Anyone can experience discomfort and pain in the joints.The reasons why the finger joints hurt, as well as the types of treatment of 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.It is therefore important to determine the cause of the problem and begin treatment.
Pain when bending and straightening fingers
Pain in the fingers not only causes discomfort, but also affects the quality of life, making even the simplest daily activities painful.Most often this is especially pronounced after physical impact.
The main reasons for this phenomenon are:
- 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 (the causes and treatment may 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.
- Surgeon.
- Hematologist.
- Traumatologist.
Diagnosis
There are several main methods that allow you to make a diagnosis with high accuracy:
- X-ray.A study to help determine the presence of damage.To obtain the most 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 to establish a more accurate diagnosis.Thanks to ultrasound, it is possible to identify the consequences of injury and inflammation of 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 localization of the pathology, but also the degree of its development.
- Electrospondylography.This highly efficient research method has only recently begun to be used.Its main advantage is that it allows you to identify various diseases of the limbs at an early stage.
- CT scan.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 to administer medication.
- 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 very difficult to diagnose.It most often affects men, but nowadays women often suffer from it too.If the disease affects the hands, the thumbs usually become inflamed.
The joint becomes swollen, the finger becomes noticeably red, and the skin becomes warm to the touch.
Even a light touch on the affected area results in severe pain.This can last 3-4 days, after which the attack disappears completely.But after a while the pain returns.Initially, 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 become longer and more painful.If gout is left untreated, the pain becomes permanent.This disease causes the progressive destruction of articular cartilage and cavities form in adjacent bones, filled with microscopic crystals of sodium urate.
The disease is well treated and contacting a competent doctor will quickly reduce the pain.The main condition for successful healing is compliance with the diet prescribed by a specialist.
In the acute form of the disease, NSAIDs or specially developed drugs based on the tropolone alkaloid 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 thoroughly mixed and applied to a preheated joint.
- Activated charcoal lotions.10 charcoal tablets are crushed 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 warm water, take half a tablespoon of sea salt.Place your hand in the resulting bath and wait until the water has completely cooled.
For bruises and fractures
Finger joint injuries are usually caused by playing sports or careless behavior around the home.It is not always possible to independently understand whether there is a fracture, but there are certain signs that you should pay attention to.
If a finger is bruised, mobility is maintained.A characteristic swelling appears, which may become more pronounced during the first day.The pain persists for several hours, after which it subsides.If the injury is serious, severe hematoma may appear.
If the injury turns out to be more serious and the integrity of the bones is compromised, this can be detected by the inability to move the finger or, conversely, by its unnatural mobility.In addition, in case of a fracture, the pain in the injured area does not decrease, but increases (this is due to the displacement of damaged bone areas).
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 bruise, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers, and 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 fixative is applied.The wearing time of these fixatives is approximately 1 month.If bone fragments have been displaced, they are first compared, then a cast is applied for 2-3 weeks.In advanced cases, surgery under general anesthesia and placement 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 “grow” the finger with 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 bruised finger, wrap it in a bandage and leave for several hours.
- Plantain juice, used in the form of lotion 2-3 times a day, will help speed up the removal of a bruise.
- As an anti-inflammatory agent, you can use bodyaga powder, diluted with water to form an ointment.
For dislocation and damage to ligaments
A dislocation or tear of connective tissue is always painful and symptoms appear immediately.This most often occurs in 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;
- swelling of the joint;
- pallor of the finger.
The doctor's actions include relieving the pain, realigning the joint, and applying 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 arthritis of the fingers is particularly serious.This disease is much more common than osteoarthritis.
Normally, the natural joint lubrication function of the joint is provided 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 fluid 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.
For the hands, polyarthritis is most typical, in which the lesion affects several joints at once.But sometimes inflammation of a joint also develops - monoarthritis.There are cases where arthritis is accompanied by gout.Arthritis is treated with medication, physiotherapy and massage.
NSAIDs are used to suppress the inflammatory process.The use of steroid hormones, injected into the joint cavity, is also common.To treat arthritis of an infectious nature, antibiotics are administered, especially broad spectrum.The restoration of articular cartilage is ensured by taking chondroprotectors.
After the inflammation subsides, the specialist may prescribe physical therapy and therapeutic massage.
The following folk remedies can be used as auxiliary treatment aimed at reducing symptoms:
- baths with decoction of birch leaves;
- take warm milk with garlic juice;
- compresses made from cabbage leaves, burdock or coltsfoot.
