarticular area of ​​a bluish purple color;
• the appearance of bumps and depressions on the nails;
• slight stiffness.

There is a destructive form of pathology characterized by rapid bone erosion. It is plagued by loss of joint mobility.

The inflammatory process can affect not only the joints, but also some organs. The skin plaques characteristic of psoriasis in this form of arthritis are often accompanied by the appearance of acne.

Possible causes of psoriatic arthritis are as follows:

• alcohol abuse;
• smoking;
• stress;
• skin damage;
• side effects of some medications;
• changes in hormone levels;
• excess ultraviolet radiation.

Infectious arthritis

This type of arthritis is also called septic and is characterized by an inflammatory process caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.

There are many possible symptoms of pathology; the clinical picture depends on the causative agent of the infection.

The main signs of the disease are:

• pain;
• mobility limitation;
• hyperemia of the affected area;
• swelling.

Since the cause of the pathology is an infection, it may be accompanied by fever, chills, and intoxication syndrome.

Infectious arthritis can develop in the context of another disease: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, obesity. The reason may be addiction to alcohol and drugs, a sexually transmitted infection.

Drop

This condition is also called gouty arthritis. It is a metabolic disease. In this case, uric acid or sodium monurate is deposited in the tissues of the body. Among women, gout is much less common.

The pathology is characterized by a paroxysmal character. The exacerbation episodes can last from 3 days to a week and a half. The attacks are characterized by a sharp appearance and the same rapid cessation. The presence of seizures means an inflammatory process.

The exacerbation of the disease often begins at night and may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• pain that worsens with movement;
• the skin over the inflamed joint becomes red;
• increases body temperature;
• Tophi form around inflamed joints: whitish growths under the skin;
• lesions are usually unilateral.

In addition to the acute period, there are latent and chronic stages of the pathology. In the first case, the course of the disease is asymptomatic, and its only sign is hyperuricemia (indicator of blood tests). The chronic stage is characterized by long periods of remission.

Rhizarthrosis

This pathology is a form of osteoarthritis when only the thumb is affected. In most cases, rhizarthrosis is a manifestation of polyosteoarthritis, but in every 4-5 patients it is an independent disease.

Trauma is the cause of this pathology in approximately one out of every two people. It can be domestic or sports.

There are other causes of pathology:

• incomplete rehabilitation in case of fracture of the wrist bone;
• minor permanent injuries to the joint capsule;
• inheritance;
• joint dysplasia;
• disorders in the endocrine system;
• metabolic disorder;
• the effects of certain medications that cause changes in cartilage tissue.

There are 3 stages of pathology:

1. At first, the person only experiences discomfort.
2. Bony growths then appear and the painful sensations intensify due to exposure of the nerve endings.
3. In the last stage, the thumb is severely deformed and its mobility can be completely lost.

Pain is the main symptom of the disease. It intensifies with movement, the drop in atmospheric pressure, under hot or cold water. At first, the pain is painful, and in the last stage of the pathology, it becomes simply unbearable.

De Quervain's disease (tenosynovitis)

In this case, only the thumb ligaments are inflamed. This pathology is caused by constant and monotonous movements of the hands, which causes minor damage to the tendon that runs along the back of the wrist. Trauma can be another cause of illness.

The disease usually accompanies people of certain professions:

• musicians;
• seamstresses;
• painters;
• athletes (tennis players, skiers);
• bricklayers;
• typists.

This pathology can develop at any age. Painful sensations with it can occur spontaneously, but most often they are provoked by the load on the thumb, pressing, stretching, trying to grasp an object.

Stenosing ligamentitis

This condition is also called Knott's disease or snapping finger disease. The cause is inflammation of the tendon and the formation of nodes in it.

In this case, the affected finger bends and returns to its original position in a problematic way.

Painful sensations occur when the finger is flexed and extended. In addition to pain, other symptoms are characteristic of the disease:

• numbness;
• higher sensitivity;
• joint swelling;
• formation of lumps (knots).

Stenosing ligamentitis can be triggered by rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, high stress on the joints.

Risk factors

In the case of each pathology, there are several possible reasons for its development. There are also a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of finger joints developing:

• hereditary predisposition;
• chronic infection;
• diseases of the immune system;
• pathology of material exchange;
• changed the hormonal background;
• trauma and microtrauma;
• long-term negative impact.

Diagnosis

When painful sensations in the finger joints appear for the first time, they usually turn to a therapist who prescribes initial examinations and refers to a more limited specialist: a surgeon, neurologist, traumatologist, arthrologist, rheumatologist, orthopedist, reflexologist, osteopath, endocrinologist, nutritionist, physiatrist.

In either case, the diagnosis begins with a visual inspection. After that, the specialist prescribes standard laboratory blood and urine tests. They allow you to identify the inflammatory process in the body and assess some important indicators (albumin, globulin fractions, the amount of iron).

Joint puncture belongs to laboratory methods. A needle is inserted into its socket to collect synovial fluid. This test is also called arthrocentesis.

