Finger joints hurt: causes and treatment

Hand joint pain may occur due to muscle fatigue or may be a sign of a dangerous systemic disease. Fortunately, the latter are much less common. Most often, doctors are faced with injuries and problems of the ligamentous apparatus, which respond well to local treatment. When hand joints hurt, the causes and treatment are quite varied. To treat hand pathology, it is important that the patient seeks help in a timely manner, especially if the fingers are deformed: the longer they are in a forced position, the more difficult it is to restore their function. In the article we will talk about possible diagnoses in which the joints on the hands hurt, what to do, how to treat such conditions.

Pain in the small joints of the fingers: causes

Patients who experience numbness, clicking or pain in the finger joints when flexing, extending or at rest may have several diagnoses.

"Finger snapping", also known as stenosing ligamentitis or Knott's disease

One of the most common causes of hand pain. This is a benign pathology, in which it is very difficult to independently straighten the finger from a bent position. The disease is common among women and men and is associated with damage to the annular ligament of the hand. There is a feeling that the finger is "stuck" in one position. The joint of the middle finger on the right hand usually hurts, as well as the ring finger or thumb. In left-handed people, the left hand is most often affected.

Risk factors include:

• Excessive fatigue of the wrist flexor muscles. This can happen when working at a computer for long periods of time, driving long distances, carrying heavy suitcases, playing the guitar, repeated blunt trauma to the hand, or working with tools that need to be held firmly in the hand, such as in construction.
• Metabolic disorders in the body: diabetes mellitus, decreased thyroid function - hypothyroidism.
• Smoking – nicotine damages small blood vessels and nerves.
• Previous injury to the palm or base of the finger.

Hand injury

This includes fractures, bone cracks, joint dislocations, tears and sprains of ligaments and muscles. A condition called hammertoe is common. This finger is crooked and it hurts a lot when you try to straighten it. It is distinguished from the "snapping finger" by the following characteristics:

• Reason for appearance. "Hammer finger" is the consequence of an injury, for example, from a strong blow to the tip of an extended finger, for example, when being hit by a ball while playing basketball.
• Flexion location. The hammertoe is bent at the distal interphalangeal joint, which is the small finger joint closest to the nail. The "finger snap" is bent at the proximal interphalangeal joint, the second finger joint from the nail, or at the metacarpophalangeal joint, which connects the finger and the palm itself.
• Hammertoe is often swollen, blue, and deformed, especially if the phalanx is fractured.

Osteoarthritis

It is a degenerative dystrophic disease of the joints, a common pathology in patients over 40 years of age, especially women. The cartilaginous tissue that forms the joint is destroyed and the amount of fluid inside it decreases. As a result, the joint becomes "dry" and its mobility decreases. In later stages, the bones that form the joint are also destroyed and "growths" – osteophytes – may appear on them. The interphalangeal joints of the fingers are usually affected. It is difficult for the patient to clench their fists or hold heavy objects, which significantly interferes with daily life.

Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis

These are autoimmune diseases. The metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints are most often affected. Because these diseases are systemic, meaning they cause changes throughout the body, joints are often painful and swollen in both hands. In addition, these patients often have other symptoms: weakness, fever, loss of appetite. Severe rheumatoid arthritis can have extra-articular manifestations, involving the heart, lungs, eyes, blood vessels and other organs. Despite its name, psoriatic arthritis can occur in the absence of symptoms of the skin disease psoriasis.

Gout and pseudogout

Metabolic disorders in which hard crystals are deposited in the joints. In gout, uric acid, a product of purine metabolism, is deposited in the form of crystals. Purines are formed within the body and also come from food. Gout crystals can appear not only inside joints, but also under the skin and in tendons. The body reacts to them with severe inflammation. Pseudogout is similar to gout in its symptoms, but is caused by the deposition of a different substance – calcium pyrophosphate. Both diseases are treated with medication, although the medications are slightly different.

Tumors and cysts

This is a very rare pathology; The vast majority of hand tumors are benign. Cysts can appear in bone tissue and joints. They cause pain and, when large, impair joint range of motion.

