Why?The causes of finger joint pain may be completely different, but the resulting problem is the same. This is an incredible discomfort, capable of poisoning life, because it is with our hands that we make many movements during the day.
What to do?There are several ways to minimize pain. It is very difficult to completely eradicate the problem, but it is also possible. The main thing is to make a correct diagnosis with the help of specialists and select a treatment regimen. However, it is even more important not to neglect preventive measures.
The main causes of pain in the joints of the fingers
Hand injuries
The pain resulting from a finger bruise is quite moderate and goes away quite quickly. True, not without consequences: hemorrhages, bruises, hyperemia or swelling may occur in the bruise area. But the finger will function normally, with minor disturbances. A hematoma on the finger of the palm is characterized by pain of moderate intensity and subsequent peeling of the skin (dark blood accumulates in the cavity).
Subungual hematomas are much more difficult to bear: they are accompanied by strong stabbing pains and contractions, which are felt especially when the arm is lowered. After a bruise, the nail plate can peel off completely or partially.
Intense, explosive pain can be caused by a broken toe. Such injuries are accompanied by sharp pain, which then weakens slightly, but does not disappear. The finger stops functioning normally, swells, turns into a continuous bruise, sometimes becomes pathologically immobile, deforms (in the joints and not only) and makes crunching sounds. If you try to move the painful finger joint, it snaps and resists.
Frostbite in the hands is accompanied in the first hours by a slight tingling, which then increases and becomes burning. The finger turns bluish and swells. With severe frostbite, the distal parts lose sensation, the fingers become pale and remain cold, and pain is felt between the injured and healthy areas.
Infectious infections
The cause of rapidly increasing pain in the finger joint may be panaritium. An abscess forms, the finger swells, turns blue, and hyperemia is observed. The nature of the pain is throbbing and spasmodic. It bothers the patient at night, especially if a criminal has developed under the nail or deep in the limb (tendon, bone, joint criminal). Superficial forms of this disease (subcutaneous and cutaneous, peri- and subungual) do not particularly affect the general well-being, but deep panaritium can lead to fever and general intoxication.
A more exotic cause of finger joint pain is chinga. It affects people who cut and process commercial marine animal carcasses. A small wound, crack or abrasion on the skin is enough for the infection to penetrate inside and affect the entire finger. The disease begins with a mild dull pain at the site of the lesion, but after a day or two discomfort sets in, and in the joint, most often the proximal one, the pain intensifies, the joint begins to ache and throb, the finger becomes swollen, pale, or turns bluish in color.
Arthritis of the joints
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common cause of symmetrical pain in the finger joints of the upper extremities. The intensity of symptoms varies: in the first degree - only mild arthralgia and stiffness of movements (which, however, passes quickly), in the second - long periods of stiffness, redness of the affected joints, limitation of their mobility, constant pain (both at rest and moving), and with the third it becomes completely impossible to move the diseased joint, stiffness and swelling do not disappear, hyperemia and pain are constant and very noticeable.
It is usually women who wonder about the causes and methods of treating pain in the joints of the fingers: the good half of humanity very often suffers from gouty arthritis. It can affect one or more finger joints at the same time, causing sudden severe pain, swelling, hyperemia, increased body temperature and immobilization of the affected finger.
The usual symptoms of the disease are increased pain at night and at rest, but a decrease during the day and during movement, as well as swelling of the fingers, blue or purple skin. The interphalangeal joints of the fingers are most often affected. The finger gradually deforms in several places.
Post-traumatic arthritis affects only one joint. With arthritis caused by allergic and infectious causes (for example, diseases of a viral and bacterial nature), several joints of the fingers can be affected simultaneously. Occupational peripheral arthritis affects only the most stressed joints.
In any case, pain in the joints of the fingers, the cause of which is one or another form of arthritis, is annoying especially at night, and disappears during the day, leaving only local swelling, difficulty in movement and some stiffness in the morning. Long-term advanced arthritis leads to deformation of the fingers.
Joint degeneration due to disease
In the initial stage of arthrosis of the hands, pain in the fingers is characterized by short duration, periodicity and uncertainty. In the morning, joint movements are limited. As arthrosis progresses, the pain becomes stronger and longer, accompanying every movement of the fingers, their character is sometimes burning. Household chores and minor operations are increasingly difficult to perform with the affected hand. Lateral deformations occur and Bouchard's and Heberden's nodes become evident.
Pathologies of tendons and ligaments
Pain in the palm and base of the finger is usually caused by stenosing ligamentitis. Initially, the pain is felt only with some small amplitude movements and with pressure, but gradually begins to appear at rest. Movements are limited, joints click. The further the disease develops, the more noticeable the recoil after such clicks and flexion contracture.
