Elderly people often complain that their finger joints hurt.This is caused by various inflammatory processes, disorders and degenerative changes in joint tissue, cartilage, ligaments and tendons, as well as injuries.But there are also many diseases that cause similar symptoms at a younger age.
In this situation, it is important to detect the cause of the pathology in time, so as not to start the disease, which without adequate treatment can lead to serious consequences.
Common Causes of Pain
The causes of discomfort in the finger joints can be divided into 3 groups:
- Pain caused by inflammation.They are most noticeable in the morning and after the hands have rested for a long time.Decreased physical activity.There are symptoms such as redness of the skin, swelling, and stiffness when bending and straightening the fingers.
- Pain related to structural disorders of cartilage and bone tissue.Due to age and hormonal changes, professional stress, and genetic predisposition.
- Mechanical and post-traumatic pain.Associated with prolonged physical activity and injury.
Diseases with this symptomatology
Let's consider the most common inflammatory pathologies.
Rheumatoid arthritis
It can occur at any age and is more often diagnosed in women.This disease affects the joints of the middle and index fingers.It is characterized by morning swelling, stiffness of joint movements, an increase in painful pain during the day and a decrease in the evening.The skin in the area of the damaged joint becomes red and swollen.The development of pathology leads to damage to the larger joints of the hand and to disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.
Rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by symmetry: when the fingers of the left hand are affected, damage also occurs on the right.Characteristic signs are the formation of rheumatoid nodes, deformation and curvature of the fingers.
Gout
Pathology related to metabolic disorders and the formation of excessive uric acid salts.It is formed in people who consume foods high in purines (meat, soups, smoked and salty foods, black tea and strong coffee).Pathology begins with damage to the thumb joint - pain at night, after wearing heavy objects, stiffness of movement, formation of a pineal seal above the joint, redness and swelling of the skin.
Psoriatic arthritis
It is a result of psoriasis and is characterized by an inflammatory process in all finger joints, accompanied by redness, swelling, stiffness of movement, and changes in the appearance of the hand (fingers resemble sausages).The pathology is characterized by asymmetric lesions: if the pain occurs in the area of the little finger and index finger of the right hand, the middle and ring fingers may be affected on the left side.The pain is localized in the area of the nail phalanx and occurs when bending the tip of the finger.
Reactive arthritis
With infectious wounds of the body and the penetration of foreign microflora into the joints, pathology may occur, which is characterized by acute pain that lasts for several days, fever, chills and high temperature.Symptoms are more pronounced with various joint damage - polyarthritis.
Stenosing ligamentitis
Damage to the annular ligament of the finger.Occurs as a result of diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and excessive physical exercise.It is characterized by painful damage to all joints except the little finger;difficulties arise with flexion and extension of the fingers, which require effort.During the extension, a click occurs due to a violation of the elasticity of ligaments and tendons.As the pathology worsens, swelling is observed, the skin turns blue, and numbness occurs.Symptoms are worst at night and in the morning.
Other inflammatory diseases
In addition, the causes of pain are:
- Arthralgia.Occurs as a result of inflammation or mechanical damage.Fingers become red and swollen, and difficulties arise even when performing the simplest operations.
- Joint pain.It is a complication after sore throat.In addition to joint pain, disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system occur.
- Bursitis.Accumulation of fluid in the joint capsule, resulting in inflammation and swelling.When pressing on the affected finger pad, a sharp pain is observed.The skin gets a dark red color and the temperature may rise.Pathology most often develops as a result of injury.
Other disorders that cause discomfort in the finger joints may be tenosynovitis, osteomyelitis, de Quervain's disease, panaritium, etc.
Osteoarthritis
It is characterized by painful sensations caused by the destruction of cartilage and joint bone tissue as a result of metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, professional stress, as a result of injuries, and genetic predisposition.
The disease develops gradually, affecting all fingers in turn.An increase in pain is provoked by physical activity, the hands become numb and painful, and a characteristic crackling sound occurs when the fingers move.External changes affect the shape of the fingers: due to the thickening in the middle, they resemble a spindle;with advanced disease, their curls are observed.This clinical picture is most pronounced in older people.
Varieties of osteoarthrosis are rhizarthrosis (damage and deformation of the thumb joint) and polyosteoarthrosis (interphalangeal joint dysfunction).
Cervical osteochondrosis
With disorders of the musculoskeletal system related to the cervical vertebrae, pinching of the nerve endings of the upper part occurs.Pain in the joints of the hands can occur when turning the head, sneezing, coughing.In its manifestation, it resembles an electrical discharge that passes through the hand.The patient experiences numbness and stiffness when moving the hand.
The appearance of pain in the joints of the hands can be caused by mechanical damage and injuries, including:
- Bruises, pinches, burns, cuts.Injury to the periarticular or connective tissue occurs, where the blood supply is interrupted or nerve endings are damaged, causing pain.
- Dislocation.The most common is a dislocated thumb.A sharp pain appears, the area around the protruding joint becomes red and swollen.
- Damage to the ulnar nerve.With advanced neuropathy, numbness in the injured limb and impaired motor function occur.
- Tunnel syndrome.Damage to the joint of the index finger of the right hand related to prolonged work at the computer.With prolonged stress, pinched nerve endings may occur.
- Vibration syndrome.Associated with the professional activities of people dealing with vibration technology.Pathology goes through several stages: from pain and numbness to complete loss of sensitivity in the fingers, which acquire a whitish color due to insufficient blood supply to the vessels.
Who to contact and how to treat
If pathological symptoms appear, the patient should consult a specialist (surgeon, traumatologist, rheumatologist, neurologist) or therapist to conduct diagnostic tests and prescribe adequate treatment.
Depending on the cause and symptoms of the pathology, the specialist will tell you what to do to eliminate the pain syndrome and restore the lost function of the damaged organ.This scheme involves the use of physical therapy and drugs, folk remedies, massage and therapeutic exercises.During treatment, it is important to follow a diet that limits foods that trigger the development of pathology.During the recovery period, sanatorium-resort treatment is indicated.
Methods of pain relief
At home, for injuries and mechanical damage to the joints, the patient is given first aid by applying an ice pack to the damaged area for 2-3 hours or treating the affected surface with an anesthetic (a product containing chlorethyl).In the case of dislocations and fractures of non-displaced limbs, it is important to ensure their immobilization before medical examination.
For inflammatory pathologies, antibiotics, hormonal drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and glucocorticosteroids are used.
For diseases related to disorders of cartilage and bone tissue, chondroprotectors are used.
For minor inflammatory processes, local painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used.
Preventive measures
Joint diseases can be treated if you consult a doctor on time and follow the prescribed recommendations.The following will help prevent the development of pathology: proper nutrition, the absence of bad habits, and a reduction in physical activity on the fingers.A good effect is achieved by performing a set of therapeutic exercises for the hands, massaging the limbs, taking a relaxing bath and relaxing with a decoction of medicinal plants.