Older people often complain that their finger joints hurt.This is due to various inflammatory processes, disorders and degenerative changes in joint tissues, cartilage, ligaments and tendons, as well as the consequences of injuries.But there are also many diseases that cause similar symptoms at a younger age.
In this situation, it is important to promptly detect the cause of the disease so as not to develop the disease, otherwise, without appropriate treatment, serious consequences can result.
Common causes of pain
Causes of discomfort in finger joints can be divided into 3 groups:
- Pain due to inflammation.They are most noticeable in the morning and after the hands have rested for a long time.Reduced during physical activity.There are symptoms such as red skin, swelling, and stiffness when bending and extending the fingers.
- Pain is related to the breakdown of the structure of cartilage and bone tissue.It is caused by age-related and hormonal changes, occupational stress and genetic predisposition.
- Mechanical pain and post-traumatic pain.Related to prolonged physical activity and consequences of injury.
The disease has these symptoms
Let's consider the most common inflammatory pathologies.
Rheumatoid arthritis
It can occur at any age and is often diagnosed in women.The disease affects the middle and index finger joints.It is characterized by morning swelling, stiffness when moving, and pain that increases during the day and subsides in the evening.The skin in the damaged joint area becomes red and swollen.The development of pathology leads to damage to larger joints of the hands and dysfunction of internal organs.
Rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by symmetry: when the fingers of the left hand are affected, damage also occurs on the right side.A characteristic sign is the formation of rheumatoid nodules, deformation and curvature of the fingers.
gout
Pathology related to metabolic disorders and the formation of excess uric acid salts.It is formed in people who consume foods rich in purines (meat, broths, smoked and salty foods, black tea and strong coffee).The pathology begins with damage to the thumb joint - pain at night, after carrying heavy objects, stiffness when moving, formation of the pineal gland on the joint, redness and swelling of the skin.
Psoriatic arthritis
It is a consequence of psoriasis and is characterized by an inflammatory process in all finger joints, accompanied by redness, swelling, stiffness when moving and changes in the shape of the hand (sausage-like fingers).The pathology is characterized by asymmetrical damage: if pain occurs in the area of the little finger and index finger of the right hand, then the middle and ring fingers may be affected on the left.The pain is localized in the nail area and occurs when bending the fingertips.
Reactive arthritis
With an infectious lesion of the body and the penetration of foreign microflora into the joint, a pathology can occur, characterized by acute pain lasting for several days, fever, chills and increased temperature.Symptoms are more pronounced with polyarticular lesions - polyarthritis.
Narrow tendonitis
Damage to the annular ligament of the finger.Occurs as a result of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and overexertion.It is characterized by painful damage to all joints except the little finger;Difficulties arise when folding and extending the fingers, requiring effort.During stretching, a clicking sound occurs due to a violation of the elasticity of the ligaments and tendons.When the disease becomes more severe, there is swelling, the skin turns blue and there is a feeling of numbness.Symptoms are most intense at night and in the morning.
Other inflammatory diseases
In addition, the causes of pain are:
- Joint pain.Occurs due to inflammation or mechanical damage.Fingers become red and swollen, difficulties arise even when performing the simplest operations.
- Rheumatism.It is a complication after having a sore throat.In addition to joint pain, there are also disorders of the cardiovascular system.
- Bursitis.Fluid builds up in the joint capsule, leading to inflammation and swelling.When you press on the pad of the affected finger, you will feel a sharp pain.The skin turns dark red and the temperature may rise.Pathology most often develops as a result of trauma.
Other disorders that cause discomfort in finger joints can be tenosynovitis, osteomyelitis, de Quervain's disease, panaritium, etc.
Osteoarthritis
It is characterized by painful sensations caused by the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue of the joints due to metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalance, occupational stress, consequences of injuries and genetic predisposition.
The disease develops gradually, affecting all fingers in turn.The pain increases with physical activity, the hand becomes numb and sore, and a characteristic crunching sound is emitted when the fingers move.External changes affect the shape of the fingers: due to the thickening of the middle part, they resemble a spindle;With progressive disease, their curling is noted.This clinical picture is most evident in the elderly.
The different forms of osteoarthritis are rhizarthrosis (damage and deformity of the thumb joints) and polyosteoarthrosis (impaired function of the interphalangeal joints).
Cervical bone degeneration
With disorders of the musculoskeletal system involving the cervical vertebrae, the nerve endings of the upper limbs will be compressed.Hand joint pain can occur when turning the head, sneezing, or coughing.In its manifestation, it resembles an electric current running along the hand.Patients experience numbness and stiffness when moving their hands.
The appearance of pain in the hand joints can be caused by mechanical damage and trauma, including:
- Bruises, pinches, burns, cuts.Damage to periarticular or connective tissues occurs, in which the blood supply is interrupted or nerve endings are damaged, causing pain.
- Dislocation.The most common is a dislocated thumb.There is sharp pain, the area around the joint is red and swollen.
- Damage to the ulnar nerve.With progressive neuropathy, the injured limb becomes numb and motor function is impaired.
- Tunnel syndrome.Damage to the index finger joint of the right hand due to long work on the computer.With prolonged stress, compression of nerve endings may occur.
- Vibration syndrome.Associated with the professional activities of vibration technology workers.The disease goes through many stages: from pain and numbness to complete loss of sensitivity in the fingers, turning white due to insufficient blood supply to the vessels.
Who to contact and how to get treatment
If pathological symptoms appear, the patient should consult a specialist (surgeon, traumatologist, rheumatologist, neurologist) or therapist to conduct diagnostic tests and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Depending on the cause and symptoms of the disease, the specialist will tell you what to do to eliminate the pain syndrome and restore the lost functions of the damaged organ.This program involves the use of physiotherapy and medication, folk remedies, massage and therapeutic exercises.During treatment, it is important to follow a diet that limits foods that provoke the development of the pathology.During the rehabilitation period, treatment at a sanatorium is indicated.
Pain relief method
At home, for wounds and mechanical damage to the joints, the patient is given first aid by applying an ice pack to the damaged area for 2-3 hours or treating the affected surface with an anesthetic (the product contains chlorethyl).In cases of nondisplaced limb dislocations and fractures, it is important to ensure they are immobile before examination.
For inflammatory pathologies, antibiotics, hormonal drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticosteroids are used.
For diseases associated with disorders of cartilage and bone tissue, chondroprotective drugs are used.
For mild inflammatory processes, local analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are used.
preventive measures
Arthritis can be treated if you promptly consult a doctor and follow the specified recommendations.The following will help prevent the development of pathologies: proper nutrition, absence of bad habits and reduced physical activity on the fingers.A good effect is achieved by performing a series of therapeutic exercises for the hands, massaging the limbs, relaxing baths and soothing decoctions of medicinal plants.