Joint dysfunction is a fairly common problem in all age groups of the world population. Diseases that cause pain in the joints of the fingers are usually found in people over the age of forty. Women and men are equally susceptible to this type of pathology.
Bones and joints provide high mobility for our body during any movement and physical activity. The fingers of the upper limbs, thanks to the moving phalanges, can perform sufficiently clear and purposeful actions while performing delicate, scrupulous work. However, such activity in 60% of cases leads to occupational disability in old age. For example, watchmakers, jewelers, engravers, tailors have more problems with finger joints than representatives of other professions. Degenerative processes of the fingers can develop for many reasons besides professional activities. The following factors are considered the most common:
- Rheumatism;
- Gout
- Osteoarthritis;
- Arthrosis;
- Circulatory disorders in the upper extremities;
- Hand injuries.
If the joints become swollen and sore when the fingers are bent, the first symptoms of the disease need to be examined and treated. This problem is solved quite difficult, long-term and not always successfully, especially in neglected forms.
ᲠEvmatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease characterized by connective tissue damage, namely destructive and degenerative changes in small joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be an extremely serious pathology because, in addition to damaging the cartilaginous surfaces, it causes serious destructive changes in the tissues of the heart (pericarditis, myocarditis). It can also affect the kidneys, endocrine glands, blood vessels, lungs and mucous membranes. The disease occurs suddenly and is characterized by a very long course, periods of symptom relief, and marked relapses. Disorders of the immune system lead to the fact that immune cells perceive cells on the surface of the joints as foreign and begin to fight them. This causes destruction, deformation and immobility of the fingers.
The attack always comes on the small joints of the hands and fingers of the upper and lower limbs.
Symptoms
A patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis complains of joint pain when flexing his fingers. This symptom is one of the first to appear on both limbs. In addition, a number of subjective complaints have been added:
- The pain increases at night and in the first hours of the day;
- There is firmness 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, which are characteristic of the growth of the synovial membrane of the joint, which is most sensitive to degenerative processes.
For all sane people, the appearance of such symptoms should be a reason to immediately consult a specialist to stop the disease in time and its possible destructive manifestations to be under control.
ᲛReasons
Rheumatoid arthritis has a hereditary predisposition, but there are factors that can lead to its origin.
Infectious diseases are considered as such because the immune system fights the infection and it, in turn, stays in the joints and bones of the body for a long time after the visible symptoms subside. It is this fight that causes the body’s defenses to aggress against the cells of the joints themselves. Hypothermia and stressful situations can create conditions when the finger joints ache due to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
It is impossible to cure such a disease completely, but it is quite realistic to keep it under control and prevent its progression. Modern methods of rheumatoid arthritis therapy are quite effective and allow to endure periods of remission for up to two years, which significantly improves the quality of life of the patient. Now doctors use anti-inflammatory methods of treatment with steroid and non-steroidal drugs. Biologically active complexes of collagen and glucosamine-based medications are prescribed that nourish the joint surface and prevent destruction.
The most important innovation in the treatment of this pathology is the use of specific enzymes that inhibit the activity of immune cells.
The joint hurts due to the degenerative damage caused by these cells. Therefore, if such a drug in a timely manner, with the required frequency, acts on the cause of inflammation, then the situation will not get out of control. During remission, doctors recommend courses of physiotherapy procedures for the fingers and hand area.
Arthrosis
Osteoarthritis is considered to be a disease in which the cartilage layer between the joints is destroyed. This is caused by a circulatory disorder 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 altogether. All of these factors cause friction and inflammation. Small joints of the fingers, ankles, and hands are less frequently injured than large ones. Usually, older people experience age-related changes in tissues and blood circulation.
The risk increases significantly in postmenopausal women, by about 30%, as hormonal changes lead to dehydration, decreased cartilage elasticity, and dryness of the joint surface.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis of the fingers are as follows:
- Pain and stiffness;
- crunch when flexing and extending fingers;
- Swelling of the skin on the joints of the fingers;
- The appearance of nodules and bumps in the form of growth;
- Deformity of the affected finger;
- Decreased sensitivity of the fingertip due to innervation disorder in the affected side.
Therapeutic methods for pain in the finger joint include complex measures. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and ointments based on anesthetics can help relieve inflammation and pain. Special preparations of biologically active action are prescribed for joint recovery and nutrition. In addition, the doctor determines the course of physiotherapy 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 return finger movement and normal functioning. A timely visit to the doctor gives a good prognosis.
Gout
Another common reason for the question of why the joints on the hands hurt, experts call gout.
Gout is considered a metabolic disease, namely a disorder of protein metabolism.
Large amounts of uric acid cause crystals to be deposited in the joints and kidneys in the form of salts. The joints of the feet and hands are most often affected, especially the base of the index finger. The main symptoms of the disease are:
- Very strong pain;
- Impaired mobility of the finger joints;
- crunch when bending;
- Swelling and hyperemia of the fingers.
Treatment of this pathology primarily involves organizing a diet with complete rejection of protein and fatty foods, limiting table salt, and including large amounts of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. The use of alcohol and carbonated beverages is strictly prohibited. The amount of fluid you drink should increase to at least three liters per day. In case of pain attacks the affected finger should be rested.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers are used. If they are not effective, doctors resort to hormone therapy in the form of corticosteroids. Medications in this group can quickly relieve inflammation and pain. In this case, physiotherapeutic methods of treatment are appropriate only in the period of remission. We must remember that gout is hereditary, so with a busy history, you should follow a diet low in protein and fat and also control the level of uric acid in the blood. Obesity is considered a prerequisite for the development of such pathology.