Finger joints begin to hurt more often after 40-45 years (in 1 in 10 people this is due to age-related changes in the body).After the age of 60, pain often occurs against the background of polyosteoarthrosis (damage, destruction of the articular cartilage of various joints).
Deformation and destruction of hand joints 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 finger joints);
- psoriatic arthritis (in 70% the fingers are the first to suffer);
- gout (arthritis affecting the fingers, occurs in 10–15% of patients with gout);
- osteomyelitis is an infectious inflammation of the bones (it accounts for 6.5% of all diseases of the musculoskeletal system).
Most arthritis, in which the finger joints are the first to be involved in the process, are systemic diseases (that is, they affect different body systems, not just the joints).They are also diagnosed with equal frequency in people of any age, including young people;in men, they occur 3 to 5 times less frequently.
Another cause of pain is mechanical injuries, consequences of blows or bruises to the hands (often among athletes, the prevalence reaches 40% of all traumatic injuries).
Some of the diseases that cause finger joint pain 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 orthopedist-traumatologist, surgeon, injuries - by an orthopedist-traumatologist.
Why does finger joint pain occur: causes and symptoms
Why do my finger joints hurt?There are many reasons, as well as factors that can speed up or speed up the process.Common predisposing factors for all diseases and injuries can be considered:
- Profession (this category includes people who are forced to work with their hands and fingers, musicians, seamstresses, programmers).
- Stress (injuries and microtraumas resulting from long hours of training and sports rehearsals).
- Hormonal changes, disorders (pregnancy, lack of estrogen in elderly women).
- Heredity (close relatives are more susceptible to systemic diseases).
- Immune system deficiencies or diseases.
- Metabolic disorders (gout, diabetes).
- Chronic infections (tuberculosis).
- Hypothermia (hypothermia).
- Some long-term negative factors (among them - taking medications, poisoning with toxic substances in a dangerous enterprise, smoking, alcoholism, etc.).
The article below describes the pathologies and conditions that cause pain in the finger joints.
Injuries
The pain that arises after an injury is difficult to confuse with anything else:
- all symptoms occur immediately after a blow, bruise, compression or other injury;
- intense pain is accompanied by swelling, bruising at the site of impact, difficulty with joint mobility;
- with moderate and severe damage, the symptoms do not subside for a long time, but become more pronounced - pain, stiffness, swelling;
- the discomfort intensifies when trying to bend or straighten the fingers.
Severe injuries to the fingers of the upper limb are combined with:
- ruptures of muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, hemorrhage in the capsule (hemarthrosis) and soft tissues (bruises);
- bone fractures and fissures;
- nerve damage (loss of sensation in the fingers and skin).
Prognosis: Mild injuries heal without leaving a trace in 90–95% of cases.Severe and moderate injuries can leave various complications - from impaired finger sensitivity to traumatic arthritis in 70%.
Polyosteoarthrosis
Polyosteoarthrosis is a chronic pathology in which the finger joints are gradually deformed and destroyed (there is a form of the disease that affects the thumb joints - rhizarthrosis).
At first, aching pains appear after hard work (sewing, embroidery, many hours of practicing a musical instrument).As the disease progresses:
- pain in the joints of the fingers becomes constant and does not disappear with rest;
- the pain is accompanied by clicking and popping sounds (during movements);
- stiffness appears (smaller at first).
During periods of exacerbation, the main symptoms include swelling, swelling, an increase in local temperature, and sometimes redness in the joint area.
Over time, fingers become deformed:
- Heberden's nodules (bony protuberances, pea-sized lumps) form in joints located closest to the nails.
- Bouchard's nodes (excessive growth of joint surfaces, bony spines) form in the middle joints.
The finger joints lose their original shape (become knotted) and over time lose mobility due to ossification of the soft tissues (ankylosis).
Prognosis: the pathology is incurable, but in the initial stages (until the appearance of deformation) it can be stopped for a long time.Later it becomes a cause of disability (the tissues grow together, ossify, the mobility of the fingers can only be restored through surgery).
Rheumatoid arthritis
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, vascular walls, skin).
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by:
- gradual increase and intensification of symptoms (initially, the exacerbation is replaced by rather long periods of asymptomatic progression, but they become shorter and shorter over time);
- morning stiffness, reminiscent of tight gloves (disappears within 30–60 minutes);
- sharp, sharp, dull pain in the joints of the fingers (on both hands), which intensifies until unbearable when bending;
- redness, swelling, swelling, joint stiffness.
