The joints of the fingers most often start to hurt after the age of 40-45 (in 1 out of 10 people, it is caused by age-related changes in the body).After 60 years, the pain often occurs against the background of polyosteoarthrosis (damage and destruction of the articular cartilage of various joints).
Deformation and destruction of the joints of the hands are diagnosed in 10% of elderly people.
In addition, pain in the joints of the fingers is a characteristic sign of diseases such as:
- rheumatoid arthritis (in 80% of cases, it begins with inflammation of the joints of the fingers);
- psoriatic arthritis (in 70% the fingers suffer first);
- gout (arthritis affecting the fingers, occurs in 10-15% of gout patients);
- Osteomyelitis is an infectious inflammation of bones (accounts for 6.5% of all diseases of the musculoskeletal system).
Most arthritis, in which the joints of the fingers are first involved in the process, is a systemic disease (that is, it affects different systems of the body, not just the joints).It is diagnosed equally often in people of any age, including young people;they occur 3-5 times less often in men.
Another cause of pain is the consequences of mechanical injuries, blows or bruises of the hand (often occurs among athletes, 40% of all traumatic injuries).
Some diseases that cause pain in the joints of the fingers cannot be completely cured;over time, they become a cause of disability (rheumatoid, psoriatic arthritis, polyosteoarthritis).And, for example, with timely treatment, osteomyelitis can be eliminated forever, but the process quickly becomes chronic and can lead to the loss of a limb (in 30% of cases).
If you suspect a systemic disease (arthritis, polyosteoarthrosis), consult a rheumatologist or arthrologist.Osteomyelitis is treated by an orthopedic traumatologist, a surgeon, and injuries by an orthopedic traumatologist.
Why pain occurs in the joints of the fingers: causes and symptoms
Why do my finger joints hurt?There are many reasons, as well as factors that can speed up or delay the process.Common predisposing factors of all diseases and injuries can be considered:
- Profession (this category includes those who are forced to work with their hands and fingers, musicians, seamstresses, programmers).
- Stress (injuries and microtraumas resulting from long hours of sports training and rehearsals).
- Hormonal changes, disorders (pregnancy, estrogen deficiency in older women).
- Heredity (close relatives are more susceptible to systemic diseases).
- Deficiencies or diseases of the immune system.
- Metabolic disorders (gout, diabetes).
- Chronic infections (tuberculosis).
- Hypothermia (hypothermia).
- Some long-term negative factors (among them - taking drugs, poisoning with toxic substances in a dangerous business, smoking, alcoholism, etc.).
The following article describes the pathologies and conditions that cause pain in the joints of the fingers.
Injuries
The pain that appears after an injury is difficult to confuse with anything else:
- all symptoms appear immediately after a blow, bruise, compression or other injury;
- severe pain is accompanied by swelling, bruises at the site of the collision, damage to the mobility of the joints;
- in case of moderate and severe damage, the symptoms do not subside for a long time, but become more pronounced - pain, stiffness, swelling;
- the discomfort intensifies when they try to bend or straighten the fingers.
Severe injuries to the fingers of the upper limb are associated with:
- rupture of muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, bleeding into the capsule (hemarthrosis) and soft tissues (hematomas);
- bone fractures and fissures;
- nerve damage (loss of sensation in fingers and skin).
Prognosis: minor injuries heal without a trace in 90-95% of cases.Severe and moderate injuries can leave various complications - from finger sensitivity to traumatic arthritis in 70%.
Polyosteoarthrosis
Polyosteoarthrosis is a chronic pathology, as a result of which the joints of the fingers gradually deform and die (there is a form of the disease that affects the joints of the thumb - rhizarthrosis).
At first, aching pain occurs after hard work (sewing, embroidery, many hours of instrument rehearsal).As the disease progresses:
- pain in the joints of the fingers becomes constant and does not go away with rest;
- the pain is accompanied by clicking and crunching (during movement);
- stiffness appears (minor at first).
During the period of exacerbation, the main symptoms include swelling, swelling, increased local temperature, and sometimes redness of the joints.
Fingers become deformed over time:
- Heberden nodules (bone growths, pea-sized nodules) develop on the joints closer to the nails.
- Bouchard nodes (overgrowth of joint surfaces, bone spurs) develop on the middle joints.
The joints of the fingers lose their original shape (knot) and over time lose their mobility due to ossification of the soft tissues (ankylosis).
Prognosis: the pathology is incurable, but it can be stopped for a long time in the early stages (until the deformation appears).Later it becomes a cause of disability (tissues grow together, ossify, the mobility of the fingers can only be restored by surgery).
Rheumatoid arthritis
It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, which occurs with the involvement of other organs and systems in the pathological process (outer lining of the heart, lungs, blood vessel walls, skin).
Features of rheumatoid arthritis:
- gradual increase and strengthening of symptoms (in the beginning, the exacerbation is replaced by a rather long, symptom-free progression, but these will become shorter and shorter over time);
- morning stiffness that resembles a tight glove (goes away in 30-60 minutes);
- sharp, acute, dull pain in the joints of the fingers (on both hands), which increases intolerably when bent;
- redness, swelling, swelling, joint stiffness.
