Why are finger joint pain and how to treat it?

6 October 2020

Painful sensations in the knuckles can happen for a variety of reasons. Any medical condition requiring competent treatment.

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

Possible causes of pain in the knuckles

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

Polyost Osteoarthritis

Pain in the knuckles is 40% of the time due to this. This is often called multiple fibrosis or knotted fingers. It belongs to dystrophy and is characterized by slow progression, which is why patients often skip the early stages of the disease.

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

The cause of polyarthritis is often referred to as 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 containing cartilage begin to degenerate. This means that the natural lubricant is damaged, causing drying and cracking.

Due to lack of lubrication and dryness, the joint fibers rub together, causing the inflammatory process. Against this background, abnormal inflammatory joint fluid is produced, enlarging the joints from the inside. As a result, their deformation occurs, accompanied by a feeling of pain.

Polynuclear osteoarthritis is accompanied by other symptoms. They are mainly represented by the Bouchard and Heberden notes:

Bouchard's nodulesare characterized by slow growth without complications. They usually form on the lateral surface of joints, giving them a fusiform shape.
Heberden's Nodulesaffects the distal intercostals on their dorsal and lateral parts. They are characterized by symmetrical growth on both hands. The formation of a rash is often accompanied by swelling and redness of the skin around the joint. A painful sensation and a burning sensation appear, although in 30% of cases there are no symptoms.

As osteoarthritis progresses, joint stiffness increases. The result of the pathology is a rash in the fingers.

Rheumatoid arthritis and disease persists

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

The signs of rheumatoid arthritis depend on its stage:

The first stage of the disease is characterized by peristaltic edema of the beams. This leads to pain, swelling around the teeth and a local increase in temperature.
During the second stage, cells begin to divide rapidly, resulting in the synovial membrane becoming denser.
During 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 an increase in pain and loss of motor function.

There are three possible causes of rheumatoid arthritis:

Heredity.
Infections. Pathological changes may be caused by some paramyxovirus, herpesvirus, hepatovirus, retrovirus.
Trigger factor. Pathological changes can be triggered by hypothermia, intoxication, stress, taking certain drugs, intoxication, endocrine disease.

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

Psoriatic Arthritis

This is one of the forms of arthritis and can appear after 20 years. It develops on the basis of psoriasis, but in some cases precedes it.

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

swelling of the joints;
acquires bluish-purple skin around the parenchyma;
appears bumps and pits on the nail;
light hardness.

There is a destructive pathology characterized by rapid erosion of bones. It loses joint mobility.

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

The possible causes of psoriatic arthritis are as follows:

alcohol abuse;
;
stress;
skin damage;
side effects of some drugs;
change the level of hormones;
excess ultraviolet radiation.

Infectious Arthritis

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

There are many possible pathological symptoms - the clinical picture depends on the agent of the infection.

The main signs of disease are:

soreness;
restricts portability;
congestion of the affected area;
swelling.

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

Infectious arthritis can develop against the background of another disease - rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, obesity. The cause can be alcohol and drug addiction, sexually transmitted infection.

Gout

This condition is also known as gouty arthritis. It is a metabolic disease. In this case, uric acid or sodium monorate is deposited in the body's tissues. In women, gout is much less common.

Pathology is characterized by a paroxysmal nature. Exacerbations can last from 3 days to a week and a half. The attacks are characterized by the same sharp appearance and rapid end. The presence of seizures means an inflammatory process.

An exacerbation usually begins at night and can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

worsens pain with movement;
the skin in the inflamed joint turns red;
increased body temperature;
milia nodules form around inflamed joints - develop white under the skin;
lesions are usually unilateral.

In addition to the acute phase there are latent and chronic clinical stages. In the first case, the course of the disease is asymptomatic, and the only sign of it is hyperuricemia (blood test index). The chronic stage is characterized by long periods of remission.

Rhizarthrosis

This is a type of joint disease in which only the thumb is affected. In most cases, rhizarthrosis is a manifestation of polyarthritis, but for every 4-5 patients it is an independent disease.

Injuries are the cause of this pathology in about every second person. It could be home or sports.

