The fingers are the main tool thanks to which we can perform various work functions. Therefore, it is not surprising that when the joints of the fingers hurt, it is difficult to carry out their direct tasks or cope with tasks. Medical help is needed when the first painful sensations appear, otherwise, in the advanced stages, serious consequences associated with the destruction of the joints are possible.
What to do if the finger joints hurt? It is necessary to contact a rheumatologist for examination and treatment as soon as possible. Only after the specialist has established the true cause of the pain and clarified the diagnosis, he will be able to choose an effective treatment regimen and prescribe the necessary drugs.
Why finger joints hurt: the main reasons
There are many reasons that can trigger joint pain. The factors that cause pathological changes in the joints are:
- the influence of the external environment (for example, prolonged hypothermia, physical injury);
- professional factor associated with a constant increase in stress on the joints;
- hormonal disorders;
- diseases of the immune and endocrine systems;
- hereditary factor;
- chronic infectious diseases.
The joints of the fingers often hurt during pregnancy, and this condition is explained by the lack of calcium, which manifests itself most acutely during this period. An increase in the production of the hormone relaxin (which negatively affects the state of cartilage tissue), as well as a weakening of immunity associated with the restructuring of a woman's body during the gestation period, also plays a role.
In addition, experts identify a number of diseases that lead to deformation and destruction of the joints and are accompanied by a characteristic symptom - pain. These are pathologies such as:
- infectious arthritis;
- osteoarthritis;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- psoriatic arthritis;
- rhizarthrosis;
- gout;
- stenosing ligamentitis.
Let's focus on the symptoms of diseases that cause joint damage and talk about the methods of diagnosis and treatment of such pathologies.
Finger joints hurt: what diseases can we talk about
The causes of finger joint pain are most likely associated with one of the following diseases:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease associated with damage to the small joints of the arms and legs. The inflammatory process often affects the metacarpophalangeal joints of the middle and index fingers. If your fingers are swollen and your joints ache in the morning, this could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
With an exacerbation of the inflammatory process, the skin above the joints swells, turns red, becomes hot to the touch, and you can feel tight nodules under it. The pains are so intense that a person cannot make a fist. Symmetrical damage to the joints of both hands is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. The main symptom of the disease is morning joint stiffness, accompanied by increased pain.
The pain usually subsides in the evening. The danger of the disease is that the diagnosis is usually made in later stages, when the cartilage tissue has already been destroyed. If the joints ache and the fingers become numb, try not to postpone your visit to the doctor, otherwise a neglected inflammatory process will lead to deformation of the fingers and hands and will end in disability.
Psoriatic arthritis
This is one of the forms of psoriasis, when, in addition to skin manifestations, the distal (nail) joints of the phalanges of the fingers are involved in the inflammatory process. At the same time, a change in their shape is observed, they swell, swell, do not stretch, the skin becomes red and inflamed, and the fingers themselves become like sausages.
If the joints of the fingers of the right hand hurt (for example, the index and little finger), then by the way the joints of the fingers of the left hand hurt, it is possible to make a preliminary diagnosis with confidence. In psoriatic arthritis, the inflammatory process will be asymmetrical, that is, the phalanges of the middle and ring fingers on the other hand will be affected.
Infectious and septic arthritis
These diseases usually are manifested by severe pain in the joints and a worsening of the general condition, which is manifested by fever, chills, fever, symptoms of intoxication of the body.
Inflammation of a joint of a viral or bacterial nature is often associated with damage to a joint, where infectious agents penetrate through damage to the skin. But it is not uncommon and polyarthritis, when several joints are infected at the same time, in this case the inflammatory symptoms become especially pronounced.
Osteoarthritis
This disease is not inflammatory in nature and is manifested by deformity of the joints, their gradual thickening and limited mobility. If the finger joint hurts when flexing, the fingers take the form of a spindle with a characteristic thickening in the middle, this indicates the development of osteoarthritis.
The disease is typical of the elderly and is most often diagnosed in women after 40, which is associated with changes in hormone levels and the onset of menopause. In addition, occupational factors, metabolic disorders and genetic predisposition can become the causes of osteoarthritis.