Infectious finger diseases

The most common: criminal and its variety - paronychia. This is an infection of the nailfold tissues. Other infections include:

• cellulite - inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue,
• lymphangitis - inflammation of the lymphatic vessel,
• abscesses - collections of pus,
• osteomyelitis - inflammation of the bone.

Patients with hand infections often report minor prior trauma. The risk of these diseases increases if a person has a weakened immune system.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, formed by the wrist bones, ligaments and tendons. Women suffer from this syndrome more frequently than men. Conditions in which the likelihood of developing the disease increases: thyroid disease, pregnancy, obesity, diabetes. Constant work with prolonged maintenance of the wrist in an extended position often becomes a provoking factor. This is especially true for people whose professions involve assembling small parts, such as tailors or surgeons, or working on a computer. Symptoms appear in the fingers innervated by the median nerve: thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger next to them. Usually this is not just pain, but also numbness, tingling and tingling, and sometimes weakness in the hand.

Dupuytren's contracture or palmar fibromatosis

With this disease, it is impossible to fully straighten the fingers, as they are in a forced half-bent position, which impairs the functioning of the hand. First, dense cords of connective tissue are formed in the palmar tendons and are then shortened. More often, the disease appears in men over 50 years of age and has a clear hereditary predisposition. As with many other hand conditions, the risk increases due to diabetes, smoking and occupational hazards.

The list of possible diagnoses of hand joint pain also includes a number of rarer conditions: vibratory disease, vasculitis, etc.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the disease and the causes that caused it. The main sign of problems in the joints of the hand and its other structures is pain, but it is important to evaluate all its characteristics:

1. The onset of pain, which can be sharp or gradual.Diseases caused by degenerative changes and excessive fatigue of the ligamentous apparatus are characterized by a gradual onset, since the development of these processes takes a long time. Autoimmune diseases can manifest gradually or acutely. Exacerbations of gout and pseudogout occur suddenly, with symptoms peaking within a few hours. Trauma is also associated with sharp, stabbing pain.
2. Time and factors for the onset or intensification of pain during the day.In carpal tunnel syndrome, the hand may hurt at night; in osteoarthritis, the pain is more severe after putting pressure on the joints; in rheumatoid arthritis, the pain is most pronounced in the first 30 minutes after waking up or with prolonged inactivity.

In addition to pain, patients may notice other associated symptoms, including:

• Features of flexion and extension of the joints: with a "moving finger", the joint is locked in flexion, but can be carefully transferred to an extended position, while the "hammer finger" and contracture cannot be fully straightened. In rheumatoid arthritis, you can observe thickening of the fingers at the joints and their deformation. If there is pathology of the ligaments, nodules can be felt in their composition.
• Stiffness and limitation of movement in the joints.
• With gout and autoimmune arthritis, the patient will notice redness and swelling, the joint will feel hot to the touch - these are symptoms of inflammation.
• If the nerves are damaged, numbness, chills, tingling, and decreased sensitivity to heat, cold, and touch may occur.
• In vasculitis - inflammation of the blood vessels - the fingers often turn white or blue.
• In many diseases, weakness in the hand can be observed: this indicates nerve damage and also occurs with injuries.
• General symptoms such as weakness, fever and problems in other organs whose cause is not known indicate a systemic nature of the disease. In these cases, it is best to consult a doctor immediately.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a consultation with a specialist, who asks in detail about complaints, the presence of concomitant and hereditary diseases. Afterwards, the doctor must examine the patient and palpate the hand. In some cases, these manipulations are enough to make a diagnosis. But to confirm and clarify, additional studies are prescribed. Could it be:

• X-ray of hands in various projections- the most widely used and affordable method for assessing the condition of bones and joints. It will be necessary if there is a suspicion of a fracture, foreign body, developmental anomaly, tumor or cyst, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis on radiography is manifested by a decrease in the joint cavity, as well as the presence of bone growths - osteophytes.
• Computed tomography(CT). Used to better visualize complex fractures and assess joint condition.
• Ultrasound of soft tissues and joints of the hand. Allows you to visualize ligaments, tendons, nerve trunks and the condition of the joints.
• MRI. The method provides clear, layer-by-layer images of all hand structures. The main indications for use are injuries to ligaments and tendons.
• Electroneuromyography. This method is necessary to evaluate the conduction of nerve impulses. It is used if carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected.
• Bloodtests.Most often it is:
  1. metabolic indicators - for example, glycated hemoglobin and blood sugar in diabetes, since metabolic diseases affect the condition of nerves, small vessels and ligaments.
  2. tests for diagnosing autoimmune diseases: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide.

