Node dysfunction is a fairly common problem among all age groups of the world population. Diseases that cause pain in the knuckles are commonly seen in people over the age of forty. Women and men are equally susceptible to this pathology.
Bones and joints ensure high mobility of our body when we perform any movement and physical activity. The fingers of the upper extremities, thanks to the mobile phalanges, are able to perform quite clear and deliberate actions when performing delicate, scrupulous work. However, such activity in 60% of cases leads to occupational disability in old age. For example, watchmakers, jewelers, engravers, tailors are more likely to have problems with their knuckles than representatives of other professions. Degenerative processes of the fingers can develop for many reasons, in addition to professional activity. The following factors are considered the most common:
- rheumatism;
- gout;
- osteoarthritis;
- arthrosis;
- circulatory disorders in the upper extremities;
- hand injuries.
If the joints swell and hurt when you bend your fingers, examination and treatment of the first symptoms of the disease is required. This problem is solved quite difficult, long-term and not always successfully, especially in neglected forms.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease, which is characterized by connective tissue damage, namely destructive and degenerative changes in small joints. But rheumatoid arthritis is considered an extremely serious pathology because, in addition to damaging the cartilage surfaces, it causes serious destructive changes in the tissues of the heart (pericardium, myocardium). The kidneys, endocrine glands, blood vessels, lungs and mucosa may also suffer. The disease appears suddenly and is characterized by a very long course with periods of relaxed symptoms and bright relapses. Disorders in the immune system lead to the fact that immune cells perceive cells of articular surfaces as foreign and begin to fight against them. This leads to destruction, deformation and immobility of the fingers.
The attack always falls on the small joints of the hands and fingers of the upper and lower extremities.
Symptoms
A patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis complains of joint pain when flexing his fingers. This symptom is one of the first to appear in both limbs. Further, a number of subjective complaints are added:
- the pain increases at night and in the first hours of the day;
- there is stiffness in the movement of the fingers;
- has a subfebrile temperature up to 38 degrees;
- symptoms of general intoxication appear in the form of increased fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, weight loss;
- on the surface of the fingers, nodules are formed, characteristic of the growth of the synovial membrane of the nodule, which is more sensitive to degenerative processes.
The appearance of such symptoms for any reasonable person should be a reason for immediate referral to a specialist in order to stop the disease in a timely manner and keep under control its potential devastating manifestations.
Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis has a hereditary predisposition, but there are factors that can cause its occurrence.
Infectious diseases are considered as such, as the immune system fights the infection, and it, in turn, remains in the joints and bones of the body for a long time after the apparent symptoms have subsided. It is this fight that causes the aggression of the body’s defenses against the joint cells themselves. Hypothermia and stressful situations can create conditions when the knuckles are injured due to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
It is impossible to completely cure such a disease, but it seems perfectly realistic to keep it under control and prevent its progression. Modern methods of therapy for rheumatoid arthritis are quite effective and allow to withstand remission periods of up to two years, which significantly improves the quality of life of the patient. Doctors now use anti-inflammatory methods of treatment with steroid and non-steroidal drugs. Biologically active complexes of collagen and glucosamine-based drugs are described, which nourish the articular surface and prevent destruction.
The most important innovation in the treatment of this pathology is the use of specific enzymes that suppress the activity of immune cells.
The joint hurts due to the degenerative damage caused by these cells. Therefore, if such a drug is timely, with the frequency required to influence the cause of inflammation, then the situation will not get out of control. During the remission period, doctors recommend courses of physiotherapy procedures for the area of the fingers and hands.
arthrosis
Osteoarthritis is considered a disease in which the cartilaginous layer between the joints is destroyed. This is due to circulatory disorders in the lower layer of the periosteum. Consequently, the cartilage does not get enough food and begins to thin and crack. Synovial fluid decreases in volume or disappears altogether. All of these factors lead to friction and inflammation. Small joints of the fingers, toes, and hands are affected less frequently than large ones. Usually the elderly suffer due to age-related changes in tissues and blood circulation.
The risk increases significantly in postmenopausal women, by about 30%, because hormonal changes cause dehydration, decreased cartilage elasticity, and drying of the articular surface.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis of the fingers are as follows:
- pain and stiffness;
- chewing when bending and stretching the fingers;
- swelling of the skin on the knuckles;
- the appearance of nodules and lumps in the form of growths;
- deformity of the affected finger;
- decreased sensitivity of the fingertip due to an innervation violation in the affected area.
For pain in the finger joint, therapeutic methods include complex measures. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and ointments based on anesthetics, menthol or novocaine will help relieve inflammation and pain. To restore and nourish the node, special preparations of biologically active action are prescribed. Along with this, the doctor prescribes a course of physiotherapy procedures. In severe cases, injections are used directly into the joint capsule. Importers It is important to understand that in advanced cases, it is impossible to restore the mobility and normal functioning of the fingers. A timely visit to the doctor ensures a good prognosis.
gout
One of the most common reasons for the question why the joints in the hands hurt, experts call it gout.
Gout is considered a metabolic disease, i. e. a violation of protein metabolism.
A large amount of uric acid leads to the deposition of crystals in the joints and kidneys in the form of salts. The joints of the feet and hands are most often affected, especially the base of the big toes. The main symptoms of the disease are:
- very severe pain;
- violation of the mobility of the finger joint;
- chewing when bending;
- hyperemia and swelling of the fingers.
The treatment of this pathology consists, first of all, in organizing a diet with a complete rejection of protein and fatty foods, limiting table salt and including a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. The use of alcohol in any form and carbonated beverages is strictly prohibited. The volume of fluid you drink should increase to at least three liters per day. In case of pain attacks, the affected finger should be kept still.
Painkillers are used. If they are not effective, doctors resort to hormone therapy in the form of corticosteroids. Medications in this group are able to quickly relieve inflammation and pain. Physiotherapy treatment methods in this case are advisable only during the remission period. It should be remembered that gout is hereditary, therefore, with a charged history, you should adhere to a diet low in protein and fats, and also check the level of uric acid in the blood. Obesity is considered a predisposing circumstance for the development of this type of pathology.