Gout
This disease is caused by metabolic disorders in which uric acid salts are deposited in the joints. Most often, gout is diagnosed in males at the age of 40-60, and this is due to the excessive consumption of fatty, spicy and salty foods, as well as addiction to alcohol.
The lesion mainly affects the toes, but with an atypical course of the disease, the metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumb in the hands may also be affected. The pains with gout are burning, unbearable. They differ in intensity and are accompanied by swelling and redness of the skin in the area of the affected joints.
Stenosing ligamentitis
This pathological condition resembles osteoarthritis or arthritis. Therefore, an X-ray examination is required to clarify the diagnosis. The main symptoms are: pain when flexing and extending the fingers, sometimes the joint can jam in a bent state and some effort must be applied to extend it.
Therefore, if the middle finger joint hurts and characteristic clicks are heard during its extension, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. With an exacerbation of the inflammatory process, numbness of the fingers appears, a burning sensation, swelling, bluish skin tone in the affected area.
Rizatrosis
If the thumb joint on your hand hurts, it could be a sign of this condition. The disease is usually associated with constant overload of the joint, penetration of infection or trauma. A common symptom is increased pain when performing certain actions, for example, turning the door handles, turning a key in a lock, opening the covers.
It is necessary to treat the disease as soon as possible, otherwise the joint will become deformed and the pain will become constant, chasing a person even at rest. Over time, bony growths form at the base of the thumb, which practically immobilizes the hand and leads to disability, as the slightest movement causes unbearable pain.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
This disorder is neurological in nature, as it develops as a result of compression of the median nerve passing through the wrist. This happens due to regular loads on the joints and ligaments of the hand. At risk are people who, by virtue of their profession, are forced to work constantly with their fingers (stenographers, computer technicians, musicians, artists). Pain is usually localized in the area of the thumb and forefinger, and the accuracy of movements when performing certain actions is impaired. Additionally, nerve compression can cause poor circulation and numbness in the fingers.
Pinching of the vertebral nerves, bursitis, rheumatological pathologies, an unhealthy lifestyle and other factors can cause pain in the joints of the hands. It is important to pay attention to the alarming symptoms in a timely manner and seek qualified help.
Which doctor will help if the finger joints hurt?
At the initial stage, you can make an appointment with a therapist, who, after taking an anamnesis, will refer you to a narrow specialist (doctor - rheumatologist). It is this specialist who deals with joint diseases, will provide the necessary assistance and make an accurate diagnosis.
Additionally, you may need to consult a surgeon or neurologist. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment taking into account the cause of the joint damage, the severity of the symptoms, possible contraindications and the individual characteristics of the patient.
Diagnostics
The activities required for correct diagnosis are visual examination, laboratory tests of blood, urine and sending the patient for radiographic examination. An X-ray of the hands usually gives the necessary idea of the nature of the pathology and the degree of joint damage.
In order to obtain the most complete information about the nature of the pain and the causes of the inflammatory process, the doctor may refer the patient for an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These are the most modern and informative research methods that allow you to identify the slightest changes in the early stages of the disease and help prevent its further development and serious consequences associated with deformation and destruction of the joints.
Sometimes, if you suspect gout, a special blood test is done to check your uric acid level. To identify pathological changes occurring in bone tissue, a contrast discography procedure is used using a special dye.
The most effective diagnostic method today is electrospondylography, which began to be used several years ago. This procedure allows you to examine the parts of the spine responsible for the functioning of the upper limbs and identify any pathological abnormalities in the early stages.
Methods of treatment
After the diagnosis, the doctor will select a therapeutic regimen based on what causes pathological changes in the joints. The principles of treatment, if the joints of the hands hurt, are based on the use of medicines, physiotherapeutic procedures, therapeutic exercises, regulation of diet and lifestyle.
In case of an inflammatory process, the doctor will prescribe painkillers, hormonal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It can be systemic drugs (oral tablets) or external drugs in the form of ointments, creams, sprays, which help to quickly relieve pain. The doctor may prescribe hormonal agents in the form of injections into the joint cavity for severe pain. Such procedures quickly alleviate the patient's condition and contribute to the transition of the disease to a state of remission. With infectious arthritis, antibacterial agents are prescribed.