The pain syndrome usually occurs at night or in the morning and decreases slightly in the afternoon.
When the acute symptoms subside (during remission), the pain is less pronounced, hurts, intensifies with movement and work in cold water.Finger joints hurt when bending and stretching, painful to the touch and slightly swollen.
Gradually, the disease leads to stable deformation and dysfunction of the fingers - they turn outwards or upwards, bend (most often the middle, index and ring fingers are affected, extremely rarely - the little and thumb), other joints are also involved in the process (wrist, ankle, knee, shoulder).
Prognosis: the pathology is incurable, progresses rapidly and leads to loss of working capacity and disability - in 40% of cases in the first 5 years of development.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of severe systemic disease (psoriasis).
The most typical signs of damage to the joints of the fingers:
- sudden, acute arthritis;
- damage to the interphalangeal and distal (closer to the nail) joints;
- constant, uniform, severe pain with extensive swelling, redness, limited movement (the shape of the fingers at this moment resembles a radish or sausage, it is impossible to bend or straighten the joints of the fingers due to pain and swelling);
- an increase in the general temperature.
In the long term, it leads to the destruction of the nail plates (they crumble and lose their shape), the deformation of the fingers (they "turn" outwards or upwards) and the loss of the ability to work.
Prognosis: psoriatic arthritis is incurable, severe, develops rapidly, and leads to disability in 90-95% of patients.
Gouty arthritis
Gouty arthritis occurs against the background of metabolic disorders, which causes the accumulation of excess uric acid in the body.It falls into the tissues of the joints, causing inflammation.
Typical symptoms of gouty arthritis:
- Sharp, sudden, throbbing or burning pain in one or more joints of the fingers.
- Any attempt to move or touch the finger increases the unpleasant symptom.
- It is accompanied by severe swelling, which often extends to the entire hand, the color of the skin changes (the finger of the hand becomes bluish-purple), and an increase in the general temperature (the patient has a fever, chills).
- Pain in the joints of the fingers usually occurs at night.
- The attack can last from 2 days to 2 weeks.
Progressive gouty arthritis causes involvement of new joints in the process and their deformation (destruction of joint surfaces).Tophi appear on the fingers - tissue deposits of uric acid.
Prognosis: There is no cure for gout, but normal uric acid levels can be maintained with medication and diet.The disease rarely causes complete disability for the patient (5-8%), but over time it can destroy the joints of the fingers (secondary arthrosis).
Why can the joints of the fingers hurt anyway?
Other causes of pain include the following diseases and conditions:
Osteomyelitis
This infectious disease of the bones (periosteum, spongy and dense substance) usually begins acutely - the joint pain in osteomyelitis is severe, sharp, jerking, cracking or tearing.When bending or stretching, it becomes unbearable, accompanied by severe swelling, redness and hardening of the tissues above the joint, fever and signs of general intoxication (weakness, sweating).In 30% of cases, osteomyelitis becomes chronic (can recur), and the pain in the fingers becomes aching.The process can cause purulent arthritis, malignant tumors of bone tissue, and deformation of bones and joints.
Vasospasm
Vasospasm is a sharp narrowing of the peripheral blood vessels that supply blood to the upper limbs, hands and finger joints.It is characterized by a tingling sensation, numbness and pale skin.At the end of the attack (which can be short-term - from 2 minutes or long-term - up to 60 minutes), the fingers begin to hurt, "ache" and the skin of the hands turns red.Over time, this phenomenon (vasospasm) causes the appearance of trophic ulcers (tissue death due to nutritional disorders), melting of bones and death of fingertips.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is not a pathological condition, but is associated with sharp and rapid hormonal changes in the body and an accelerated metabolism.Finger joint pain, or rather aching, can be caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D3, as well as an excess of the hormone that prepares the body for childbirth by relaxing the ligaments.
Diagnostics: methods, research
What to do if the joints of the fingers hurt?First of all, it is necessary to diagnose the pathologies that cause such a symptom.Most often, the attending physician prescribes a number of tests:
| The name of the method | Which makes the diagnosis possible |
|---|---|
Radiography |
It can be used to detect pathological changes in bones, joint deformation, crystal deposits, tissue ossification. |
MRI, CT or ultrasound |
These diagnostic methods make it possible to identify pathological changes in periarticular tissues and joints that cannot be seen on X-rays. |
ECG, ultrasound of internal organs |
Helps to identify extra-articular manifestations characteristic of certain diseases (pericarditis, pneumonitis) |
Angiography |
The study of blood vessels is informative in the case of pathologies that involve damage to their walls and can cause vasospasm (rheumatoid arthritis). |
Clinical laboratory tests |
With the help of tests, the cause of the disease is determined, and the infections and pathogens of the pathological process are identified. |
Therapeutic and diagnostic puncture of joints (procedure for removing fluid from the joint capsule) |
A puncture is performed if blood has accumulated in it (hemarthrosis), pus (infectious processes) or a large amount of fluid, which hinders mobility and threatens its destruction. |
Treatment: principles, drugs, characteristics
Some diseases or conditions that cause pain in the joints of the fingers cannot be cured (vasospasm, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, gouty arthritis).Some recover completely and without consequences (with timely treatment - osteomyelitis, mild and moderate injuries).
