Thinking about the hands of an elderly person, we almost inevitably picture the fingers bony, thin but as if swollen in the joints. Few people think that this is not only a natural sign of aging of the body but a symptom of a real disease - osteoarthritis of the fingers. And what's more, not everyone knows that this disease can "age" the hands in their twenty-five or thirty, which makes even writing a simple note or twisting a bottle cap can't be helped. become a difficult and strenuous job. How to maintain fine motor skills of the fingers, who is at risk and what to do with knuckles, if it has already started - read this below.
Finger joint deformity
The sternal and intervertebral joints of a person are subjected to constant loads, since for a normal quality of life he must perform fine muscle movements every minute - from simple grasping movements (take the apple, open the door, take the cutlery) to the very small and the intricate (they determine a person's handwriting, ability to sew and knit, play musical instruments, etc. ). The more the fingers are loaded, the more the cartilage tissue is worn down, including the ends of the vegetative bones that form the joint surface. This cartilage, washed away by synovial fluid, allows the bones not to rub against each other when moving, but to slide as usual, and also acts as a natural shock absorber (for example, during movements). collision without it. can't type on the keyboard).
For various reasons which we will discuss below, intercranial cartilage can wear out. Usually, the process goes like this:
- The spongy cartilage tissue is subjected to a load where joint lubricant is "squeezed out" from it, providing good joint mobility. Usually, after this process, recovery occurs - the cartilage is again saturated with moisture in a calm state. But if the cartilage is overloaded or the nutrition of the cartilage is disturbed, the cartilage begins to dry out and crack. This leads to a decrease in its elasticity and function.
- Unable to resist friction, the overly dry cartilage begins to wear down and become thinner, exposing the tip of the bone. Because the joint surface is not fully responsive to the task in the hand, the bones, muscles and ligaments begin to take on the load that feeds the cartilage - almost the entire orthopedic apparatus of the finger or even the hand. To increase joint surface area and prevent it from being erased further, the body begins to "finish" bone-forming cells in the affected area - the growing bone can take on a rounded and even similar shape. like thorns. Often, this process is also known as "salt deposition", which is not entirely correct, because we are talking about proliferation of bone tissue.
- The appearance of osteoma leads to reduced mobility - the finger is less flexed and can no longer cope with normal daily tasks as skillfully as before. At the same time, bone tissue does not have its own defense mechanism against friction, and so bone cells periodically break down and damage adjacent tissues, causing pain and inflammation. In addition, microscopic cracks are formed, which reduce bone strength and are prone to fracture - therefore, with degenerative joint disease and degenerative joint disease, finger fractures are not uncommon, even from minor blows. too strong. When the bone-forming substance, which compensates for the inadequate function of the joint, breaks down, another substance develops in its place - over time, this process only worsens along with cartilage dysfunction. .
- Severe wear and tear of the joint surface, changes in the shape of the bones lead to total hand reconstruction, inflammation and chronic pain. The brush is so deformed that it is completely impossible to grasp the cup with your fingers.
The word arthritis, dry joints, also known as osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis (which are all synonyms), differs fundamentally in joint destruction and the chronic course of the disease. While arthritis implies only the presence of an acute inflammatory process affecting the cartilage tissue. With arthritis, the articular sac, bursa, subchondral bone, as well as ligaments and muscles are involved in the degenerative-dystrophic process. In addition, with arthritis, the pain is often sharp and intense, appearing at night. Although arthritis is felt on its own during the day, in the early stages - the pain is not so pronounced.
The most common forms of joint disease today are considered: rhizoma, which involves the thumb, and polyarthritis, which affects several intervertebral joints at the same time.
Remember: in the early stages of the disease, bone destruction can still be prevented and joint disease can be in permanent remission while maintaining high-quality biomechanics of the hand.
Causes of arthropathy of the small joints of the hand
The risk group usually includes people in the family with a history of knuckle diseases. The density of cartilage tissue and the rate of metabolic processes in it are genetically predetermined, and therefore the propensity to develop the disease may be hereditary. In addition, the disease affects postmenopausal women about 10 times more often than their male counterparts.
The increased likelihood of joint disease is associated with professional and family work - typists, surgeons, masseuses, bakers, milkmaids, turners and grinders, pianists, Athletes and other professionals who "work with their hands" often notice unpleasant symptoms earlier than others.
The development of knuckles of the fingers is facilitated by:
- rapid wear and / or insufficient regeneration of cartilage tissue;
- metabolic disorders, problems with the endocrine system, systemic autoimmune diseases (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout);
- lack of normal rest and warm-up at work, excessive exercise with weights;
- sleep disorders and chronic stress;
- age-related hormonal changes;
- congenital hand deformities;
- hand, finger and wrist injuries;
- hypothermia, work with vibrating devices and other adverse factors;
- infectious and specific infectious diseases (tuberculosis, chlamydia, syphilis);
- allergic reaction;
- chronic dehydration (habit of drinking less);
- unbalanced diet lacking vitamins D, E, K and minerals.
Symptoms of Finger Arthritis
Symptoms and treatment of dry knuckles can vary considerably depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's perception. Often, mild joint discomfort, increased muscle fatigue is attributed to fatigue and is ignored until intense pain persists. But the earlier the treatment, the better the function of the fingers is preserved in old age and the better the quality of life in the following years.
