Painful finger joints: causes and treatment

Pain in the joints of the hands can occur due to muscle fatigue, or it can be a sign of a dangerous systemic disease. Fortunately, the latter is less common. Often, doctors are faced with injuries and problems of the ligament apparatus, which respond well to local treatment. When the joints of the hands hurt, the causes and treatments are quite diverse. To treat hand pathology, it is important that the patient seeks help in time, especially if the fingers are deformed: the longer they are in a forced position, the more difficult it is to restore their function. In the article we will talk about the possible diagnosis of which hand joint hurts, what to do, how to treat such a condition.

Pain in the small joint of the finger: causes

Patients who experience numbness, clicking or pain in their finger joints when flexing, extending or resting may have multiple diagnoses.

"Snapping finger", also known as stenosing ligamentitis or Knott's disease

One of the most common causes of hand pain. This is a benign pathology, in which it is very difficult to straighten the fingers independently from a bent position. This disease is common among women and men and is associated with damage to the annular ligament of the hand. There is a feeling as if the finger is "stuck" in one position. Usually the joint of the middle finger of the right hand, as well as the ring or thumb, hurts. In left-handed people, the left hand is more often affected.

Risk factors include:

• Excessive fatigue in the wrist flexor muscles. This can happen when working at a computer for long periods of time, driving long distances, carrying heavy bags, playing the guitar, repetitive blunt trauma to the hands, or working with tools that need to be held tightly in the hand, such as in construction.
• Metabolic disorders in the body: diabetes mellitus, decreased thyroid function - hypothyroidism.
• Smoking - nicotine damages blood vessels and small nerves.
• Previous injury to the palm or base of the fingers.

Hand injury

These include fractures, bone fractures, joint dislocations, ruptures and sprains of ligaments and muscles. A condition called hammer toe is common. This finger is bent and very painful when you try to straighten it. It is distinguished from "twitch fingers" by the following characteristics:

• Because of appearance. "Hammer finger" is the result of an injury, for example, from a forceful blow to the tip of an extended finger, for example, being hit by a ball while playing basketball.
• Localization of flexion. The hammer toe is bent at the distal interphalangeal joint, which is the small joint of the finger closest to the nail. "Snap fingers" are bent at the proximal interphalangeal joint, the joint two fingers from the nail, or the metacarpophalangeal joint, which connects the finger and the palm itself.
• The hammer toe is often swollen, blue and deformed, especially if there is a phalanx fracture.

Osteoarthritis

This is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the joints, a common pathology in patients over 40 years old, especially women. Cartilage tissue that forms the joint is destroyed, and the amount of fluid in it decreases. As a result, the joints become "dry" and their mobility is reduced. At a later stage, the bones that make up the joints are also destroyed, and "growths" -osteophytes - may appear on them. The interphalangeal joints of the fingers are usually affected. It is difficult for patients to clench their hands into fists or hold heavy objects, which significantly interferes with daily life.

Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis

This is an autoimmune disease. The metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints are most commonly affected. Because the disease is systemic, meaning it causes changes throughout the body, joints usually become painful and swollen in both hands. In addition, such patients often have other symptoms: weakness, fever, loss of appetite. Severe rheumatoid arthritis can have extra-articular manifestations, involving the heart, lungs, eyes, blood vessels and other organs. Despite its name, psoriatic arthritis can occur in the absence of symptoms of the skin disease psoriasis.

Gout and pseudogout

A metabolic disorder in which hard crystals are deposited in the joints. In gout, uric acid, a product of purine metabolism, is deposited in crystalline form. Purines are formed in the body and also come from food. Gout crystals can appear not only in the joints, but also under the skin and in the tendons. The body reacts to it with severe inflammation. Pseudogout is similar to gout in its symptoms, but is caused by the deposition of a different substance - calcium pyrophosphate. Both diseases are treated with drugs, although the drugs are slightly different.

Tumors and cysts

This is a very rare pathology; most hand tumors are benign. Cysts may appear in bone and joint tissue. They cause pain, and when large, they affect the range of motion in the joint.