General principles of treatment, methods of pain relief
What is common in the treatment of all diseases that cause pain in the joints of the fingers is the prescription of drugs that help get rid of severe symptoms.
This is usually:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which successfully relieve inflammation and pain;
- glucocorticoids, which are prescribed when NSAIDs are ineffective;
- pain relievers, if joint pain cannot be relieved by other means.
As soon as the symptoms subside, the patient is prescribed: chondroprotectors to slow down or prevent cartilage destruction, and physical therapy.
Physiotherapy stimulates metabolic processes and accelerates tissue recovery.The most popular physiotherapy procedures for joint diseases are:
- electrophoresis with drugs;
- magnet therapy;
- UHF (ultra high frequency therapy);
- reflexology (acupuncture);
- massage;
- mud therapy;
- balneotherapy (hydrotherapy);
- heating procedures (use of paraffin, ozokerite);
- therapeutic exercises (exercises to strengthen the joints of the fingers).
If you need to eliminate pain in the joints of the fingers and its causes, treatment at a sanatorium-resort can give good results.On the instructions of the attending physician, the patient has the opportunity 1-2 times a year to change the climate, perform restorative physiotherapy procedures, and consume mineral water from natural sources.
Features of treatment of specific pathologies
In addition to general methods and tools, there are nuances in the treatment of certain pathologies:
| Pathology | Features of the treatment |
|---|---|
Injuries |
Treatment of injuries is gradual.First, the victim is given first aid (fixing bandage, ice application for 24 hours). If necessary, a puncture is made, the integrity of the tissues is restored (in case of severe damage) and fixed with plaster. The 3-5.they start to warm up during the day and stimulate healing. |
Polyosteoarthrosis |
At the beginning of the disease, chondroprotectors and physical therapy are effective. Later, only surgery helps (the problem is solved with a prosthesis). |
Rheumatoid arthritis |
Prescribe basic anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antibacterial, anti-allergic drugs, drugs affecting the activity of the immune system. |
Psoriatic arthritis |
|
Gouty arthritis |
The underlying disease (gout) is treated by prescribing drugs that control the formation of uric acid, speed up excretion, and dissolve tissue salt deposits. A mandatory part of the treatment is a strict diet during the attack (Table 6), a less strict diet throughout life. |
Osteomyelitis |
The purulent cavities of the bone tissue are surgically washed and the ulcers are opened. Antibiotics and antibacterial drugs are used for treatment. |
Vasospasm |
How to treat vasospasm?In case of pathology, vasodilators and antispasmodics (relaxing the muscles of the vessel walls) and blood thinners are prescribed. Eliminate provoking factors (such as smoking) or treat the underlying disease causing the vasospasm (such as rheumatoid arthritis). |
Folk remedies (treatment of pathologies, pain relief)
Pain in the joints of the fingers can also be treated with folk remedies:
- Infusion of eucalyptus leaves.Take 40 g of eucalyptus leaves, pour one liter of boiling water, let it stand for 60 minutes under the lid.When it is ready, strain it, pour it into a dark glass container and store it in the refrigerator.Take every day for 2 weeks - 50 ml 3 times, 30 minutes before meals.
- Treatment of pain in the joints of the fingers with an infusion of blackcurrant leaves.Pour 10 g of raw material into 0.5 liters of boiling water and let it brew for 20 minutes, covered.Drink it with a glass 2-3 times during the day.The duration of the course is 2-3 months.
- Warming ointment for arthritis.Take 50 g of camphor and mustard powder, dilute each in 100 ml of alcohol, add the beaten egg white.Rub it into brushes overnight.The treatment of the finger joints continues for 21 days, after a while the course can be repeated.
- Oil rub.Dilute pine essential oil with vegetable oil (1:1), then rub the joints of the fingers before going to bed until it is completely absorbed.First, you have to "heat it up": boil the washed potato skins in water, when the broth has cooled down (to a pleasant temperature), dip your brushes in it and hold it for 15-25 minutes, then rinse it off with clean water.The treatment continues for 3 weeks or until the symptoms of the disease disappear.
Prevention
How to prevent pathologies that cause pain in the joints of the fingers?For this you need:
- get rid of bad habits (stop smoking and alcohol);
- introducing foods beneficial for joints and cartilage into the diet (sufficient calcium, phosphorus, other minerals and vitamins, with protein content);
- regularly conduct examinations to get rid of foci of chronic infection (for example, tonsillitis);
- do not overload (alternate the load with rest) and do not overcool your hands.
It is very important to strengthen the immune system (swimming, yoga, walking) and finger joints with therapeutic exercises.