Early stage.The disease begins with a feeling of pain, numbness or tingling, sometimes - manifested by pain when taking pictures. Performing everyday tasks becomes more difficult - fingers tire faster, joints crack and crack (not to be confused with "healthy" squeaks! ), flickering when bendingcurved. I want to give my hands a rest. Pain is usually felt only with movement. In the relaxed state, the fingers will be sore for a while and cause discomfort. Movement stiffness appears more and more, before exercises that require dexterity of the limbs, it is necessary to "warm up", so that the fingers are stretched. The joints become swollen. When suffering from cardiovascular diseases, the hand begins to react to the change of weather.
Second stage.At this stage, the joint space is sharply narrowed (up to 50%), the inflammatory process increases. The skin at the joints often becomes hot. The pain tends to be constant and may not stop even at night. After work and in the morning, there is swelling and stiffness in the fingers. The phalanges thicken significantly, and the ligaments shorten, resulting in clumsiness in movements, making it more difficult to manipulate small objects (needle, thread, small coins, and buttons). On either side of the joint, there is a characteristic thickening of connective tissue (so-called Heberden and Bouchard nodules), filled with synovial fluid - distinctive cysts clearly visible when viewed from the back of the lumenhand. The tactile sensitivity and temperature of the fingers are greatly reduced. It is nearly impossible to relax your hands without a warm bath - the muscles are always in a state of tension. The amplitude of voluntary movements is markedly reduced, contractions appear.
Third stage.In the final stages of the disease, the fingers are practically not flexed, there may be persistent stiffness and spasticity. The pain is constant, debilitating, and often makes the patient depressed. The phalanges of the fingers between the joints become thinner due to muscular dystrophy. Even simple everyday tasks - such as holding a cup - are practically inaccessible to the patient. He needs the help of others. The deformity of the joints and change in the shape of the hand are clearly visible. In severe cases, necrotic changes in tissues may occur.
If you want to get tested quickly and understand if the disease is worrisome, the article on symptoms and treatment of osteoarthritis will be useful to you. However, the best solution is to contact a rheumatologist or chiropractor as soon as possible - only clinical diagnostic methods can confirm or disprove the final diagnosis.
Finger joint treatment khớp
Controlling the disease in the early stages allows you to completely eliminate the external symptoms of the disease that affect the quality of life. However, therapy is complex, multi-vector - it includes not only the use of drugs but also physical effects, and even movement therapy. Fighting a chronic illness sometimes requires you to rethink your diet, daily routine, working conditions, and workplace organization.
Medicines for treatment
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the fingers, as a rule, begins with pain relief, during which immobilization of the hand with a splint or orthopedic bandage and analgesics, creams and ointments are used. Rest mode helps to rehydrate and restore elasticity to cartilage. With severe inflammation and edema, which disrupts the trophic (nutritional) process of tissues, the doctor prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which help restore blood circulation in the fingers. By indication, steroid hormones are prescribed. Osteoarthritis caused by septic arthritis requires topical antibiotics.
Reception of chondroprotectors has been considered one of the most effective measures at any stage of the disease. Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine must be taken on a regular basis, about 6 months a year - effects appear after a few months and are long-lasting.
If the suggested treatment doesn't relieve pain, pain medication can be injected directly into the joint. Usually, this procedure involves the use of special drug mixtures that also contain chondroprotectors, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP therapy) and other means aimed at the regeneration of cartilage tissue andeliminate friction.
Surgical intervention for hand joint disease
In the final stages of the disease, according to indications, a surgery can be performed. As a rule, it is the process of washing the joints and removing bone-forming substances, regenerating or forming the destroyed, stabilized (fused) or medical (by far a fairly common measure insurgery of small joints of the hand).
Physiotherapy treatment
In most cases, the disease responds well to conservative physical therapy - however, it is only done during the remission phase, after the inflammation has subsided. Device methods for treating finger joint deformities include electrophoresis, shock wave, UHF, pulse, magnetic therapy, and others. Acupuncture is also effective.
Patients are recommended to massage therapy and self-massage, which helps to combat muscle tension and spasms, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the ligaments, the metabolism of the hands and fingers, as well as the amplitudeof voluntary movements. For self-massage, it is enough:
- rub palms together until skin is warm;
- rub each finger from root to tip;
- roll each finger in a slightly clenched hand, like sharpening a pencil;
- flex and open your fingers quickly for 30 seconds, avoiding clenching them into fists;
- Put your palms together and press your fingertips together, pressing hard for 1-2 minutes.
Includes knuckle treatment and gymnastics. Use special rubber balls and wrist extenders, special blocks and other equipment to develop fine motor skills during warm-ups. Models from clay or plasticine will not be superfluous. This will help maintain muscle tone and prevent the formation of large bone cells.
You can also take a warm bath at home with water (sea salt, essential oils, herbal teas are recommended), paraffin or clean sand - heating the recipe will speed up the removal of rotting products and providerapid access to nutrients.
Diet for finger joint disease
Patients are advised to follow a non-strict diet, which does not include smoked foods, too salty, alcohol, as well as foods with artificial colors, steroids, preservatives. Diet is especially important in the treatment of metabolic arthropathy - in this case, it is completely determined by the attending physician. As a rule, patients are advised to eat meals rich in animal and vegetable collagen and other foaming agents. Food must contain a minimum of "empty" calories and provide the body's daily needs for vitamins, macro- and trace elements. It is imperative that you drink enough water with electrolytes, such as mineral water or isotonic water.