Anyone can experience discomfort and joint pain.The reasons why finger joints hurt, as well as the types of treatment for the diseases that cause this pain, can be very different.Lack of timely and correct treatment can lead to loss of mobility in the affected areas.Therefore, it is important to determine the cause of the problem and begin therapy.
Pain when bending and straightening fingers
Finger pain not only causes discomfort, but also affects quality of life, making the simplest day-to-day activities painful.Most often it is especially pronounced after physical impact.
The main reasons for this phenomenon include the following:
- drop;
- bruises and fractures;
- arthritis;
- dislocation or violation of the integrity of the ligaments;
- Kienbock 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 help from the following doctors:
- Rheumatologist.
- Neuropathologist.
- Surgeon.
- Hematologist.
- Traumatologist.
Diagnosis
There are several main methods that allow you to make a diagnosis with great accuracy:
- Radiography.A study to help determine the presence of damage.For a more complete image, it is necessary to take three photographs in different projections.The main disadvantage of this type of study is the impossibility of evaluating the soft tissues of the hand.
- Ultrasound examination.Prescribed as an auxiliary measure that helps to establish a more accurate diagnosis.Thanks to ultrasound, it is possible to identify the consequences of injuries and inflammation in soft tissues.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.Widely used to diagnose a wide variety 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 highly effective research method has only recently come into use.Its main advantage is that it allows you to identify various diseases of the limbs in the early stages.
- Computed tomography.It is carried out to obtain a complete picture of the disease and identify all changes in the joints and bone tissue.
- Contrasting discography.It is regularly used to determine bone tissue pathologies using a special dye.
- Joint puncture.Performed to collect fluid for analysis or administer a medication.
- Skin biopsy.Taking a tissue sample for examination is 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 very difficult to diagnose.It most often affects men, but nowadays women also suffer from it.If the disease affects the hands, the thumbs often become inflamed.
The joint becomes swollen, the finger becomes distinctly red, and the skin feels hot to the touch.
Even a light touch to the affected area causes severe pain.This can last 3 to 4 days, after which the attack disappears completely.But after some time the pain reappears.Initially, the intervals between attacks are very long - from 1 to 8 months, but over time the picture of the disease changes.
The breaks become shorter and the attacks become longer and more painful.If gout is not treated, the pain becomes permanent.This disease leads to the gradual destruction of the articular cartilage, and cavities are formed in the bones adjacent to it, filled with microscopic crystals of sodium urate.
The disease is well treated and consulting a competent doctor will help to quickly reduce the pain.The main condition for successful recovery is adherence to the diet prescribed by a specialist.
In the acute form of the disease, NSAIDs or specially developed drugs based on the alkaloid tropolone are prescribed.Vodka compresses are acceptable as a local 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 mixed well and applied to a preheated gasket.
- Activated charcoal lotions.10 charcoal tablets are ground and mixed with water.The mixture is applied to the joint and left overnight under the film.
- Bath with sea salt.For a liter of very hot water, take half a tablespoon of sea salt.Place your hand in the resulting bath and wait until the water cools completely.
For bruises and fractures
Finger joint injuries are often caused by playing sports or careless behavior at home.It is not always possible to independently notice whether there is a fracture, but there are some signs that you should pay attention to.
If a finger is injured, mobility is maintained.A characteristic swelling appears, which may increase during the first day.The pain persists for several hours, after which it disappears.If the injury is severe, a severe bruise may appear.
If the injury is more serious and the integrity of the bones is compromised, this can be detected by the inability to move the finger or, conversely, its 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 injured areas of the bones).
A traumatologist can detect a fracture with the naked eye, but to confirm the diagnosis it is necessary to take an x-ray.
In case of a hematoma, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories and painkillers, as well as offer ointments for external use that will relieve swelling and have a healing effect on damaged tissues.