Which doctor should I contact?

Diseases of hand structures, due to their enormous diversity, often require consultations with specialists of different profiles. Initially, if there was no real injury, you should see a therapist; if an injury has occurred, you should consult a traumatologist.

Autoimmune diseases are treated by rheumatologists. The diagnosis and treatment of injuries and tumors in the hands are carried out by traumatologists and orthopedic surgeons. Consultation with an endocrinologist will be required for metabolic disorders. If weakness and numbness in the hand are noticed, you should consult a neurologist.

How to relieve finger joint pain

Treatment can be surgical or conservative.

1. Surgical treatmentnecessary for purulent processes in the hand, as well as for complex injuries. Open wounds also require surgical treatment. Any wound is a source of infection and these patients receive antibiotics and debridement. Closed fractures can be treated conservatively. They begin with rigid fixation of the fracture site: for 7 to 10 days for nondisplaced fractures and for 3 weeks for displaced fractures. After that, the patient wears a special orthosis on the hand until the bone is completely restored - usually 4 to 10 weeks, sometimes longer.

2. Conservative treatmentfor autoimmune diseases affecting the joints of the hands, it is special - it is based on drugs that suppress the immune response and is prescribed by a rheumatologist. For musculoskeletal problems, systemic drug treatment is used as part of complex therapy. For hand joint pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be indicated to relieve pain and inflammation. Local methods of influence give a good effect:

   • Injectionscorticosteroids in the joints of the hand, in the tendons. They effectively relieve inflammation, but they have side effects, so they must be used according to strict indications.
   • Gentle hand holdusing orthoses or elastic bandages. The fixation position depends on the diagnosis.
   • Exerciseson the muscles of the hand, which a specialist will help you choose depending on the pathology.
   • Acupuncture.The method involves inserting sterile needles into biologically active points, which relieves pain and improves joint mobility.
   • Shock wave therapy.In recent years, it has been gaining popularity in the treatment of ligament problems. Effective and safe for the treatment of "finger snapping", deforming osteoarthritis, reduces the likelihood of recurrence, improves joint mobility and functionality of the hand as a whole.
   • Kinésio recording.This involves gluing special tapes to the hand, which helps stabilize the joint in a comfortable position. This way he recovers faster.
   • Laser therapy.It reduces pain and helps restore cartilage, which is extremely important in osteoarthritis.
   • Magnetotherapy. It aims to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.

Consequences

Most patients with hand injuries and degenerative processes, finger cracking, and carpal tunnel syndrome are able to restore joint function and return to their normal lifestyle. The leading role in the prognosis of the disease is played by early consultation with a doctor, correct use of dressings, orthoses, if indicated, and compliance with prescribed recommendations. If the hand joints are not treated for a long time, deformations are possible that cannot be completely eliminated. Contact a specialist as soon as you have complaints about the condition of your hand, and he will select the necessary therapy for you.

Prevention

• Address common risk factors.The risk of musculoskeletal hand problems increases with metabolic disorders, smoking, and hormonal disorders. It's important to keep your blood sugar normal, especially if you've already been diagnosed with diabetes. A special diet is recommended for gout patients, and some are prescribed anti-gout medications. It will be useful to periodically check the condition of the thyroid gland. A decrease in its function negatively affects the immune system and the entire body.
• Take good care of your hand if your risk of joint disease increases.For example, if your work involves overworking your hands, try to ensure the most comfortable position, don't keep your hands constantly folded, give them a rest and do a little warm-up. Play sports with special gloves, monitor the condition of the skin and nails so that the infection does not penetrate the tissues of the hand. Get regular preventive checkups with doctors.

Follow the recommendations listed and this will help reduce the risk of hand problems.