Every person can feel discomfort and pain in the joints.The reasons why the joints of the fingers hurt, as well as the types of treatment of diseases that cause this pain can be very different.Lack of timely and proper treatment can lead to loss of mobility in the affected areas.Therefore, it is important to determine the cause of the problem and start therapy.
Pain when bending and straightening the fingers
Pain in the fingers not only causes discomfort, but also affects the quality of life, making the simplest daily activities painful.Most often, it is especially pronounced after a physical impact.
The main reasons for this phenomenon include the following:
- gout;
- bruises and fractures;
- arthritis;
- dislocation or disruption of the integrity of ligaments;
- Kienböck's disease;
- osteoarthritis;
- synovitis;
- psoriasis;
- lupus erythematosus;
- stenosing ligamentitis;
- tunnel syndrome;
- pregnancy and childbirth;
- exposure to prolonged physical activity.
Which doctor should I contact?
Finger joints hurt (causes and treatment can be unexpected), so you should consult a specialist without trying to self-medicate.
Depending on the complexity and characteristics of the situation, you may need the help of the following doctors:
- Rheumatologist.
- neuropathologist.
- A surgeon.
- Hematologist.
- Traumatologist.
Diagnostics
There are several main methods that allow you to make a diagnosis with great accuracy:
- Radiography.A study that helps determine the presence of damage.For the most complete picture, it is necessary to take three photos in different projections.The main disadvantage of this type of study is the inability to evaluate the soft tissues of the hand.
- Ultrasound examination.It is prescribed as an auxiliary measure that helps in making a more accurate diagnosis.Thanks to ultrasound, it is possible to identify the consequences of injury and inflammation in soft tissues.
- Magnetic resonance.It is widely used to diagnose a wide range of diseases.Thanks to the use of MRI, it is possible to determine not only the exact location of the pathology, but also the degree of its development.
- Electrospondylography.This very effective research method has only recently been used.Its main advantage is that it allows you to recognize various limb diseases in the early stages.
- Computed tomography.It is carried out in order to get a complete picture of the disease and to identify all changes in the joints and bone tissue.
- Contrasting discography.It is regularly used to determine bone tissue pathologies using a special dye.
- Wrist puncture.It is performed to collect fluid for analysis or drug administration.
- Skin biopsy.Taking a tissue sample for examination is very rarely prescribed.This is done to confirm or refute the diagnosis.
Gout pain
Finger joints hurt: only a specialist can determine the causes and treatment.Gout is a fairly rare disease, so it is not difficult to diagnose.It most often affects men, but nowadays it is often experienced by women as well.If the disease affects the hands, the thumbs usually become inflamed.
The joint becomes swollen, the finger becomes extremely red, and the skin becomes hot to the touch.
Even a light touch on the affected area leads to severe pain.It can last for 3-4 days, after which the attack disappears completely.But after a while the pain comes back.At first, the intervals between attacks are very long - from 1 to 8 months, but over time the picture of the disease changes.
The intervals become shorter and the attacks longer and more painful.If gout is not treated, the pain becomes permanent.This disease leads to the gradual destruction of joint cartilage, and cavities filled with microscopic crystals of sodium urate are created in the adjacent bones.
The disease is well treated, and contacting the competent doctor will help to reduce the pain quickly.The main condition for successful recovery is adherence to the diet prescribed by the specialist.
In the acute form of the disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or specially developed drugs based on tropolone alkaloids are prescribed.Vodka compresses are acceptable as a topical treatment.Xanthine oxidase inhibitors are also used.
Some folk remedies can have a pronounced positive effect on this disease:
- Mustard compress with soda and honey.Mustard, honey and soda taken in equal proportions are thoroughly mixed and applied to the pre-heated joint.
- Lotions with activated carbon.10 tablets of charcoal are ground and mixed with water.The mixture is applied to the joint and left overnight under the film.
- Sea salt bath.For a liter of very hot water, take half a spoonful of sea salt.Place your hand in the resulting bath and wait for the water to cool completely.
For bruises and fractures
Finger joint injuries are usually caused by playing sports or careless behavior at home.It is not always possible to figure out whether there is a fracture on your own, but there are some signs that you should pay attention to.
If the finger is bruised, mobility is maintained.A characteristic swelling appears, which may increase during the first day.The pain lasts for several hours, after which it subsides.If the injury is severe, a severe hematoma may appear.
If it turns out that the injury is more serious and the integrity of the bone is threatened, this can be detected by the inability to move the finger or, conversely, unnatural mobility.In addition, with a fracture, the pain in the injured area does not decrease, but increases (this is due to the displacement of the damaged areas of the bones).
A traumatologist can detect a fracture with the naked eye, but an X-ray is required to confirm the diagnosis.
