Older people often complain that their finger joints hurt.This is due to various inflammatory processes, disorders and degenerative changes in the tissues of the joints, 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 detect the cause of the pathology in time, so as not to start the disease, which without adequate treatment can have serious consequences.
Common causes of pain
The causes of discomfort in the finger joints can be divided into 3 groups:
- Pain caused by inflammation.They are most pronounced in the morning and after the hands have been at rest for a long time.It decreases with physical activity.There are symptoms such as redness of the skin, swelling and stiffness when bending and straightening the fingers.
- Pain associated with disruption of the structure of cartilage and bone tissue.Caused by hormonal and age-related changes, professional stress and genetic predisposition.
- Mechanical and post-traumatic pain.Associated with prolonged physical activity and the consequences of an injury.
Diseases with these symptoms.
Let's consider the most common inflammatory pathologies.
rheumatoid arthritis
It can occur at any age and is diagnosed more frequently in women.The disease affects the joints of the middle and index fingers.It is characterized by morning swelling, stiffness of joint movements, increased pain during the day and decreased pain at night.The skin in the area of the damaged joints becomes red and swollen.The development of pathology causes damage to the largest joints of the hands and disturbances in the functioning 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.A characteristic sign is the formation of rheumatoid nodes, deformation and curvature of the fingers.
drop
Pathology associated with metabolic disorders and formation of excess uric acid salts.It is formed in people who consume foods rich in purines (meat, broths, smoked and salted foods, strong black tea and coffee).Pathology begins with damage to the thumb joint: pain at night, after using heavy objects, stiffness of movement, formation of a pineal seal over 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 joints of the fingers, accompanied by redness, swelling, stiffness of movement and a change in the appearance of the hands (the fingers look like sausages).The pathology is characterized by asymmetric lesions: if pain occurs in the area of the little finger and index finger of the right hand, the middle and ring fingers of the left may be affected.The pain is located in the area of the nail phalanx and occurs when bending the fingertips.
Reactive arthritis
With an infectious lesion of the body and the penetration of foreign microflora into the joints, a pathology may occur characterized by acute pain lasting several days, fever, chills and elevated temperature.Symptoms are more pronounced with multiple joint damage - polyarthritis.
Stenosing ligamentitis
Damage to the annular ligament of the fingers.It occurs as a result of the consequences of diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and excessive physical exertion.It is characterized by painful damage to all joints except the little finger;Difficulties arise with flexion and extension of the fingers, which requires effort.During extension, clicking occurs due to a violation of the elasticity of the ligaments and tendons.When the pathology worsens, swelling is observed, the skin turns blue and a feeling of numbness occurs.The symptoms are more intense at night and in the morning.
Other inflammatory diseases
Additionally, the causes of pain are:
- Arthralgia.It occurs as a result of inflammation or mechanical damage.The fingers become red and swollen and difficulties arise even when performing the simplest operations.
- Rheumatism.It is a complication after a sore throat.In addition to joint pain, alterations occur in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Bursitis.Buildup of fluid in the joint capsule, causing inflammation and swelling.When pressing the pad of the affected finger, a sharp pain is felt.The skin acquires a dark red tint and the temperature may rise.Pathology most often develops as a result of injury.
Other disorders that cause discomfort in the finger joints can be tenosynovitis, osteomyelitis, Quervain's disease, panaritium, etc.
osteoarthritis
It is characterized by painful sensations caused by the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue in the joints as a result of metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, professional stress, consequences of injuries and genetic predisposition.
The disease develops gradually and affects all fingers in turn.Increased pain is provoked by physical activity, the hands become numb and painful, and a characteristic crunching sound occurs when the fingers move.External changes affect the shape of the fingers: due to the thickening in the middle part, they resemble a spindle;with advanced disease, its curvature is noticeable.This clinical picture is more pronounced in older people.
The types of osteoarthrosis are rhizarthrosis (damage and deformation of the thumb joint) and polyosteoarthrosis (alteration of the function of the interphalangeal joints).
Cervical osteochondrosis
In case of disorders of the musculoskeletal system associated with the cervical vertebrae, pinching of the nerve endings of the upper extremities occurs.Pain in the joints of the hands can occur when turning the head, sneezing or coughing.In its manifestation, it resembles an electric shock that passes through the hands.Patients experience numbness and stiffness when moving their hand.
The appearance of pain in the joints of the hands can be caused by mechanical damage and injuries, including:
- Bruises, pinches, burns, cuts.An injury to the periarticular or connective tissues occurs, in which the blood supply is interrupted or the nerve endings are damaged, causing pain.
- Dislocations.The most common is a dislocated thumb.Sharp pain appears, the area around the protruding joint becomes red and swollen.
- Damage to the ulnar nerve.With advanced neuropathy, numbness of the injured limbs and deterioration of motor functions occur.
- Tunnel syndrome.Damage to the joint of the index finger of the right hand associated with prolonged work at the computer.With prolonged stress, pinched nerve endings can occur.
- Vibration syndrome.Associated with the professional activities of people dealing with vibration technology.The pathology goes through several stages: from pain and numbness to complete loss of sensitivity in the fingers, which acquire a whitish tint due to insufficient blood supply to the vessels.
Who to contact and how to treat
If symptoms of pathology 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 pathology, the specialist will tell you what to do to eliminate the pain syndrome and restore the lost functions of the damaged organ.The plan involves the use of physiotherapy and pharmacotherapy, home remedies, massage and therapeutic exercises.During treatment, it is important to follow a diet that limits foods that cause the development of the pathology.During the rehabilitation period, treatment in a sanatorium-resort is indicated.
Methods to relieve pain
At home, in case of injuries 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 (a product containing chloroethyl).In case of dislocations and non-displaced fractures of the extremities, it is important to ensure their immobilization before a medical examination.
For inflammatory pathologies, antibiotics, hormonal drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticosteroids are used.
For diseases associated with disorders of cartilage and bone tissue, chondroprotectors are used.
For minor inflammatory processes, local analgesics and anti-inflammatories are used.
Preventive measures
Joint diseases can be treated if you consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow the prescribed recommendations.The following will help prevent the development of pathologies: proper nutrition, the absence of bad habits and a reduction in physical activity on the fingers.A good effect is achieved by carrying out a series of therapeutic hand exercises, massage of the extremities, relaxing and soothing baths with decoctions of medicinal plants.