Infectious diseases of the fingers

The most common: the criminal and its variety - paronychia. This is an infection of the periungual tissue. Other infections include:

• cellulitis - inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue,
• lymphangitis - inflammation of the lymph vessels,
• abscess - collection of pus,
• osteomyelitis - inflammation of the bone.

Patients with hand infections usually report minor previous trauma. The risk of this disease increases if a person has a weak immune system.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, formed by the wrist bones, ligaments and tendons. Women experience this syndrome more often than men. Conditions in which the possibility of developing the disease increases: thyroid disease, pregnancy, obesity, diabetes. Continuous work with a prolonged hold on the wrist in an extended position is often a provoking factor. This is especially true for people whose profession involves the assembly of small parts, such as tailors or surgeons, or work on computers. Symptoms appear in the fingers supplied by the median nerve: the thumb, index, middle and half ring fingers are close to them. Usually this is not only pain, but also numbness, tingling and pins and needles, and sometimes weakness in the hands.

Dupuytren's contracture or palmar fibromatosis

With this disease, it is impossible to fully straighten the fingers, they are in a forced half-bent position, as a result of which the function of the hand is affected. First, a dense cord of connective tissue is formed in the palmar tendon, then it is shortened. More often, this disease appears in men over the age of 50 and has a clear hereditary tendency. As with many other hand pathologies, the risk is increased due to diabetes, smoking, and occupational hazards.

The list of possible diagnoses for pain in the joints of the hands also includes some rare conditions: vibration disease, vasculitis, etc. Given this diversity, it is better not to delay contacting a specialist.

symptoms

Symptoms depend on the disease and its cause. The main sign of problems with the joints of the hands and other structures is pain, but it is important to evaluate all its features:

1. The onset of pain, which may be acute or gradual.Diseases caused by degenerative changes and excessive fatigue of the ligament apparatus are characterized by a gradual onset, as the development of this process takes time. Autoimmune diseases can manifest either gradually or acutely. The severity of gout and pseudogout occurs suddenly, reaching the peak of symptoms within hours. Trauma is also associated with sharp, sharp pain.
2. Time and factors for the onset or increase of pain during the day.With carpal tunnel syndrome, hands may hurt at night; with osteoarthritis, the pain is stronger after putting pressure on the joint; with rheumatoid arthritis, pain is most noticeable in the first 30 minutes after waking up or prolonged inactivity.

In addition to pain, patients may notice other related symptoms, including:

• Characteristics of joint flexion and extension: with "finger joints", the joint is locked in flexion, but can be carefully moved to an extended position, while "hammer fingers" and contractures cannot be fully straightened. With rheumatoid arthritis, you can see the thickening of the fingers in the joints and their deformation. If there is ligament pathology, nodules can be felt in their composition.
• Stiffness and limitation of movement in joints.
• With gout and autoimmune arthritis, the patient will notice redness and swelling, the joint will be hot to the touch - this is a symptom of inflammation.
• If the nerve is damaged, numbness, tingling, tingling, and decreased sensitivity to heat, cold, and touch may occur.
• With vasculitis - inflammation of the blood vessels - the fingers often turn white or blue.
• With many diseases, weakness in the hands may be observed: this indicates damage to the nerves, and also occurs with injuries.
• General symptoms such as weakness, fever and problems in other organs for which you do not know the cause indicate the systemic nature of the disease. In this case, it is better to see a doctor immediately.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis begins with a consultation with a specialist, who asks in detail about complaints, the presence of concomitant diseases and heredity. After that, the doctor must examine the patient and palpate the hand. In some cases, this manipulation is enough to make a diagnosis. But to confirm and clarify it, additional studies are prescribed. It can be:

• X-ray of the hand in various projections- the most commonly used and accessible method to assess the condition of bones and joints. It will be needed if there are suspected fractures, foreign bodies, developmental anomalies, tumors or cysts, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis on x-ray is shown by a decrease in the joint cavity, as well as the presence of bone growths - osteophytes.
• CT scan(CT). Used to better describe complex fractures and assess joint conditions.
• Ultrasound of soft tissues and joints of the hand. Allows you to visualize ligaments, tendons, nerve trunks, and joint conditions.
• MRI. This method provides a clear layer-by-layer image of all hand structures. The main indications for use are injuries to ligaments and tendons.
• Electroneuromyography. This method is necessary to evaluate the conduction of nerve impulses. It is used if carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected.
• Blood test.Often these are:
  1. metabolic indicators - for example, glycated hemoglobin and blood sugar in diabetes, because metabolic diseases affect the condition of nerves, small vessels and ligaments.
  2. tests for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide.