There are other causes of disease:

incomplete rehabilitation of a wrist fracture;
mild permanent joint injury;
;
dysplasia of the joints;
disorders in the endocrine system;
;
effects of certain drugs that cause changes in cartilage tissue.

There are 3 stages of pathology:

At first, the person just feels uncomfortable.
Subsequently, bone growth occurs and a sense of pain increases due to contact of nerve endings.
In the final stage, the thumb is severely deformed, which can completely lose mobility.

Pain is the main symptom of the disease. It increases when in motion, reducing atmospheric pressure, under cold or hot water. At first, the pain, and at the end of the pathology, it becomes simply intolerable.

De Quervain's Disease (tenosynovitis)

In this case, only the ligament of the thumb becomes inflamed. This pathology is caused by constant and monotonous movements of the hand, causing minor damage to the tendons that run along the back of the wrist. Injuries can be another cause of illness.

Illness is often a companion of people from certain professions:

musician;
tailors;
;
athletes (tennis players, skiers);
;
typist.

This pathology can develop at any age. Painful sensations with it can occur spontaneously, but they are often stimulated by a load in the thumb - by pressing, extending, trying to grip an object.

Inflammation of the posterior cross ligament

This is also known as Knott's disease or snapping. It is caused by tendinitis and the formation of nodes on it.

In this case, the affected finger is bent and hard to return to its original position.

Painful sensations occur when fingers are bent and stretched. In addition to pain, other symptoms are characteristic of the disease:

numbness;
increased sensitivity;
swelling of the joints;
forms a lump (button).

Cross ligamentitis can be triggered by rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and high tension on the joint.

Risk Factors

In the case of each pathology, there are a number of possible reasons for its development. There are also some risk factors that make the knuckles more susceptible to development:

genetic predisposition;
chronic infection;
diseases of the immune system;
physical metabolic pathology;
changes the hormonal background;
trauma and minor trauma;
negative long term effects.

Diagnosis

When the pain in the knuckles first appears, they often go to the therapist who indicated an initial examination and directed them to a narrower specialty - surgeon, doctorNeurologist, trauma doctor, arthologist, rheumatist, orthopedic doctor, acupressist, osteopath, endocrinologist, nutritionist, therapist.

In all cases, the diagnosis begins with the visual inspection. After that, the specialist will order a standard laboratory blood and urine test. They allow you to identify inflammatory processes in the body and evaluate a number of important indicators (albumin, globulin fraction, iron content).

Joint perforation of a laboratory method. A needle is inserted into its cavity to collect synovial fluid. This test is also known as arthrocentesis.

Among the diagnostic tools, the following studies can be done on a case-by-case basis:

X-ray.This method allows you to identify injuries, fractures, tumors and other damage to bone tissue.
Ultrasound imaging.This technique is used to examine soft tissues. In addition, by ultrasonic testing you can check the status of the circuits.
Tomography- computer, magnetic resonance imaging. CT is preferred to examine bone structure - an examination similar to an X-ray, but with more information. MRI is more effective at studying soft tissues
Sci.This research is done using a radio indicator.
Electrocardiogram.Such a diagnosis allows you to check whether the disease affects the heart or not.

Treatment of pain in the knuckles

Every disease needs certain measures. The basis of treatment in most cases is drug treatment in combination with physical therapy and special exercise. Some diseases require a special diet. Folk formulas may also be effective in treating joint diseases.

Drug treatment

Various drugs are the main treatment for most illnesses.

The following drugs are used for joint damage:

Preparations of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory group.Such funds are used for various inflammatory processes. They not only reduce inflammation, but also reduce pain and fever. These drugs are produced in different dosage forms - for topical use, oral, injection.
Antibiotics.Such drugs are used in inflammatory processes, as well as the infectious source of the pathology. For the appointment of antibiotic therapy, it is necessary to first determine the pathogen in order to determine its sensitivity to the drug.
Glucocorticosteroid.These drugs are steroids and anti-inflammatory. Their actions speed up the recovery process. They are also available in many different dosage forms.
Chondroprotectors.These drugs are used as part of a holistic approach to treatment. They accelerate the recovery process, prevent the recurrence of the pathology.
Pain relievercan be used for severe pain that cannot be tolerated. These can be topical remedies in the form of creams or gels, or pills to be taken orally or injected.
Immunosuppressants.These medications are used when the pathology is of an autoimmune nature.