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 talk about Kienbeck's disease.It involves disrupting 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 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 non-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 treatments do not help to cope with the disease, but they can help relieve pain.
For osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a pathology that affects the joints of the fingers and leads to breakdown of cartilage tissue and deformation of the joints.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by the following manifestations:
- feeling of stiffness in the fingers in the morning;
- swelling of the joints, redness of the skin;
- the appearance of cysts;
- increasing pain as the disease progresses.
There is no complete cure, so treatment generally aims to minimize inflammation, relieve pain, slow deformity, and improve quality of life.Physiotherapy, exercise therapy and a number of anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
The use of traditional methods will help alleviate the patient's condition:
- oatmeal compresses;
- apply warm sea salt;
- onion compresses;
- baths with sage, string or chamomile.
For lupus erythematosus
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease.Currently, the exact reasons for its development are unknown, which complicates treatment.The most common manifestation of the disease is damage to the joints.Painful sensations can affect 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 lasting remission.The basis of treatment is vitamin D and a 4-aminoquinoline derivative;for active manifestations of lupus, hormonal treatment is prescribed.
For synovitis
Synovitis is an inflammatory process in which fluid accumulates in the joint cavity.Typically, it develops in only one joint.This can be caused by an injury or any of the above illnesses.
Typically, synovitis is accompanied by joint expansion, pain, and a feeling of popping.Sometimes discomfort and slight 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 the 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.The first specific plaques appear on the surface of the hands, 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 the other articular cartilages.
Treatment of joint psoriasis is similar to that 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, therefore therapy can be supplemented with traditional methods:
- hand salt baths;
- crushed garlic compresses;
- apply fish oil to the plates;
- wipe 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 reduction in working capacity.Usually located in a specific ligament.
Treatment, depending on the cause of the disease, can be conservative (joint immobilization, pharmacotherapy with anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids, physiotherapy) or surgical.
Folk remedies help relieve discomfort in the early stages of the disease:
- aloe leaf compresses;
- raw potato compresses;
- calendula ointment.
For carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the median nerve.
Before contacting a doctor, you can recognize it quite easily, because it presents very specific signs:
- numbness of fingers;
- tingling;
- hand weakness;
- unpleasant, but not sharp, pain in the wrist.
Treatment consists of fixing the wrist in the correct position, electrophoresis under anesthesia, prescription of NSAIDs and local administration of a glucocorticoid.Advanced disease requires surgery.
Pain in the finger joints during pregnancy
In addition to the listed diseases, a pregnant woman may experience pain in the finger joints for the following reasons:
- Production of the hormone relaxin, responsible for softening of the joints.This is necessary for a more natural and painless course of labor, but it has a detrimental effect on the joints of the entire body.This disease is incurable, but disappears after the baby is born.
- Lack of calcium, vitamins and other nutrients.You can find out what exactly your body is missing through a blood test.
To relieve symptoms, baths with the addition of sea salt, birch leaves, pine needles or bran are best suited.
After childbirth
Within 2 weeks after childbirth, a woman may experience joint pain associated with the period of restoration of the body's natural balance, including water-salt.At this time, it is better to refrain from putting pressure on your hands and consult a specialist who will prescribe vitamin and mineral complexes.
After sports
Pain and cracking in the finger joints after training is a very common phenomenon.They are usually not associated with any illness or injury.
If it's just 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 diet is one of the most important factors that negatively affect joint health.You can prevent the development of diseases such as gout, arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as reduce their progression, by limiting your diet.
People prone to joint diseases are advised to consume foods rich in:
- collagen (gelatin, broths, jellied meat);
- sulfur (chicken meat, cereals and legumes, radishes, cabbage, apples);
- selenium (milk, cod, wholemeal bread, seafood, algae);
- Omega-3 fats (fatty fish, flaxseed oil).
Foods not recommended for consumption 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 determine which diet is indicated in a particular case.
Finger gymnastics
Finger joints hurt - the causes and treatment should 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, loosen by increasing the distance between the fingers as much as possible.
- Gently press the palm of your hand on a flat surface (like a table).
- Pinch movements (you can use a ball made of soft material).
- Press your palm against a flat surface and lift 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 regularly practicing gymnastics, you can improve the mobility of your hands for many years.
Taking care of your joint health is important at any age.If you identify the reasons why your finger joints hurt in time and choose appropriate treatment for the disease, you can avoid complications in the future.