In the case of a bruise, the doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory and painkillers, and offer ointments for external use that will reduce swelling and have a healing effect on the damaged tissue.
If there is no movement during the fracture, a special fixator is applied.The period of wearing such fixators is approximately 1 month.If the bone fragments are displaced, they are first compared, and then a cast is applied for 2-3 weeks.In advanced cases, surgical intervention under general anesthesia and installation of metal wires is necessary.
After 1 month, they are removed, and the plaster is reapplied for up to 5 weeks.After removing the fixation device, it is important to immediately start "developing" the finger with active movements.
If folk remedies are unacceptable for fractures, then for bruises, especially small ones, they can be very useful:
- To reduce swelling, you can apply a slice of fresh potato or potato peel to the bruised finger, wrap it with a bandage and leave it for several hours.
- Plantain juice, used as a lotion 2-3 times a day, will help to remove the bruise faster.
- As an anti-inflammatory agent, you can use bodyaga powder, diluted with water to make an ointment.
For sprains and ligament damage
Dislocation or rupture of connective tissue is always painful, with immediate onset of symptoms.This most often happens with the thumb, which is explained by the structure of the joint.
Signs include:
- visible deformation of the joint;
- sharp pain;
- inability to bend the finger;
- joint swelling;
- pallor of the fingers.
The doctor's actions include pain relief, realignment of the joint and applying a cast for up to 2-3 weeks.Severe injuries may require surgery.
For arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease.It can affect any joint, but arthritis of the fingers is particularly difficult.This disease is much more common than arthrosis.
Normally, the function of natural joint lubrication of the joint is performed by a special fluid secreted by the synovial membrane.Thanks to it, the articular cartilage can receive nutrients.Arthritis is inflammation of these membranes.As a result, the amount of released fluid increases, its composition changes and serous, hemorrhagic or purulent exudate begins to be released.
The disease can be recognized by the following symptoms:
- movement disorder;
- pain;
- violation of the structure and deviation of the size of the joint from the norm;
- swelling and redness of the skin.
Polyarthritis is the most typical for the hands, in which the lesion affects several joints at once.But sometimes inflammation of one joint develops - monoarthritis.There are cases where arthritis is accompanied by gout.Arthritis is treated with medication, physical therapy and massage.
NSAIDs are used to suppress the inflammatory process.The use of steroid hormones injected into the joint cavity is also common.Antibiotics, including broad-spectrum ones, are given to treat arthritis of an infectious nature.Restoration of articular cartilage is ensured by taking chondroprotectors.
After the inflammation subsides, the specialist can prescribe physical therapy and therapeutic massage.
The following folk remedies can be used as an auxiliary treatment aimed at reducing symptoms:
- baths with decoction of birch leaves;
- taking warm milk with garlic juice;
- wraps made of cabbage leaves, thistle or podbela.
With Kienböck's disease
The causes and treatment of diseases in which the joints of the fingers hurt, in some cases do not tolerate the slightest delay.For example, if we are talking about Kienbeck's disease.It consists of a disruption of the normal blood circulation of the lunate bone of the wrist and has an unpredictable course.
With this pathology, patients usually complain of pain in the joint, which increases with exercise.MRI helps to make the most accurate diagnosis in this case.If it is possible to identify the disease at an early stage, a relatively low-traumatic operation is performed - shortening the radius.
If the bone is already partially destroyed, it can be replaced with an artificial implant.Physiotherapy and conservative treatment do not help to cope with the disease, but they can help relieve pain.
For osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a pathological condition that affects the finger joints and leads to cartilage tissue degradation and joint deformation.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by the following manifestations:
- feeling of stiffness in the fingers in the morning;
- joint swelling, skin redness;
- appearance of cysts;
- pain increases as the disease progresses.
There is no complete cure, so therapy is usually aimed at minimizing inflammation, relieving pain, slowing down deformities and improving quality of life.Physiotherapy, exercise therapy and a number of anti-inflammatory drugs were prescribed.
The use of traditional methods will help alleviate the patient's condition:
- Oatmeal compresses;
- application of warm sea salt;
- onion wraps;
- baths with sage, spaga or chamomile.
For lupus erythematosus
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease.Currently, the exact reasons for its development are unknown, which makes treatment difficult.The most common manifestation of the disease is joint damage.Painful sensations can be in one or more joints and have different duration and intensity.
Finger joints hurt - causes and treatment may be unexpected for the patient.For example, lupus erythematosus is not completely curable, so the main goal is sustainable remission.The basis of treatment is vitamin D and a 4-aminoquinoline derivative;for active manifestations of lupus, hormone therapy is prescribed.
For synovitis
Synovitis is an inflammatory process in which fluid accumulates in the cavity of the joint shell.As a rule, it develops only in one joint.It can be caused by an injury or one of the diseases listed above.