If the cause of pain in the joints of the fingers is De Quervain's disease, the discomfort is initially noticeable only when bending and abducting this finger, but subsequently any movement causes pressing, aching pain (and sometimes it is not even necessary to move anything , the joint hurts even at rest). The pain syndrome often radiates to the distal phalanx, in some cases to the forearm, on the side where the first finger grows.
Angiotrophoneurosis
When vasospasm occurs, Raynaud's syndrome occurs. Because of this, the fingers become cold and paroxystically numb. The second phase of the attack is accompanied by aching pain with an explosive, burning effect. The attack doesn't last long. Subsequently, the distal parts of the hands become red and feel warm. The causes of this condition, which causes pain in the joints of the fingers, are very different. Can be:
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- scleroderma;
- Sharp's syndrome;
- antisynthetase syndrome;
- obliterating thromboangiitis of the hands;
- occupational diseases, pathologies of the metabolic and endocrine systems.
If the patient is not diagnosed with any of these diseases, the cause of pain in the joints of the fingers is Raynaud's disease with its characteristic set of symptoms. Women are more sensitive to it.
Hematological, neurological and endocrine diseases can lead to erythromelalgia, but it can also occur on its own. The disease is expressed in the form of hyperemia and swelling of the fingers, burning, paroxysmal, paroxysmal pain, sometimes in both hands at the same time or first in one and then in the second. The pain attack is so strong that it is simply impossible to move the fingers. You can relieve the pain by raising or cooling the affected arm (when the limb is warmed and lowered, the pain gets worse).
Nervous diseases
If you feel a burning or stabbing pain in your finger joint, the cause is probably neurological. Especially if, in addition to pain, the sensitivity of the hand is impaired and vegetative-trophic disorders are observed.
It could be, for example, neuropathy of the median nerve. With this disease, the palmar side of the first and third fingers hurt and they cannot be bent. It is not possible to move the first finger forward and there are also serious problems in closing the palm into a fist.
Attacks of pain in the finger joints at night and the disappearance of pain when shaking or lowering the hands may indicate carpal tunnel syndrome. In this type of median nerve neuropathy the pain is also localized on the side of the palm.
If neuropathy has developed on the radial nerve, on the contrary, the back of the hand and the first finger (sometimes even the second and third) hurt, provided that the wrist or forearm is affected. The back of the hand may become numb and the pain may radiate to the forearm, even if it itself is healthy.
If the cause of pain in the joints of the fingers is neuropathy of the ulnar nerve, then these pains (in the hand and in the fourth and fifth fingers) are radiating in nature, and the main source of discomfort is located in the elbow joint. In the morning my elbow and hand especially hurt.
Tumors
In addition to malignant tumors of the hands (which we suffer very rarely), benign tumors can also cause pain in the joints of the fingers: chondroma or osteoid chondroma. The pain in the first case is mild and not localized, but osteoid osteomas, on the contrary, cause acute pain exclusively in the affected area.
Other reasons
Writer's cramp, which accompanies a number of neurological and mental disorders (especially occupational neurosis), also causes pain in the finger joints in men and women and requires treatment. Writing, typing on a computer keyboard or typewriter becomes painful. A nagging, aching pain is accompanied by severe weakness, tremor in the hand and local cramps. Finger joint pain can also be caused by other pathologies:
- leukemia (Waldenström macroglobulinemia);
- neoplasms in the adrenal glands (aldosteroma);
- complications of diabetes (diabetic neuropathy);
- vascular lesions (distal digital embolism in case of occlusion of the subclavian artery);
- hereditary diseases (Fabry disease);
- typically childhood diseases, for example neuroarthritic diathesis.
Diagnosis and treatment of finger joint pain
A correct diagnosis will allow you to determine the true causes of pain in the joints of the fingers, be it inflammatory or another pathological process. If the pain is very strong and it is difficult to straighten and bend your fingers, be sure to consult a doctor. Your doctor will likely send you a test, which usually consists of:
- laboratory tests on blood, urine, rheumatic tests;
- radiography;
- magnetic resonance imaging,
- Computed tomography of the fingers.
Treatment tactics are aimed not only at relieving the patient from pain in the joints of the fingers, but also at eliminating its causes. For example, for inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs (hormonal or non-steroidal) are prescribed, and for infection, antibiotics are prescribed.
The main goal of therapy in case of dystrophic joint damage is the restoration of cartilaginous tissue, for which massage, physiotherapy and chondroprotectors are used. To restore joint mobility, special exercises are prescribed.
