Joint dysfunction is a fairly common problem in all age groups of the world population. Diseases that cause pain in the finger joints are usually seen in people over the age of forty. Women and men are equally prone to this type of pathology.
Bones and joints ensure a high degree of mobility in our body with every movement and physical activity. Thanks to the movable phalanges, the fingers of the upper extremities are able to perform sufficiently clear and targeted actions during delicate and conscientious work. However, in 60% of cases, this type of activity leads to occupational disability in old age. Watchmakers, jewelers, engravers and seamstresses, for example, have more problems with finger joint connections than representatives of other professions. In addition to professional activity, degenerative processes of the fingers can develop for many reasons. The following factors are considered to be the most common:
- Rheumatism;
- Gout;
- Osteoarthritis;
- Arthrosis;
- Circulatory disorders of the upper extremities;
- Hand injuries.
If the joints swell and hurt when you flex your fingers, then it is necessary to examine and treat the first symptoms of the disease. This problem becomes quite difficult, long-term, and not always successfully resolved, especially with neglected forms.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by damage to connective tissue, namely destructive and degenerative changes in small joints. However, rheumatoid arthritis is considered an extremely serious pathology, since, in addition to damaging the surfaces of cartilage, it causes serious destructive changes in heart tissue (pericarditis, myocarditis). Kidneys, endocrine glands, blood vessels, lungs and mucous membranes can also suffer from it. The disease occurs suddenly and is characterized by a very long course with periods of subsiding symptoms and bright relapses. Disorders in the immune system cause the immune cells to perceive the cells of the joint surfaces as foreign and start to fight them. This leads to the destruction, deformation and immobility of the fingers.
The attack always hits 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 either limb. In addition, a number of subjective complaints are added:
- pain increases at night and early in the morning;
- there is stiffness in the movement of the fingers;
- there is a subfebrile temperature of up to 38 degrees;
- Symptoms of general poisoning appear in the form of increased fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, weight loss;
- on the surface of the fingers, nodules are formed, which are characteristic of the growth of the synovial membrane of the joint, which is most susceptible to degenerative processes.
The appearance of such symptoms in any healthy person should be a reason for immediate referral to a specialist in order to timely stop the disease and keep its possible destructive manifestations under control.
causes
Rheumatoid arthritis is inherited, but there are factors that can trigger its occurrence.
Infectious diseases are regarded as such because the immune system fights infections and these in turn remain in the joints and bones of the body for a long time after the visible symptoms have subsided. It is this struggle that causes the body's defenses to aggression against the cells of the joints themselves. Hypothermia and stressful situations can create conditions when the joints of the fingers hurt due to the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.
treatment
It is impossible to completely cure such a disease, but keeping it under control and preventing its progression seems pretty real. Modern therapy methods for rheumatoid arthritis are very effective and allow remission times of up to two years, which significantly improves the patient's quality of life. Now doctors are using anti-inflammatory treatments with steroids and nonsteroidal drugs. Biologically active complexes of active ingredients based on collagen and glucosamine are prescribed, which nourish the joint surface and prevent its destruction.
The main 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. If such a drug is available in a timely manner and with the necessary frequency to affect the cause of the inflammation, the situation will not get out of hand. During remission, doctors recommend physical therapy procedures for the fingers and hands area.
arthrosis
Osteoarthritis is a disease in which the cartilage layer between the joints is destroyed. This is due to circulatory disorders in the lower layer of the periosteum. As a result, the cartilage does not receive adequate nutrition and begins to thin and crack. The synovial fluid decreases in volume or disappears completely. All of these factors lead to friction and inflammation. Smaller fingers, ankles, and wrists are less affected than large ones. As a rule, older people suffer from age-related changes in tissue and blood circulation.
The risk increases significantly in postmenopausal women by around 30%, as hormonal changes lead to dehydration, reduced cartilage elasticity and dryness of the joint surface.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis of the fingers are as follows:
- Pain and stiffness;
- Crunching when flexing and stretching fingers;
- Swelling of the skin over the finger joints;
- the appearance of nodules and bumps in the form of growths;
- Deformity of the affected toe;
- decreased sensitivity of the fingertip due to a violation of the innervation in the affected area.
For pain in the finger joint, therapeutic methods include complex measures. Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs and ointments based on anesthetics, menthol, or novocaine help reduce inflammation and pain. To restore and nourish the joint, special preparations with a biologically active effect are prescribed. At the same time, the doctor will prescribe physiotherapy treatment. In severe cases, injections are given directly into the joint capsule. It is important to understand that in advanced cases it is impossible to restore the mobility and normal function of the fingers. A timely doctor visit offers a good prognosis.
gout
Another of the most common reasons for asking why the joints on the hands hurt is what experts call gout.
Gout is a metabolic disease, namely 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 commonly affected, especially the base of the thumb. The main symptoms of the disease are:
- very severe pain;
- violation of the mobility of the finger joint;
- crunch when bending;
- Hyperemia and swelling of the fingers.
Treatment of this pathology consists, first of all, in organizing a diet with a complete rejection of proteins 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 drinks is strictly prohibited. The amount of fluids you drink should be increased to at least three liters per day. In the event of pain attacks, the affected finger should be held still.
Anti-inflammatory pain relievers are used. When they don't work, doctors resort to hormone therapy in the form of corticosteroids. Drugs in this group can quickly relieve inflammation and pain. In this case, physiotherapeutic treatment methods are only advisable during the remission period. It should be remembered that gout is hereditary. You should therefore follow a low-protein and low-fat diet and also check the uric acid level in the blood if you have a troubled history. Obesity is considered a predisposing circumstance for the development of this type of pathology.