If there is no displacement during the fracture, a special fixator is applied.The period of use of these fasteners is approximately 1 month.If bone fragments have been displaced, they are first compared, and then a plaster cast is applied for 2 to 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 devices, it is important to immediately begin to “develop” the finger through active movements.
If folk remedies are unacceptable for fractures, then for bruises, especially small ones, they can be very useful:
- To relieve swelling, you can apply a slice of fresh potato or potato peel to the injured finger, wrap it in a bandage and leave it on for several hours.
- Banana juice, used as a lotion 2 to 3 times a day, will help speed up the elimination of bruises.
- As an anti-inflammatory agent, bodyaga powder can be used, diluted with water to form an ointment.
For dislocation and damage to ligaments
A dislocation or rupture of connective tissue is always painful, with immediate onset of symptoms.This most often occurs with the thumb, which is explained by the structure of the joint.
Among the signs are:
- visible deformation of the joint;
- sharp pain;
- inability to bend a finger;
- joint swelling;
- paleness of the finger.
The doctor's actions include pain relief, realignment of the joint, and application of a cast for up to 2 to 3 weeks.Serious injuries may require surgery.
For arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints.It can affect any joint, but finger arthritis is especially serious.This disease is much more common than osteoarthritis.
Normally, the function of natural joint lubrication of the joint is performed by a special fluid secreted by the synovial membrane.It is thanks to it that the articular cartilage can receive nutrients.Arthritis is an inflammation of this membrane.As a result, the amount of liquid released increases, its composition changes and serous, hemorrhagic or purulent exudate begins to be released.
The disease can be identified by the following symptoms:
- movement disorder;
- pain;
- violation of the structure and deviation of the joint size from the norm;
- swelling and redness of the skin.
In the hands, the most typical is polyarthritis, in which the lesion affects several joints at the same time.But sometimes inflammation of one joint also occurs - monoarthritis.There are cases when 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, which are injected into the joint cavity, is also common.To treat arthritis of an infectious nature, antibiotics are administered, including broad-spectrum ones.Restoration of articular cartilage is guaranteed with the use of chondroprotectors.
After the inflammation subsides, the specialist may prescribe physiotherapy and therapeutic massage.
The following folk remedies can be used as auxiliary treatment to reduce symptoms:
- baths with decoction of birch leaves;
- drink warm milk with garlic juice;
- compresses made from cabbage, burdock or coltsfoot leaves.
With Kienböck's disease
The causes and treatment of diseases in which the finger joints hurt, in some cases, do not tolerate the slightest delay.For example, if we are talking about Kienbeck's disease.It consists of disturbing the normal blood circulation of the lunate bone of the wrist and has an unpredictable course.
With this pathology, patients often complain of pain in the wrist, which intensifies 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 of the radius.
If the bone is already partially destroyed, it can be replaced with an artificial implant.Physiotherapy and conservative treatment do not help in coping with the disease, but they can help alleviate the pain.
For osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a pathological condition that affects the finger joints and leads to the degradation of cartilaginous tissue and joint deformation.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by the following manifestations:
- feeling of stiffness in the fingers in the morning;
- swelling of joints, redness of the skin;
- the appearance of cysts;
- increasing pain as the disease progresses.
There is no complete cure, so therapy generally aims to minimize inflammation, relieve pain, slow deformation and improve quality of life.Physiotherapy, exercise therapy and various anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed.
The use of traditional methods will help alleviate the patient's condition:
- oat compresses;
- application of hot sea salt;
- onion compresses;
- baths with sage, string or chamomile.
For lupus erythematosus
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease.At the moment, 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 occur in one or more joints and have varying duration and intensity.
Finger joints hurt - the 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, hormonal therapy is prescribed.
For synovitis
Synovitis is an inflammatory process in which fluid accumulates in the joint cavity.As a rule, it develops in just one joint.It can be caused by injury or one of the diseases above.
Typically, synovitis is accompanied by joint expansion, pain and a feeling of rupture.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 necessary.
For psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that affects the surface of the skin, nails and, in severe cases, joints.Specific plaques first appear on the surface of the hands and then begin to spread.Joint psoriasis is considered one of the most serious forms of the disease.It first affects the joints between the phalanges and then spreads to other articular cartilages.
The treatment of joint psoriasis is similar to the treatment of arthritis: anti-inflammatories, 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 baths for hands;
- crushed garlic compresses;
- application of fish oil to plates;
- cleansing the skin with celandine-based lotion.
With stenosing ligamentitis
Ligamentitis is an inflammatory lesion of the ligaments, caused by injuries or infectious diseases.It is accompanied by discomfort and pain in the ligaments and a pronounced decrease in working capacity.Usually located in a specific ligament.
Treatment, depending on the cause of the disease, can be conservative (immobilization of the joint, drug therapy with anti-inflammatories and glucocorticosteroids, physiotherapy) or surgical.
Folk remedies help relieve discomfort in the initial stages of the disease:
- aloe vera leaf compresses;
- raw potato compresses;
- 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 quite easily, as it presents very specific signs:
- numbness of the fingers;
- tingling;
- hand weakness;
- unpleasant but not sharp pain in the wrist.
Treatment consists of fixing the wrist in the correct position, electrophoresis with anesthesia, prescription of NSAIDs and local administration of glucocorticoids.Advanced disease requires surgical intervention.
Finger joint pain during pregnancy
In addition to the listed diseases, a pregnant woman may experience pain in the joints of her fingers for the following reasons:
- Production of the hormone relaxin, responsible for softening joints.This is necessary for a more natural and painless labor, but it has a detrimental effect on joints throughout the body.This condition has no cure, but disappears after the baby is born.
- Lack of calcium, vitamins and other nutrients.You can find out exactly what your body is missing with a blood test.
To alleviate symptoms, baths with the addition of sea salt, birch leaves, pine needles or bran are best suited.
After childbirth
Within 2 weeks after giving birth, a woman may experience joint pain associated with the period of restoration of the body's natural balance, including water and salt.At this time, it is better to avoid stress on your hands and consult a specialist who will prescribe vitamin and mineral complexes.
After sports
Pain and clicking in the joints of the fingers after training are a very common occurrence.They are generally not associated with any illness or injury.
If it's just a matter of physical overload, taking the following supplements will help eliminate 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 that of ordinary people.
Diet for joint pain
Poor nutrition is one of the most important factors that negatively affects joint health.You can prevent the development of diseases such as gout, arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as alleviate their course, by restricting your diet.
People prone to joint diseases are advised to consume foods rich in:
- collagen (gelatin, broths, jellies);
- sulfur (chicken meat, cereals and legumes, radish, cabbage, apple);
- selenium (milk, cod, wholemeal bread, seafood, seaweed);
- Omega-3 fats (fatty fish, flaxseed oil).
The foods that are not recommended to be consumed depend on the specific joint disease.
But according to general recommendations, you should avoid:
- alcoholic beverages;
- salted and smoked products;
- canned meat;
- meat by-products.
After consulting your doctor, you will be able to clarify which eating plan is indicated in a given case.
Finger gymnastics
Finger joints hurt - the causes and treatment must be determined by a specialist.To combat the disease, you can resort to additional measures.
Exercises are indicated for osteoarthritis, as well as for its prevention:
- Gently clench your fingers into a fist for 30-60 seconds, open with a maximum increase in the distance between your fingers.
- Gently press your palm onto a flat surface (like a table).
- Pinching movements (you can use a ball made of soft material).
- Pressing your palm against a flat surface and lifting each finger one at a time.
When performing these exercises, there should be no pain in the finger joints.Movements should be as smooth and gentle as possible.By practicing gymnastics regularly, you can improve your hand mobility for years to come.
Taking care of joint health is important at any age.If you identify the reasons why your finger joints hurt in time and choose the appropriate treatment for the disease, you can avoid complications in the future.