In the absence of timely and proper treatment, finger arthritis can lead to serious problems in a person, including disability. A progressive pathology can form at any age. Under this ailment is understood an inflammatory disease that is developing in the joints. Representatives of the weaker sex are most susceptible to him.
Possible causes of the disease
The treatment of arthritis of the fingers should be preceded by clarification of the grounds on which it was formed, however this is not always possible, but they need to be known. So these include:
- bad habits;
- overweight;
- genetic predisposition;
- joint injuries and bruises, surgical interventions performed on them, hypothermia;
- infectious diseases: measles, herpetic infection, Botkin's disease, mumps, which contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis;
- caused by streptococcal and staphylococci, brucellosis, scarlet fever, flu, sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, dysentery, chlamydia;
- autoimmune diseases, psoriasis, metabolic disorders, gout.
At a young age, the etiology remains unclear. However, these are all alleged reasons. The exact ones are still unclear.
Signs
The characteristic symptoms of arthritis of the fingers are characteristic. Treatment should be aimed at eliminating them:
- pain syndrome - the most characteristic sign of arthritis for any reason of its occurrence - it gradually increases, passing from individual joints to the entire hand;
- changes in the affected joints - various thickenings, bulges, contractures, with rheumatoid arthritis, the joint can take the form of a spindle or swan - the latter indicate a long and irreversible inflammatory process;
- symmetry of the lesion with palpation of the subcutaneous rheumatoid nodes located on the bones, characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis;
- limiting the mobility of joints as a result of the destruction of their surface, the occurrence of extensive inflammatory processes, a decrease in fluid volume, as a result of extension / flexion of the joints is accompanied by the sound of a creak;
- increase in body temperature;
- fatigue;
- malaise.
With rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain of the “tight gloves” type and morning stiffness are noted. A short charge is recommended to increase range of motion.
Diagnostics
Before proceeding with the treatment of arthritis and arthrosis of the fingers, you need to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. He collects an anamnesis by listening to the patient's complaints. In this case, the following examinations can be prescribed:
- MRI
- CT
- roentgenogram of brushes;
- serological tests for rheumatoid arthritis (antibodies to ACCP, rheumatoid factor);
- general blood test (detection of white blood cell count and increased ESR).
Drug therapy
If viruses became the cause of its appearance, then prescribe drugs for the treatment of finger arthritis in the form of antibiotics.
To block the main points of inflammation, drugs are used (Adalimubab, Infliximab), which suspend the destruction of articular tissues and lead to the onset of persistent remission.
The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers is carried out with a basic anti-inflammatory drug (Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Leflunomide), prescribed by a doctor, for a period of at least 3 months, and possibly for life. Their therapeutic effect is aimed at suppressing the activity of immune cells to stop the pathological process for a long time even after drug withdrawal.
To consolidate the effect of these agents, glucocorticosteroids are prescribed (Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone).
For the prevention of osteoporosis, vitamin D is prescribed in combination with calcium and phosphorus preparations.
Symptomatic treatment is sometimes prescribed with the use of analgesics in the treatment of arthritis of the joints of the fingers and sedatives. NSAIDs are widely used (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Celecoxib).
Surgical intervention
Sometimes the deformation of the joints becomes irreversible. In this case, it is useless to use therapeutic agents in the treatment of finger arthritis. Used surgical intervention, which allows you to begin to perform basic actions with the help of the upper limbs. In this case, the phalanx of the fingers with affected joints is resected.
Physiotherapy
Like the previous method, it is not applicable at home. However, it finds its use after relieving inflammation, when the patient is already able to move to the clinic.
The main procedures assigned to the patient are:
- electrophoresis;
- exposure to pulsed currents having a low frequency;
- magnetotherapy;
- UHF;
- mud applications;
- hydrotherapy;
- ultrasound.
Balanced diet
To treat finger arthritis at home, the following is introduced into the diet:
- polyunsaturated fatty acids;
- fruits;
- vegetables.
In this disease, it is useful to use a mix of beetroot, cucumber and carrot juices, beetroot juice separately (after squeezing is placed in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to eliminate toxicants), sea buckthorn, currants, cherries, apples, sorrel, plums, blueberries, eggplant, garlic , chokeberry, grapefruit.
The following dishes should be excluded from the diet:
- coffee;
- alcohol
- fried fish;
- sausage products;
- legumes;
- saturated meat broths.
With exacerbations 1 time in 3 months, you can perform a raw food diet in the absence of contraindications for one week. In this case, the diet consists only of fruits and vegetables.
Physiotherapy
Exercises that are intended for patients in remission can well be performed at home. They can not be done during exacerbations. With their help, the range of movements that was characteristic earlier is returned, the innervation of blood vessels and their blood supply improves. All exercises are consistent with the doctor performing the conservative treatment. Perform them 4-5 times from a sitting or standing position. If joint pain occurs, exercise should be interrupted.