Of instrumental diagnostic methods, the following studies can be performed, depending on the circumstances:

• X-rays.This method allows you to identify trauma, fractures, tumors, and other damage to bone tissue.
• Ultrasound.This technique is used to examine soft tissues. Also, using an ultrasound examination, you can check the condition of the vessels.
• Tomography- computer, MRI. CT is preferably used to examine bone structures; An exam is similar to an X-ray, but much more informative. MRI is more effective in studying soft tissues
• Scintigraphy.This investigation is carried out using a radio indicator.
• Electrocardiogram.This diagnosis allows you to verify if the pathology has affected the heart.

Treatment of pain in the fingers of the joints of the hands

Any disease requires certain measures. The basis of treatment in most cases is drug therapy in combination with physical therapy and special gymnastics. Some diseases require a special diet. Popular recipes can also be effective in the treatment of joint pathologies.

Drug therapy

Various medications are the mainstay of treatment for most diseases.

In case of joint injuries, use the following medications:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.These funds are used for various inflammatory processes. They not only reduce inflammation, but also reduce pain and fever. Such drugs are produced in different dosage forms: for topical use, oral administration, injection.
• Antibiotics.Such drugs are used in the inflammatory process, as well as in the infectious origin of the pathology. For the appointment of antibiotic therapy, the causative agent of the disease is first identified to determine its sensitivity to the drug.
• Glucocorticosteroids.These drugs are steroids and anti-inflammatories. Its action accelerates the recovery process. They are also available in a variety of dosage forms.
• Chondroprotectors.These medications are used as part of a comprehensive treatment. They accelerate the recovery process, prevent the recurrence of pathology.
• Pain relieverscan be used for severe pain that cannot be tolerated. These can be local remedies in cream or gel form, or medications for oral administration or injections.
• Immunosuppressants.These drugs are used when the pathology is autoimmune in nature.

Medications should only be prescribed by a doctor. Each patient needs an individual approach, so even with the same diseases in different people, the set of necessary drugs can be radically different.

Traditional medicine

Alternative medicine is used in the treatment of various diseases, including those that affect the joints.

The following popular recipes can be effective:

• Melt the propolis and mix it with vegetable oil; sunflower or corn oil is more suitable. The resulting composition should be used as an ointment, rubbing it into the affected areas.
• Rub with honey and horseradish. Products must be mixed in equal proportions.
• Dissolve a tablespoon of mustard powder in half a glass of vodka and massage the affected areas with this composition.
• Boil unpeeled potatoes, knead and apply hot compresses to inflamed areas.
• Grind the onion until soft and apply a compress to the affected areas. You need to keep it for half an hour, repeating the procedure up to three times a day.
• Lilac flower tincture helps a lot. You need to fill 3 tablespoons. l. raw with a glass of vodka and leave for a week in the dark. Rub the affected areas daily with a strained mixture for at least half a month.
• Boil oat flakes so that they acquire the consistency of gelatin, cool a little, soak a bandage in it and apply on the affected areas, fixing it with polyethylene. Remove the compress after an hour.
• In case of inflammation, dissolve 1 tsp. sodium bicarbonate in milk and drink.
• If the inflammatory process worsens, you can apply a fresh cabbage leaf smeared with honey on the affected area.
• Limbs with affected joints can be kept in a bath with the addition of birch broth.
• Heat salt or buckwheat in a frying pan, place in a cloth bag and adhere to the affected area, leaving it for several hours.
• It is useful to use the infusion of bay leaf inside. To do this, pour a glass of boiling water over several leaves and insist.
• Black radish juice with honey is helpful. Three times a day you should take a tablespoon of such a remedy.
• The juice is useful for joint pathologies. A glass of cranberry juice or cranberry, birch juice is enough per day.

Traditional medicine alone is appropriate in the early stage of the development of the pathology. In other cases, it must be used in combination with traditional methods. Self-medication may not bring any results and the pathology will only get worse during this time.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is one of the components of a comprehensive approach to joint pathologies. It is carried out only as directed by a doctor. There are many methods of physiotherapy, so the appropriate option is selected individually.

For various pathologies of the finger joints, the following procedures are appropriate:

• magnetotherapy - constant, impulse;
• electrophoresis;
• UHF;
• laser therapy;
• phonophoresis;
• ozokerite therapy;
• cryotherapy;
• galvanized;
• diadynamic therapy;
• oxygen therapy;
• balneotherapy;
• shock wave therapy;
• ozone therapy.

Various therapeutic methods are designed to restore joint mobility, restore blood circulation, muscle tone, improve metabolic processes, and accelerate recovery.

Any method of physiotherapy has certain contraindications, therefore it is worth resorting to them only as prescribed by a doctor.

Finger gymnastics

Special finger exercises are part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Such gymnastics allows you to restore blood circulation and mobility, reduce pain, and has a general strengthening effect.

Before gymnastics, you can warm up your hands, if there are no contraindications to this. Just soak your hands in warm water for 5 minutes or apply a heating pad to them.

