Arthritis of the fingers - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Arthritis of the fingers is the most common pathology that affects the joints. The condition has different causes, but is accompanied by characteristic signs that are important to notice in a timely manner. In order to defeat the disease, it is necessary to understand the causes of its occurrence. Patients who have joint pathology should have information about the disease. They determine the nature of the pathology, the pace of its development and possible complications.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Symptoms of the disease depend on its nature: acute arthritis is accompanied by pronounced manifestations, and signs of chronic arthritis of the fingers are less noticeable. The mild form of the disease is more dangerous, because the patient may not see a doctor for a long time and the disease will progress.

In order not to miss the onset of the disease, it is necessary to respond in a timely manner to such symptoms:

• severe pain over the surface of the joints;
• redness of the skin in the projection of the joint;
• the skin over the joint becomes warm to the touch;
• the range of motion in the joint becomes limited;
• pain may be accompanied by numbness in the wrist and tingling;
• in the morning the joints feel stiff and there is difficulty in starting to move;
• the appearance of characteristic dense nodules under the skin;
• gradual deformity of the joints.

Symptoms appear on symmetrical areas of the hands. Manifestations that affect the fingers are accompanied by general symptoms: fatigue, a feeling of weakness, general weakness. Pain and discomfort in the joints are more intense in the morning.

The onset of the disease is accompanied by damage to several joints. This disease of the fingers can occur simultaneously with inflammation of bone joints in other parts of the body. Gradually, more and more joints are involved in the process. The long course of the disease leads to characteristic deformations:

• fingers take the form of a spindle or swan neck;
• there is necrosis of the skin of the fingers.

This leads to an aggravation of the patient's condition - he cannot dress himself, hold objects in his hand, and perform household activities.

Causes of arthritis of the fingers

Arthritis is an inflammatory process that affects the joints. Articular surfaces, ligaments, joint cavity become inflamed. This affects the state of surrounding tissues, functional activity.

The causes of inflammation can be such processes:

• systemic diseases of the joints;
• consequences of microtraumas;
• occupational diseases;
• endocrine dysfunction;
• infectious pathology - arthritis is a complication of diseases such as influenza, syphilis, chlamydia, tuberculosis, streptococcal infection;
• autoimmune diseases;
• consequences of surgical interventions on the joint.

Experts also point to a link between the genetic predisposition to arthritis and its occurrence. The more risk factors that affected the body, the more likely the occurrence of hand disease. Determining its cause plays a key role in prescribing treatment.

If symptomatic drugs are combined with etiological therapy, the treatment will be effective and there is a chance to stop the disease.

Treatment methods for hand arthritis

The treatment of arthritis must comply with several principles: it must be comprehensive and individual. Another point is to start therapy preferably in the early stages. Compliance with these principles will preserve the function and structure of the joints, prevent complications and stop the development of the disease.

In order for the action of drugs to be effective, it is necessary to determine the cause of the disease. This factor determines which medicines to give preference. Also, the doctor takes into account the comorbidity of the patient, makes such combinations of drugs that do not worsen the condition of the body and retain their effectiveness.

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Infectious arthritis of the fingers is an indication for the use of antibiotic therapy. In other cases, these drugs are not indicated and can only harm the body.

Therefore, before starting treatment, the doctor carefully examines the patient's laboratory tests and finds confirmation of the bacterial origin of the disease.

Antibacterial agents act on bacteria whose activity damages the articular structures.

Simultaneously with the etiological treatment of the hands, symptomatic therapy is carried out - the inflammatory syndrome decreases, pain and stiffness are eliminated. For this, the patient is prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. After the course of taking the drugs, the condition is monitored and repeated tests are taken.

Additionally, medications are prescribed that affect the blood supply in the joint area. Spasms of arteries and capillaries, as well as pressure drops, lead to joint pain and metabolic disorders in their area. In order to correct the situation, nitrates and antihypertensive agents are prescribed. This will help to avoid specific “starting” pains that occur at the beginning of the movement and are characteristic of finger arthritis.

Patients feel weak and changeable mood. Sometimes, the condition may be accompanied by tearfulness, irritability. In some cases, the doctor may recommend sleeping pills and sedatives. This normalizes the patient's condition as a whole and will help him respond better to the main treatment.

The use of ointments and creams gives little effect. The active ingredients of any drug have a much more effective effect on the problem when they enter the bloodstream. Absorption through the skin is minimal and such a drug cannot affect the arthritis of the fingers.

During illness, the body spends more resources than usual. The patient must maintain his health by eating right, observing sleep patterns. The diet should contain carbohydrates, proteins and fats in a balanced amount. They should be supplemented with minerals and vitamins. This will improve the blood supply and innervation of affected and healthy tissues, as well as metabolism.

Physiotherapy for Arthritis of the Hands

Physiotherapeutic methods are used in periods between exacerbations of the disease, as well as for rehabilitation.

The following procedures are assigned:

• electrophoresis. The technique allows for a deep local effect of drugs, the effect of which is enhanced by the apparatus;
• diadynamic therapy;
• ultrasonic impact;
• magnetotherapy;
• the use of therapeutic mud.

The use of physiotherapy techniques should occur after the diagnostic block and does not occur in all cases.

Effective for arthritis of the fingers is therapeutic exercises. A set of exercises, their nature and duration are prescribed by the attending physician. It is the exercises that will not allow the joints to deform and retain their function for a long time. You need to perform exercises regularly and efficiently - only then will they be effective.

Treatment with folk remedies

The use of folk remedies can be regarded as additional help that brings relief to the patient. In no case should home treatments replace the main treatment. So you can not only not help, but also harm the patient. Without proper care, the disease progresses and leads to complications that cannot be corrected.