Such a diagnosis as arthrosis of the fingers is mainly given to older people, especially women. This is explained by the fact that with age in the fair sex, hormonal changes in the body occur and collagen production decreases. The disease is characterized by a decrease in finger mobility, and its chronic form leads to impaired hand function and joint deformation. Damage to the articular bag is also observed. So what is arthrosis of the fingers? Symptoms and treatment of this pathology will be discussed in detail in the article.
Features of arthrosis of the joints of the fingers
This pathology mainly affects the elderly. Joint structures wear out over time, bone density decreases, cartilage becomes thinner, its cracking, bone outgrowths occur. Untreated disease contributes to the curvature of the fingers, the occurrence of severe pain, which increases with the load on the joints, movements become limited, stiffness appears. In neglected cases, a person cannot do basic things: it becomes impossible to pick up a fork or unscrew the cap on a bottle.
Causes of the appearance of pathology
The main cause of the pathological condition is considered a genetic predisposition. If someone had such a disease in the family, then the next generation is likely to have it.
Another reason, due to which arthrosis of the joints of the fingers occurs, are considered increased loads on this area. The risk group for the development of the disease includes professions such as pianist, massage therapist and office workers. The work of the latter is associated with constant typing on a computer.
It provokes the occurrence of pathology diabetes mellitus, diseases of the endocrine system. The hormonal restructuring of a woman’s body during menopause leads to a decrease in estrogen levels, resulting in a loss of moisture, causing the cartilage to become thinner, and bones and joints become fragile.
The most common cause of the development of pathology are injuries of the wrist joints and flanks of the fingers, especially when an inflammatory process occurs. The disease is also caused by alcohol abuse, smoking, frequent colds, weak immunity, radiation exposure, endocrine disorders, allergic reactions, and infectious diseases (chlamydia).
Symptoms
If arthrosis of the fingers occurs, the symptoms of this disease can be different. With the movement of the fingers, crunching and aching pain occurs, which after some time become chronic. Joints thicken, which is very noticeable from the side, and the affected area begins to swell. Periarticular muscles are almost always in a state of tension. Such symptoms are characteristic of the initial stage of the disease, when there is a loss of elasticity of the joint bag.
In the second stage, the cartilage becomes thin and deformed. There is constant pain, the movement of the fingers becomes limited, the affected area turns red, the body temperature rises. Swelling begins to increase even more, and the finger or even the entire hand loses its sensitivity.
The last stage of a disease such as arthrosis of the fingers is accompanied by complete destruction of the cartilage, with severe pain, the fingers are deformed, and their length changes. Swelling and swelling in the affected area pass into the nodules of Bouchard and Heberden. The formation of the first occurs on the extreme joints of the fingers, the second - on the middle. The joints and bones are deformed, the fingers practically stop moving. Instead of cartilage, growths appear on the periarticular bones.
If in this case treatment of arthrosis of the fingers is not carried out, then complete immobilization of the hand is possible. The resulting nodules are often accompanied by a disease such as rhizarthrosis, which affects the base of the thumb, the signs of which resemble ordinary arthrosis.
Diagnosis of the disease
To diagnose arthrosis of the fingers, the doctor examines the patient and palpates the affected area. To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor directs the patient to an x-ray and blood tests. In the obtained images, bone deformation, narrowing of the cracks of the affected joints, osteophytes are clearly visible. Blood tests should be within normal limits, and if there are deviations, the doctor suggests the occurrence of other, more formidable diseases, such as arthritis.
Treatment methods
If arthrosis of the fingers occurs, how to treat this pathology? The result will be much more effective when conducting complex therapy, which includes methods such as:
- physiotherapy;
- acupuncture, massage;
- use of drugs;
- ethnoscience;
- surgery.
A wonderful effect is achieved when using ointments. They are able to eliminate pain, restore mobility, increase blood flow to the pathological site. Such drugs include Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Voltaren-Emulgel, Dolgit-cream, Butadion.
At an early stage, the likelihood of a complete cure of deforming arthrosis of the interphalangeal joints and restoration of cartilage tissue is still great. At the 2-3rd stage, the pathology becomes irreversible. In this case, the doctor prescribes conservative therapy aimed at preventing further changes and destruction of tissues.
Drug treatment
If arthrosis of the joints of the fingers occurs, treatment is usually carried out with drugs that should only be prescribed by a doctor.
The initial stage of the disease is rarely treated with medication. Usually, the patient undergoes a course of therapy with the help of chondroprotectors (chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine), which help restore the cartilage tissue and nourish it. It is very effective at the initial stage of conducting physiotherapy. You should also take vitamins and minerals. With the help of warming compresses, the pain syndrome is relieved.
The second stage of the disease is accompanied by the occurrence of severe pain, inflammation and worsening joint mobility. The doctor in this case prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Ketoprofen, Butadion, Diclofenac, Piroxicam), chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid. Treatment of arthrosis is recommended to be carried out in a comprehensive manner, so the course of therapy also includes the use of vasodilators. Basically it is "Pentoxifylline", "Agapurin", "Theonicol."
In the third stage, they usually already use strong painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Nise, Fastum Gel. Surgical treatment is carried out when all of the above methods were ineffective, and the deformation of the cartilage tissue caused a complete loss of mobility of the fingers.
Home treatment
If arthrosis of the joints of the fingers occurs, treatment is carried out by alternative methods. But they will not be aimed at combating symptoms, but at strengthening immunity and restoring metabolism.
The following methods of treating the disease at home are:
- physical exercises that contribute to the gentle warming of the joints and muscle stretching;
- dieting, but fasting is prohibited;
- visiting a bath, the steam room of which activates metabolic processes and softens muscle tissue;
- the use of hirudotherapy, since the substances contained in the saliva of leeches thin the blood and eliminate the pain syndrome;
- herbal treatment, but in this case, care should be taken, because the simultaneous administration with anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs causes a strong allergic reaction.
Preventative measures
To avoid such a formidable disease as arthrosis of the fingers, doctors recommend taking care of preventive measures, namely:
- to perform moderate physical activity;
- keep your hands warm, do not allow their hypothermia;
- stick to proper nutrition.
Such preventive measures are the best remedy for finger pathology.
Output
Thus, we found out what finger arthrosis is, the symptoms and treatment of this disease were also considered. This pathology occurs mainly in old age, when the body is already worn out. This ailment causes discomfort, and subsequently severe pain. It is important not to start such a disease, and if all the doctor's recommendations are followed, a complete recovery occurs.