The following exercises are effective for various joint pathologies:

• The fists open and close. You should gently squeeze your hand into a fist so that your thumb is on top of the rest. In this position, you need to stay between 0, 5 and 1 minute, then loosen your fist and spread your fingers as much as possible. You need to do at least 4 reps for each hand.
• Finger warming. You should place the palm of your hand on a hard surface and press it firmly. Alternately, lift each finger, doing 10 reps with each hand.
• Contact. You should turn your hand with the palm facing you and alternately connect the tips of each finger with the tip of the thumb, forming a circle. Each contact should be held between 0, 5 and 1 minute. For each hand, do 4 or more reps.
• Thumb exercise. The palm should be on a firm surface. You should move your thumb along it, moving it as far away from the rest as possible. At the extreme point, you should stay for 0. 5-1 minute and then return to the starting position. Do 10 to 15 reps with each hand. Do the exercise every 2-3 days.
• There is another exercise for the thumb. You should rotate your hand with the palm facing you, move your thumb to the side as much as possible, and then bend it so that its tip touches the base of the little finger. At this point, it should stay between 0, 5 and 1 minute. Do 4 or more reps per hand.
• Brush stretch. You should put the palm of your hand on the table and straighten the brush so that it is as flat as possible. In this position, you should stay from 0. 5 to 1 minute. Do 4 reps with each hand.
• Finger stretch. You must turn the hand with the palm towards you and bend the fingers so that they touch the skin of their bases. In this position, you need to stay between 0, 5 and 1 minute and then gently stretch your fingers. Do 4 or more reps per hand.
• Thumb stretch. You should turn your hand palm toward you and bend your thumb so that its tip touches the base of your index finger. In this position, you need to linger for 0. 5-1 minute, do 4 reps.
• There is another option to stretch your thumb. The starting position is the same. The thumb should be pulled towards the base of the little finger, moving only the lower joint. At the extreme point, stay for 0. 5-1 minute, do 4 reps for each hand.
• Strengthening exercise. It is necessary to take a soft ball and squeeze it as much as possible, stopping at the extreme point for a few seconds. Do 10 to 15 reps with each hand. The exercise itself should be done not every day, but every 2-3 days, resting your hands.
• Pinches. This exercise also requires a soft ball. It should be pinched so that one thumb is on one side and all the others on the other. In this position, it must remain between 0, 5 and 1 minute. You need to do 10-15 reps for each hand. Exercise every 2-3 days.

In addition to these exercises, it is also useful to work with clay or modeling clay. The material can be simply rolled and kneaded or made various crafts.

Finger gymnastics should not be done when the pain is too severe. In this case, exercise can only hurt.

Diet

One of the principles of the treatment of various joint pathologies is proper nutrition.

The diet should be organized according to the following principles:

• Weight normalization. This is necessary for deviations in any direction. In the case of fat metabolism disorders, lipids are deposited in the joints.
• Salt restriction. If there is too much in the body, the joints lose elasticity.
• Avoid alcohol.
• For gout, the focus should be on plant foods to alkalize the body.
• Reduce the intake of animal proteins. The amino acids contained in it penetrate the synovial membrane, causing inflammation and pain.
• It is better to reject meat broths or use secondary broths.
• It is better to use meat not in its pure form, but as cutlets, meatballs, meatballs.
• With gout, you have to give up oily fish, caviar, cod liver, offal, eggs, creamed butter, fatty sour cream and walnuts.
• You must refuse sweets, confectionery, cereals after pre-processing, instant products.
• The diet must be saturated with vitamin C. For this you need citrus fruits, blueberries, apples, bell peppers, black currants, Brussels sprouts, broccoli.

Prevention

Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. As a prophylaxis for various finger joint injuries, the following measures are appropriate:

• Proper nutrition. The diet should be rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, lean protein foods, and unsaturated fatty acids.
• Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. If there are not enough in the diet, you need to resort to pharmacy funds.
• Correct drinking regimen. Lack of fluid slows down metabolism, impairing blood circulation and nutrition in the joints and reducing the volume of synovial fluid in them. The drinking regime should be based on clean non-carbonated water. On average, you should drink 2 liters of liquid per day.
• No bad habits.
• Adequate physical activity. It is important for the normal speed of metabolic processes in the body, good blood circulation, strengthening of the muscles and periarticular ligaments.
• Special gymnastics for fingers. It is especially important when the fingers are under constant tension. This is common in some athletes and professions.
• Competent alternation of activity and rest. The night's sleep must be complete.
• Minimal stress.
• Regular medical check-ups. They can detect the initial stage of pathology or the prerequisites for its development, allowing you to take the necessary measures in a timely manner.

Pain in the finger joints cannot be ignored. Even in the absence of accompanying symptoms, such a phenomenon can be the first sign of serious pathology. An integrated approach is used in the treatment of joint diseases. Therapeutic methods must be prescribed by a doctor, since each patient needs an individual approach.