The set of exercises includes:
- stretch the upper limbs in front of you, without straining them, begin rotational movements in a circle in the wrist joints - first in one direction, then in the other;
- squeeze-unclench of the fingers;
- bend the upper limbs at the elbows, stretch the palms down in front of you, in the wrist joints bend the hands to the left and to the right;
- repeat the first exercise;
- relax your hands.
Treatment of arthritis of the fingers with folk remedies
Despite the seeming harmlessness of phytotherapeutic methods of healing, it is necessary to consult their doctor with their use.
To provide emergency assistance in the treatment of arthritis and arthrosis of the fingers, the following folk remedies are used that can reduce inflammatory processes, or reduce the level of their manifestation:
- potatoes;
- vegetable compress;
- as well as with honey and mustard.
For treatment with potatoes, they take an unpeeled greened vegetable, grind it until a homogeneous gruel is obtained. Then diluted with hot water and heated to a temperature of 38 ° C. A thick layer of slurry is applied to the joints, after which it is fixed with a bandage. Hold throughout the night, which helps warm the joints and eliminate pain.
Treatment of finger arthritis with folk remedies involves the use of a vegetable compress. It is prepared from the following plants, taken in equal proportions:
- beet;
- radish;
- parsley;
- wild garlic.
They, like potatoes, are crushed and a slurry of homogeneous consistency is prepared. It is applied to sore joints.
To treat arthritis of the thumb and other types of this disease, you can make a compress of honey and mustard. To these components in the same amount take olive oil. They are mixed and used until the symptoms are eliminated, spending 1 hour per procedure.
You can also use shabby carrots, which add a few drops of turpentine or vegetable oil. The mixture is placed on sore joints and fixed with a bandage.
Bath treatment
To eliminate the discomfort that occurs in the fingers, at home, you can use the following methods:
- grinding;
- compresses;
- baths.
The latter contribute to the warming of the joints, so their effectiveness is quite large. Water should not cool, so periodically it is necessary to add hot liquid. The duration of the procedure is a quarter of an hour. For its implementation, immerse sick fingers in a container with the above liquid. In the baths add medicinal herbs:
- calendula
- eucalyptus;
- pine needles;
- chamomile;
- birch leaves.
Grind treatment
To treat finger arthritis at home, you can use:
- pine or spruce needles;
- Kalanchoe;
- chestnut infusion.
In the first case, the inflammatory process that is caused by the disease is eliminated. Needles should be prepared in advance in the amount of 4 tbsp. l It is added to a container containing a glass of water, after which it is boiled for 30 minutes. Then clean tissue is dipped into it, which is applied to the diseased joints. The mixture should be cooled to room temperature.
Kalanchoe (leaves) is half asleep in a small jar, and then topped up with alcohol. Within a week, the medicine is infused, after which it is used as a grind. It is carried out 1 time per day daily.
Infusions of chestnut or lilac inflorescences are also effective in eliminating the symptoms of arthritis. 2/3 of the container is filled with one of these components, after which it is poured with alcohol, which has an increased strength compared to vodka (50-60 °). The mixture is insisted for three weeks, sometimes shaking the jar. After grinding, you need to wrap your fingers with a warm cloth.
Decoctions and tinctures for the treatment of arthritis
One of the most effective means is tincture of dandelions. For its preparation, roots and leaves are collected in the amount of 1 tbsp. l Production is as follows:
- the collected ingredients are added to a glass of boiling water and insisted for 1 hour;
- filter;
- reception is carried out 30 minutes before a meal;
- single dose - a quarter glass.
Also, tincture of garlic can be used to treat finger arthritis. This tool helps to lower blood pressure, so it is not recommended for patients with hypotension.
Preparation is as follows:
- on 5 heads of garlic add half a liter of alcohol;
- infusion is carried out for a decade, periodically shaking the container;
- reception - before meals for 1 tsp;
- garlic irritates the stomach, therefore, to prevent this negative phenomenon, the infusion is washed down with milk.
In addition, you can use the following tools:
- decoction of a string;
- daisies;
- Apple vinegar.
One of them in the amount of 1 teaspoon is added to water in a volume of 1 cup. Use 4 times a day. If there are problems with the digestive tract, then the dose is halved. The course of treatment is 2-5 weeks.
Finally
Finger arthritis treatment in many cases can be carried out at home. In particular, it is possible to carry out drug treatment, taking baths, decoctions, infusions as measures of healing with folk remedies. In addition, after agreement with the doctor, at home, you can perform a set of exercise therapy exercises aimed at restoring joint activity. It is possible to use special grouts, which also facilitate the patient's condition. Being at home during the period of remission, as prescribed by the attending physician, you can visit the physiotherapy room. In advanced cases, it is not possible to cure this disease at home, in connection with which an operation is necessary.