The pain syndrome usually occurs at night or in the morning and subsides slightly in the afternoon.
When acute symptoms subside (during remission), the pain becomes less pronounced, aching, and intensifies with movement and when working in cold water.The finger joints hurt when bending and extending, remain painful to the touch and slightly swollen.
Gradually, the disease leads to the formation of a stable deformation and dysfunction of the fingers - they rotate outward or upward, bend (the middle, index and ring fingers are most often affected, extremely rarely - the little finger and thumb), other joints are involved in the process (wrists, ankles, knees, shoulders).
Prognosis: the pathology is incurable, progresses rapidly and leads to loss of ability to work, disability - 40% of cases during the first 5 years of development.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is one of the forms of severe systemic disease (psoriasis).
The most characteristic signs of damage to the finger joints:
- sudden and acute onset of arthritis;
- damage to the interphalangeal and distal joints (closest to the nail);
- constant, uniform pain combined with extensive swelling, redness of the skin, limited mobility (the shape of the fingers at this time resembles a radish or sausage, it is impossible to bend or straighten the finger joints due to pain and swelling);
- increase in general temperature.
In the long term, it leads to the destruction of the nail plates (they crumble and lose their shape), deformation of the fingers (they “turn” outward or upward) and loss of working capacity.
Prognosis: Psoriatic arthritis is incurable, severe, progresses rapidly, and leads to disability in 90–95% of patients.
Gouty arthritis
Gouty arthritis occurs against the background of metabolic disorders, which causes excess uric acid to accumulate in the body.It falls into the tissues of the joints, causing inflammation.
Typical signs of gouty arthritis:
- Sharp, sudden, throbbing or burning pain in one or more finger joints.
- Any attempt to move a finger or touch it increases the unpleasant symptom.
- It is accompanied by intense swelling, which often spreads throughout the hand, a change in skin color (the finger turns bluish-purple) and an increase in general temperature (the patient has a fever, chills).
- Pain in the finger joints usually occurs at night.
- The attack can last from 2 days to 2 weeks.
Progressive gouty arthritis provokes the involvement of new joints in the process and their deformation (destruction of the articular 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 of the patient (5–8%), but over time it can destroy the finger joints (secondary arthrosis).
Why else can finger joints hurt?
Other causes of pain may include the following diseases and conditions:
Osteomyelitis
This infectious lesion of the bones (periosteum, spongy, compact substance) usually begins acutely - joint pain in osteomyelitis is severe, sharp, spasmodic, bursting or tearing.When flexed or extended, it intensifies to the point of being unbearable, accompanied by severe swelling, redness and hardening of the tissues over the joint, fever and signs of general intoxication (weakness, sweating).In 30% of cases, osteomyelitis becomes chronic (may recur) and pain in the fingers becomes intense.The process can cause purulent arthritis, malignancy of bone tissue, deformation of bones and joints.
Vasospasm
Vasospasm is a marked narrowing of the peripheral vessels that supply blood to the upper limbs, hands and finger joints.It is characterized by tingling sensations, numbness and pale skin.At the end of the attack (which can be short-lived - from 2 minutes, or long-lasting - up to 60 minutes), the fingers begin to hurt, “hurt” and the skin on 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 necrosis of the fingertips.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is not a pathological condition, but it is accompanied by rapid and sudden hormonal changes in the body and accelerated metabolism.Pain in the joints of the fingers, or rather pain, 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.
Diagnosis: methods, research
When your finger joint hurts, what should you do?First of all, it is necessary to diagnose the pathologies that provoke such a symptom.Most often, the attending physician prescribes several tests:
| Method name | What allows you to diagnose |
|---|---|
Radiography |
With its help, pathological changes in bones, joint deformation, crystal deposition and tissue ossification are detected. |
MRI, CT scan or ultrasound |
These diagnostic methods allow you to identify any pathological changes in periarticular tissues and joints that are not visible on x-rays |
ECG, ultrasound of internal organs |
Help identify extra-articular manifestations characteristic of certain diseases (pericarditis, pneumonitis) |
Angiography |
The study of blood vessels is informative for pathologies that occur with damage to their walls and can cause vasospasm (rheumatoid arthritis) |
Clinical laboratory tests |
Through examinations, the cause of the disease is determined, infections and pathogens of the pathological process are identified. |
Therapeutic and diagnostic puncture of the joints (procedure to extract fluid from the joint capsule) |
The puncture is carried out if there is an accumulation of blood (hemarthrosis), pus (infectious processes) or a large amount of liquid, which impedes mobility and threatens its destruction |
Treatment: principles, medications, characteristics
Some diseases or conditions that cause pain in the finger joints cannot be cured (vasospasm, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, gouty arthritis).Some are cured completely and without consequences (with timely treatment - osteomyelitis, mild and moderate injuries).