Typically, synovitis is accompanied by joint swelling, pain, and a popping sensation.Sometimes malaise and mild hyperthermia occur.Since synovitis is often a symptomatic manifestation of other diseases, the patient is referred to the appropriate specialist: endocrinologist, hematologist.If the etiology of synovitis cannot be determined, hospitalization may be required.
For psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that affects the surface of the skin, nails, and in severe cases, joints.The first specific plaques appear on the surface of the hands and then begin to spread.Psoriasis of the joints is considered one of the most severe forms of the disease.It first affects the joints between the phalanges, and then spreads to other articular cartilages.
The treatment of psoriasis of the joints is similar to the treatment of arthritis: anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, and sometimes corticosteroid hormones are used.In severe forms of the disease, blood purification is sometimes prescribed.
Psoriasis is difficult to treat, so therapy can be supplemented with traditional methods:
- salt hand baths;
- Crushed garlic wraps;
- applying fish oil to plaques;
- wiping the skin with celandine-based lotion.
With stenosing ligamentitis
Ligamentitis is an inflammatory lesion of the ligaments, which is caused by injuries or infectious diseases.It is accompanied by discomfort and pain in the ligaments and a pronounced decrease in working capacity.Usually localized in one specific ligament.
Treatment, depending on the cause of the disease, can be conservative (joint immobilization, medical therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticosteroids, physiotherapy) or surgical.
Folk remedies help relieve discomfort in the early stages of the disease:
- Poultices of aloe leaves;
- Raw potato wraps;
- calendula ointment.
For carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs as a result of compression of the median nerve.
Before consulting a doctor, it can be recognized very easily, because it has very specific signs:
- numbness of the fingers;
- tingling;
- hand weakness;
- unpleasant but not sharp joint pain.
Treatment consists of fixing the wrist in the correct position, electrophoresis with anesthesia, prescription of NSAIDs and local application of glucocorticoids.Advanced disease requires surgical intervention.
Finger joint pain during pregnancy
In addition to the above diseases, a pregnant woman may feel pain in her finger joints for the following reasons:
- Production of the hormone relaxin, which is responsible for softening the joints.This is necessary for a more natural and painless delivery, but it has a harmful effect on the joints of the whole body.There is no cure for this condition, but it disappears after the birth of the child.
- Lack of calcium, vitamins and other nutrients.You can find out exactly what your body is missing with a blood test.
Baths with the addition of sea salt, birch leaves, pine needles or bran are best suited to relieve symptoms.
After giving birth
Within 2 weeks after giving birth, a woman may experience pain in the joints associated with the period of restoration of the body's natural balance, including water and salt.At this time, it is better to refrain from stressing your hands and consult with a specialist who will prescribe vitamin and mineral complexes.
After sports
Pain and creaking in the joints of the fingers after training is a very common occurrence.They are usually not associated with any disease or injury.
If it is purely physical overload, taking the following supplements will help to get rid of the problem:
- Omega-3 fats;
- glucosamine and chondroitin;
- betaine.
All these products are sold in pharmacies and are actively used by athletes, whose physical activity is much higher than the physical activity of ordinary people.
Diet for joint pain
Poor nutrition is one of the most important factors that negatively affects joint health.By restricting your diet, you can prevent the development of diseases such as gout, arthritis and arthrosis, as well as alleviate their course.
People prone to joint diseases are advised to consume foods rich in:
- collagen (gelatin, broths, meat jelly);
- sulfur (chicken meat, cereals and legumes, radishes, cabbage, apples);
- selenium (milk, cod, whole grain bread, seafood, algae);
- Omega-3 fats (fatty fish, linseed oil).
Foods that are not recommended for consumption depend on the specific joint disease.
But as a general guideline, you should avoid:
- alcoholic beverages;
- salted and smoked products;
- Preserved meat;
- meat by-products.
After consulting with your doctor, you can clarify which diet plan is indicated in a particular case.
Finger gymnastics
Finger joints hurt - the causes and treatment must be determined by an expert.You can resort to additional measures to fight the disease.
Exercises are indicated for osteoarthritis, as well as for its prevention:
- Lightly squeeze the fingers into a fist for 30-60 seconds, release with the maximum increase in the distance between the fingers.
- Gently press the palm of your hand onto a flat surface (such as a table).
- Pinch movements (you can use a ball made of soft material).
- Press your palm on a flat surface and lift each finger one by one.
When performing these exercises, there should be no pain in the finger joints.Movements should be as smooth and soft as possible.By regularly performing gymnastics, you can improve the mobility of your hands for many years.
Joint health care is important at any age.If you find out in time the reasons why your finger joints hurt and choose the treatment that corresponds to the disease, you can avoid complications in the future.