The development of degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system is facilitated by a decrease in the level of chondroitin in the cartilage tissue of the joint. Therefore, patients are prescribed drugs - chondroprotectors, which can stop further destruction of the joint and restore the structure of the cartilage tissue.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy methods are an important aspect of complex treatment. These include novocaine electrophoresis, UHF, magnetotherapy, laser treatment, amplipulse therapy, phonophoresis. The number of sessions and the duration of treatment are determined by the doctor individually.
Therapeutic exercises and massage are necessary to restore joint mobility, improve blood circulation and metabolic processes. During the periods of remission of the disease the patient is advised to undergo sessions of balneotherapy (treatment with natural mud), manual therapy. A great effect is provided by the spa treatment with a trip to favorable climatic zones.
In addition, the patient is advised to lead a healthy lifestyle, to stop drinking and smoking and to adhere to certain dietary restrictions. It is recommended to completely exclude fatty meats and fish from the diet, to abandon fermented dairy products and dairy products with a high fat content. Smoked, spicy, salty meats, pickled dishes, condiments, mayonnaise, citrus fruits, baked goods, strong tea and coffee are prohibited. Do not eat foods containing oxalic acid (rhubarb, sorrel, spinach).
The daily menu should include low-fat sour-milk drinks, herbs, fresh vegetable salads with vegetable oil, lean meat, seafood, low-fat fish. Useful fruits, berries, nuts, ginger, figs, natural vegetable oils high in omega fatty acids (especially linseed and olive oil). A higher consumption regime of up to 1. 5-2 liters of clean drinking water per day is recommended.
Alternative remedies
Today, on the shelves of pharmacies, you can find many innovative products designed to treat joint pain. The most suitable drug will be selected by a specialist.
Traditional medicine recipes
Folk remedies for pain in the joints of the fingers will complement the main treatment regimen, bring relief and accelerate recovery.
- In case of exacerbation of the inflammatory process, you can apply a gauze napkin soaked in apple cider or table vinegar on the sore joint. This will help reduce pain, relieve burning and swelling. You can make compresses with baked onions, boiled potatoes or warm with warm sea salt and rub with fir oil.
- Baked onion ointment. The onion head is baked in the oven, cooled, chopped. The resulting mass is mixed with an equal amount of liquid honey and vegetable oil (1 tsp each), add 10 g of beeswax and 20 g of dry grass of the golden mustache. The composition is boiled in a water bath, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes homogeneous and thickens. The finished ointment is removed from the fire, slightly cooled. In a warm form, rub on aching joints, put on cotton gloves. The procedure is best done at night.
- Honey and mustard ointment. To prepare the ointment, mix 5 g of mustard with 1 tsp. honey, add a large spoonful of olive oil and 20 g of dry leaves of Caucasian hellebore. Then the mixture is evaporated in a water bath to a dense and homogeneous state, cooled and used for the daily treatment of diseased joints.
- Compress. Tablets made from natural ingredients play a special role in relieving pain and inflammation. You can boil the potato tubers, mash them, wrap them in a gauze napkin while they are hot, and apply to the affected area. The same therapeutic effect is possessed by ordinary salt, preheated in a pan. Dry heat can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is recommended to use normal plaster as a compress. It should be crushed, mixed with any fermented milk drink, dipped in a gauze napkin and made a compress overnight. Steamed oatmeal can also be used for the same purpose.
- Tincture of lilac. Decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs have a good anti-inflammatory effect, improve blood circulation and restore mobility in the affected joints. The tincture is prepared in the spring, as soon as the lilac blooms. Collect the inflorescences, fill them with alcohol or vodka and insist in a dark place for 3 weeks. The finished dye is filtered and rubbed into the sore joints, after which gloves are put on to keep hands warm.
There are many popular recipes for the treatment of joint pain. For their use to be beneficial, don't forget to consult with your doctor first and get his or her approval for the procedure.