General principles of treatment, pain relief methods
What is common in the treatment of all diseases that cause pain in the finger joints is the prescription of medications that help eliminate severe symptoms.
Generally this is:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which successfully relieve inflammation and pain;
- glucocorticoids, which are prescribed if NSAIDs are ineffective;
- analgesics if joint pain cannot be relieved by other means.
As soon as symptoms subside, the patient is prescribed: chondroprotectors to slow or prevent cartilage destruction and physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy stimulates metabolic processes and accelerates tissue restoration.The most popular physiotherapeutic procedures for joint diseases are:
- electrophoresis with medicines;
- magnetic therapy;
- UHF (ultra high frequency therapy);
- reflexology (acupuncture);
- massage;
- mud therapy;
- balneotherapy (hydrotherapy);
- heating procedures (paraffin applications, ozokerite);
- therapeutic exercises (exercises to strengthen finger joints).
If it is necessary to eliminate pain in the joints of the fingers and their causes, treatment in a sanatorium setting can give a good result.With the guidance of the attending physician, the patient has the opportunity to change the climate 1 or 2 times a year, take a course of restorative physiotherapeutic procedures and drink mineral water from natural sources.
Features of the treatment of specific pathologies
In addition to general methods and means, there are nuances in the treatment of each pathology:
| Pathology | Features of treatment |
|---|---|
Injuries |
Treatment of the injury is gradual.First, the victim receives first aid (fixation dressing, ice pack for 24 hours). If necessary, a puncture is performed, tissue integrity is restored (in case of severe damage) and immobilized with a plaster. On days 3 to 5 they begin to heat up, stimulating healing. |
Polyosteoarthrosis |
At the beginning of the disease, the use of chondroprotectors and physiotherapy are effective. Afterwards, only surgery helps (the problem is solved with prosthetics). |
Rheumatoid arthritis |
Prescribe basic anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antibacterial drugs, antiallergic drugs, drugs that affect the activity of the immune system. |
Psoriatic arthritis |
|
Gouty arthritis |
The underlying disease (gout) is treated by prescribing medications that regulate the formation and accelerate the excretion of uric acid, medications that dissolve salt deposits in tissues. An obligatory part of treatment is a strict diet during a crisis (table No. 6), a less strict diet throughout life. |
Osteomyelitis |
Surgical washing of purulent cavities in bone tissue and opening of ulcers is performed. Antibiotics and antibacterial medications are used for treatment. |
Vasospasm |
How to treat vasospasm?In case of pathology, vasodilators and antispasmodics (relaxing the muscles of the vascular walls), anticoagulants are prescribed. Eliminate provoking factors (e.g., smoking) or treat the underlying disease that caused the vasospasm (e.g., 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 a liter of boiling water, let stand for 60 minutes under the lid.When ready, strain, pour into a dark glass container and store in the refrigerator.Take every day for 2 weeks - 3 times 50 ml, 30 minutes before meals.
- Treatment of pain in the joints of the fingers with an infusion of black currant leaves.Pour 10 g of raw materials with 0.5 liters of boiling water and let it brew under the lid for 20 minutes.Drink a glass 2 to 3 times a day.The duration of the course is 2 to 3 months.
- Warming ointment for arthritis.Take 50 g of camphor and mustard powder, dilute one by one in 100 ml of alcohol, add beaten egg white.Rub into brushes overnight.Treatment of finger joints continues for 21 days, after some time the course can be repeated.
- Rub oil.Dilute fir essential oil with vegetable oil (1:1), rub into finger joints until completely absorbed before bed.You need to “warm up” them first: boil the washed potato peels in water, when the broth cools down (until it is pleasantly warm), dip the brushes into it and hold for 15–25 minutes, then rinse with clean water.Treatment continues for 3 weeks or until signs of illness disappear.
Prevention
How to prevent pathologies that cause pain in the finger joints?To do this you need:
- get rid of bad habits (stop smoking and drinking);
- introduce into the diet foods that are beneficial for joints and cartilage tissue (with a sufficient amount of calcium, phosphorus, other minerals and vitamins, proteins);
- undergo regular examinations to eliminate foci of chronic infection (for example, tonsillitis);
- do not overload (alternating 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.