Which doctor should I contact?

Diseases of the structure of the hands, due to their enormous diversity, often require consultation with specialists of several profiles. At first, if there is no real injury, you should consult a therapist; if an injury has occurred, you should consult a traumatologist.

Autoimmune diseases are treated by rheumatologists. Diagnosis and treatment of hand injuries and tumors are carried out by traumatologists and orthopedic surgeons. Consultation with an endocrinologist will be necessary for metabolic disorders. If weakness and numbness in the hands are observed, you should consult a neurologist.

How to relieve pain in your finger joints

Treatment can be surgical or conservative.

1. Surgical treatmentneeded for purulent processes in the hands, as well as for complex injuries. Open wounds also require surgical treatment. Any wound is a source of infection, and such patients are given antibiotics and debridement. Closed fractures can be treated conservatively. They begin with rigid fixation of the fracture site: for 7-10 days for non-displaced fractures and for 3 weeks for displaced fractures. After this, the patient wears a special orthosis on the hand until the bone is fully restored - usually 4-10 weeks, sometimes longer.

2. Conservative treatmentfor autoimmune diseases that affect the joints of the hands, it is special - it is based on drugs that suppress the immune response and is prescribed by a rheumatologist. For musculoskeletal problems, systemic drug treatment is used as part of complex therapy. For hand joint pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be indicated to relieve pain and inflammation. The method of local influence gives a good effect:

   • Injectioncorticosteroids into hand joints, into tendons. They effectively relieve inflammation, but have side effects, so they must be used according to strict indications.
   • Gentle hand settingusing orthoses or elastic bandages. The setting position depends on the diagnosis.
   • Exerciseon the muscles of the hand, which specialist will help you choose depending on the pathology.
   • Acupuncture.This method involves inserting a sterile needle into a biologically active point, which relieves pain and improves joint mobility.
   • Shock wave therapy.In recent years, it has gained popularity in the treatment of ligament problems. Effective and safe for the treatment of "finger jerks", deforming osteoarthritis, reducing the likelihood of recurrence, improving joint mobility and overall hand functionality.
   • Kinesio Recording.This involves attaching a special tape to the hand, which helps stabilize the joint in a comfortable position. This way he recovers faster.
   • Laser therapy.Reduces pain and helps in the restoration of cartilage, which is very important for osteoarthritis.
   • Magnetotherapy. Aims to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.

Consequences

Most patients with hand injuries and degenerative processes, finger snapping, and carpal tunnel syndrome can recover joint function and return to their normal lifestyle. The main role in the prognosis of this disease is played by early consultation with a doctor, the correct application of bandages, orthosis, if indicated, and compliance with prescribed recommendations. If the hand joint is left untreated for a long time, deformation is possible that cannot be completely eliminated. Contact a specialist as soon as you have a complaint about the condition of your hand, and he will choose the necessary therapy for you.

Prevention

• Address common risk factors.The risk of musculoskeletal problems with the hands increases with metabolic disorders, smoking, and hormonal disorders. It is important to maintain normal blood sugar, especially if you have been diagnosed with diabetes. A special diet is recommended for gout patients, and some are prescribed anti-gout medication. It is useful to check the status of the thyroid gland periodically. A decrease in its function has a negative effect on the immune system and the whole body.
• Take care of your hands if the risk of arthritis increases.For example, if your work involves too much manual work, try to keep the most comfortable position, do not keep your hands bent, give them a break and do a little warm-up. Play sports with special gloves, monitor the condition of your skin and nails so that the infection does not penetrate into the tissues of your hands. Always undergo preventive examinations with a doctor.

Follow the recommendations listed and this will help reduce the risk of problems with your hands.