Joint dysfunction is a fairly common problem among all age groups of the world's population. Diseases that cause pain in the joints of the fingers are usually seen in people over the age of forty. Women and men are equally susceptible to this type of pathology.
Bones and joints ensure great mobility of our body when performing any movement and physical activity. The fingers of the upper limbs, thanks to the mobile phalanges, are able to perform sufficiently clear and targeted actions during delicate and scrupulous work. However, such activity in 60% of cases leads to professional incapacity in old age. For example, watchmakers, jewelers, engravers, seamstresses are more likely to have problems with the joints of the fingers than representatives of other professions. Degenerative processes of the fingers can develop for many reasons, in addition to professional activity. The following factors are considered the most common:
- rheumatism;
- drop;
- osteoarthritis;
- osteoarthritis;
- circulatory disorders in the upper limbs;
- hand injuries.
If the joints swell and hurt when bending the fingers, examination and treatment of the first symptoms of the disease is needed. This problem is solved quite difficult, long term and not always successfully, especially in neglected forms.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease, characterized by damage to connective tissue, which is destructive and degenerative changes in small joints. But rheumatoid arthritis is considered an extremely serious pathology, because, in addition to damaging the cartilage surfaces, it causes serious destructive changes in the tissues of the heart (pericarditis, myocarditis). The kidneys, endocrine glands, blood vessels, lungs and mucous membranes can also suffer. The disease occurs suddenly and is characterized by a very long course with periods of easing of symptoms and bright relapses. Disturbances in the immune system lead to the fact that the immune cells perceive the cells of the 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 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 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 up to 38 degrees;
- symptoms of general intoxication appear in the form of increased fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, weight loss;
- on the surface of the fingers nodules are formed, characteristic of the growth of the synovial membrane of the joint, which is most susceptible to degenerative processes.
The appearance of such symptoms for any sane person should be a reason for immediate referral to a specialist in order to stop the disease in a timely manner and control its possible destructive manifestations.
Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis has a hereditary predisposition, but there are factors that can trigger its occurrence.
Infectious diseases are considered 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 disappear. It is this struggle that provokes the aggression of the body's defenses against the cells of the joints themselves. Hypothermia and stressful situations can create conditions when the joints of the fingers hurt due to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
It is impossible to cure such a disease completely, but it seems very real to keep it under control and prevent progression. Modern methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis are quite effective and allow to endure periods of remission of up to two years, which significantly improves the quality of life of the patient. Now doctors use anti-inflammatory treatment methods with steroidal and non-steroidal drugs. 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 which suppress the activity of immune cells.
The joint hurts due to the degenerative damage caused by these cells. Therefore, if such a drug is administered in a timely manner, with the required frequency to affect the cause of inflammation, the situation will not get out of control. During the period of remission, doctors recommend physiotherapy courses for the area of the fingers and hands.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is considered 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 sufficient nutrition and begins to thin and crack. The synovial fluid decreases in size or disappears completely. All of these factors lead to friction and inflammation. Small joints of the fingers, feet and hands are affected less frequently than the large ones. Older people usually suffer from age-related changes in tissue and blood circulation.
The risk increases dramatically in postmenopausal women, by around 30%, as hormonal changes cause dehydration, decreased elasticity of cartilage and dryness of the joint surface.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis of the fingers are as follows:
- pain and stiffness;
- cracking when flexing and extending the fingers;
- swelling of the skin on the joints of the fingers;
- the appearance of nodules and bumps in the form of growths;
- deformity of the affected toe;
- decreased sensitivity of the fingertips due to a violation of innervation in the affected area.
For pain in the finger joint, therapeutic methods include complex measures. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and ointments based on anesthetics, menthol, or novocaine will help relieve inflammation and pain. To restore and nourish the joint, special preparations of biologically active action are prescribed. Along with this, the doctor prescribes a 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 regain mobility and normal functioning of the fingers. A timely visit to the doctor gives a good prognosis.
Drop
Another of the most common reasons for the question of why the joints of the hands hurt, experts call gout.
Gout is considered a metabolic disease, that is, a violation of protein metabolism.
A large amount of uric acid causes crystals to be deposited in the joints and in the kidneys in the form of salts. The joints of the feet and hands are most commonly affected, especially the base of the thumbs. The main symptoms of the disease are:
- very severe pain;
- violation of the mobility of the joint of the fingers;
- crack when bending;
- hyperemia and swelling of the fingers.
The treatment of this pathology consists, first of all, in organizing a diet with a complete rejection of protein and fatty foods, limiting table salt and including a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. The consumption of alcohol in any form and carbonated drinks is strictly prohibited. The volume of fluid you drink should increase to at least three liters per day. In the event of painful attacks, the affected finger should be kept at rest.
Anti-inflammatory pain relievers are used. If they don't work, doctors use hormone therapy in the form of corticosteroids. Medicines in this group are able to quickly relieve inflammation and pain. Physiotherapy treatment methods in this case are recommended only during the period of remission. Remember that gout is hereditary. Therefore, with a loaded 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 to be a predisposing circumstance for the development of this type of pathology.