Medication should be prescribed only by a doctor. Each patient needs a unique approach, so even if there are similar diseases in different people, the group of drugs needed may be completely different.

Traditional medicine

Alternative medicine is used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including those that affect joints.

The following folk formulas might work:

Melt propolis and mix with vegetable oil - sunflower oil or corn oil is more suitable. The resulting composition should be used in the form of an ointment, dab it on the affected areas.
Rub with honey and horseradish. Products must be mixed in equal proportions.
Dissolve one tablespoon of mustard powder in half a glass of vodka and massage the affected areas with this preparation.
Boil uncooked potatoes, knead, and apply warm compresses to inflamed areas.
Blend the onion and apply it to the affected areas. You need to keep it for half an hour, repeating the process up to three times a day.
Lilac alcohol helps a lot. You need to fill 3 tbsp. l. Raw with a glass of vodka and leave in the dark for a week. Rub the affected areas with the tension mixture daily for at least half a month.
Boil the rolled oats to give it the consistency of the agar, let it cool slightly, soak a piece of ice in it and cover the affected areas, fixed with polyethylene. Remove the compression bandage after one hour.
In case of inflammation, dissolve 1 teaspoon. baking soda into milk and drink.
If the inflammatory process becomes worse, you can apply fresh cabbage leaves with honey to the affected area.
The limbs with the affected joints can be kept in the bath with added birch broth.
Heat salt or buckwheat on a saucepan, place in a cloth bag and cover on the affected area, leave for several hours.
Infused with laurel leaves is very helpful. To do this, pour a cup of boiling water over a few leaves and insist.
Black radish juice with honey is very helpful. Three times a day, you need to take one tablespoon of such medicine.
Fruit juice is useful for joint diseases. One glass of cranberry juice or reishi, birch juice is enough for each day.

Traditional medicine is only suitable in the early stages of the development of the pathology. In other cases it should be used in conjunction with traditional methods. Self-medication may not bring any results, and the illness will only get worse during this time.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is one of the components of a holistic approach to joint diseases. It is only taken as directed by a doctor. There are many methods of physiotherapy, so the appropriate option is selected on an individual basis.

For various diseases of the knuckle, the following tips are suitable:

magnetotherapy - constant, impulsive;
electrophoresis;
UHF;
;
;
ozokerite therapy;
;
galvanized;
diadynamic therapy;
oxygen therapy;
therapy;
shock wave therapy;
ozone therapy.

Various therapies are designed to restore joint mobility, restore blood circulation, tone muscles, enhance metabolism, and speed up the recovery process.

Any method of physical therapy has certain contraindications, so it should be used only as directed by your doctor.

Finger fitness

Special finger exercises are part of a holistic treatment approach. Such gymnastics allows you to restore blood circulation and mobility, relieve pain and have a general health-boosting effect.

Before exercising, you can warm up your hands, if there are no contraindications. Simply soaking your hands in warm water for 5 minutes or applying a heating pad is enough.

The following exercises are effective for different joint diseases:

Against fists and not tight. You need to gently clench your hand so that your thumb is on the rest. In this position, you need to linger for 0, 5-1 minutes, then don't clench your hands tightly, spread your fingers as wide as possible. You need to do at least 4 repetitions per hand.
Finger start. You need to place your palm on a hard surface and press firmly. Take turns lifting each finger, performing 10 repetitions for each hand.
Contact. Turn your hand with the palm of your hand facing you and alternately connect your fingertips to the tip of your thumb, forming a circle. Each contact should be kept for 0. 5-1 minutes. For each hand, perform 4 or more repetitions.
Thumb exercises. The palm of the hand should be on a firm surface. You need to move your thumb along it, maximally take your thumb away from the rest. At the extreme, you need to linger for 0. 5-1 minutes, then return to the starting position. Do it 10-15 reps per hand. Do the exercise every 2-3 days.
There is another thumb exercise. You need to rotate your hand with the palm of your hand facing you, move your thumb to the side as much as you can, then flex it so that the tip of your finger touches the base of your little finger. At this point, you need to linger for 0, 5-1 minutes. Do 4 or more reps per hand.
Extend the brush. You need to place the brush on the table and straighten it as flat as possible. In this position, you need to stay the same for 0. 5-1 minutes. Do 4 repetitions for each hand.
Stretch your fingers. You need to rotate your hands with the palms towards you and bend your fingers so that they touch the skin on their base. In this position, you need to linger for 0. 5-1 minutes, then straighten your fingers smoothly. Do 4 or more reps per hand.
Tense your thumb. You need to rotate the hand with the palm of your hand facing you and bend the thumb so that its tip touches the base of your index finger. In this position, you need to linger for 0, 5-1 minutes, doing 4 repetitions.
There is another option for thumb stretching. The starting position is the same. The thumb should be pulled back to the base of the little finger, moving only the lower joint. At the extreme point, linger for 0. 5-1 minutes, repeating 4 times for each hand.
reinforcement exercises. It is necessary to grab a soft ball and squeeze as much as possible, lingering at the extreme point for a few seconds. Do 10-15 repetitions for each hand. This exercise itself should not be done every day, but every 2-3 days, give your hands a rest.
Pinches. This exercise also requires a soft ball. It must be pinched to have one thumb on one side and all thumbs on the other. In this position, you need to linger for 0, 5-1 minutes. You need to do 10-15 repetitions per hand. Exercise every 2-3 days.

In addition to such exercises, it is also helpful to work with clay or plastic. Materials can be simply rolled and kneaded or made into a variety of crafts.

Do not exercise fingers when the pain is too severe. In this case, exercise can only be harmful.

Diet

One of the principles of treating various joint diseases is proper nutrition.

The diet should be organized according to the following principles:

Standardized weight. This is required for deviation in any direction. In case of lipid metabolism disorders, lipids are deposited on the joint.
Limit salt. If there is too much of this substance in the body, the joints lose elasticity.
Avoid alcohol.
For gout, focus on plant foods to alkalize the body.
Reduced intake of animal protein. The amino acids contained in it penetrate the synovial membrane, causing inflammation and pain.
You'd better refuse meat broth or use extra broth.
Better to use meat not in its pure form but meat cutlets, meatballs, meatballs.
With gout, you need to give up oily fish, caviar, fish liver, viscera, eggs, butter with cream, fatty cream, nuts.
You should refuse sweets, candies, pre-processed cereals, ready-to-eat products.
The diet should be saturated with vitamin C. For this, you need citrus, blueberries, apples, bell peppers, black pickles, Brussels sprouts, broccoli.

Precautions

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

Proper nutrition. The diet should be rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, foods rich in lean protein and unsaturated fatty acids.
Fully supplemented with vitamins and minerals. If you don't get enough of them in your diet, then you should use the fund from the pharmacy.
The right diet. Lack of fluid slows down metabolism, reduces blood circulation and joint nutrition, and reduces the volume of synovial fluid in the joint. The drinking regimen should be based on clean water without gas. On average, you need to drink 2 liters of fluids per day.
There is no bad habit.
Adequate physical activity. It is very important for normal speed of metabolism in the body, good blood circulation, strengthening peristaltic muscles and ligaments.
Gymnastics specifically for fingers. It is especially important when the fingers are subjected to constant force. This is true for some athletes and professions.
Rotation of competent activities and rest. The night sleep will be completed.
Minimum stress.
Routine physical exam. They can detect the early stage of the pathology or precondition for its development, allowing you to take the necessary measures in time.

Painful knuckles cannot be ignored. Even in the absence of accompanying symptoms, such a phenomenon could be the first sign of a serious illness. An integrated approach is used in the treatment of joint diseases. Treatments should be prescribed by a doctor, as each patient needs a unique approach.