Physical therapy has been proven to be the most effective way to treat small joints, including the fingers. These include electrosleep, MRI and novocaine electrophoresis, as well as a number of other procedures. During remission, it is advisable to undergo treatment in a sanatorium or resort using sources of radon or hydrogen sulfide.
As regards diet, in case of pain in the finger joints, whatever the cause, we recommend:
- eat more seafood and fish to get phosphorus, calcium and iron;
- take apple cider vinegar to remove toxins from the body;
- consume fish oil and flaxseed oil (the fatty acids contained in them help to normalize fat metabolism).
It is also very useful to add nuts, ginger, fruits (currants and pomegranates), radishes and lettuce to your diet. But it is advisable to limit mayonnaise, sweet and starchy, spicy and smoked foods, as well as full-fat dairy products.
Prevent finger joint pain
Eliminate the causes of pain in the joints of the fingers in men and women so that treatment is not necessary:
- do not overcool your hands;
- limit alcohol consumption and, if you smoke, stop smoking;
- maintain a balance between fruit and vegetables in the diet and fewer canned, spicy and fried foods;
- treat all runny noses and ARVI, without hoping that the disease will disappear on its own;
- Make sure your body weight is normal;
- stop snapping your fingers.
Do a simple exercise to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, so you don't have to think about how to treat finger joint pain and what its causes are. If you work on the computer a lot, this is a must. Clench all your fingers into fists, raise your thumb as if in approval and rotate it first clockwise, then counterclockwise. There are many other exercises for the finger joints.
Exercises against finger joint pain
Make a fist
Spread the palm of your hand, with fingers tense, so that tension is felt in all joints and muscles. This simple action should not be accompanied by pain.
Perform a simple stretch: clench your palm into a fist for half a minute to a minute so that your thumb is on top of the rest, then open and extend all your fingers, spreading them apart. Do this at least four times for each hand.
Stretch your fingers
To make your finger joints more mobile and relieve pain when bending them (whatever the cause of the pain), repeat a simple exercise.
The palm is placed on a flat surface with the back side facing up. The fingers should be straightened without straining the joints and held in this position for 30-60 seconds. Then relax your hand and return to the starting position. Repeat four times with each hand.
Use this exercise to relieve pain and improve joint mobility.
Draw the claws
Another exercise for the mobility of the finger joints.
Turn your palm with the inside facing you and bend your fingers so that their tips are at the base of the joints and the hand looks like a clawed paw. Hold the position for half a minute to a minute, repeat four times or more for each hand.
Train your grip
Regardless of the reasons that cause pain in the joints of the fingers, a person needs to somehow hold objects, operate door handles, etc. , So it is advisable to train your fingers.
Squeeze the soft ball as hard as you can for a few minutes. Let go. Repeat 10-15 times per hand, two or three times a week (but with an interval of at least two days between one session and another). The exercise is contraindicated in case of injuries to the thumb joints.
pinch
This exercise trains the finger muscles to make it easier to open various packages and doors with keys and refuel the car. Pinch the soft ball with your thumb and any other finger, holding it for half a minute to a minute. For each hand it is necessary to repeat the pinching 10-15 times. Like the previous exercise, pinching is performed two or three times a week with a mandatory interval of 48 hours between sessions and only if the thumb joints are not injured.
Raise your finger
This exercise helps make your joints more mobile and your fingers flexible.
The palm is placed on a smooth surface with the back side facing up. You need to lift each finger one by one and put it back, but you can immediately use all fingers at once. You need to do this 10-12 times with each hand.
Retract your thumb
This exercise trains the thumb muscles to make it easier to grip and lift objects (e. g. cans and bottles).
Wrap your palm and thumb with a rubber band and place them on a table or any flat surface with the back side facing up. Using the resistance of the rubber band, move your thumb to the side, hold it there for half a minute to a minute and then relax it, and so on 10 to 15 times with each hand. The exercise is performed two to three times a week, but no more often than once every 48 hours.
This exercise trains the thumb muscles to make it easier to grip and lift objects (e. g. cans and bottles).
Wrap your palm and thumb with a rubber band and place them on a table or any flat surface with the back side facing up. Using the resistance of the rubber band, move your thumb to the side, hold it there for half a minute to a minute and then relax it, and so on 10 to 15 times with each hand. The exercise is performed two to three times a week, but no more often than once every 48 hours.
Bend your thumb
Thumb mobility must also be developed.
Raise your palm in front of you, turning the back side down. Alternatively, move your thumb to the side and bend it toward your palm to touch the base of your little finger. After holding for half a minute or a minute, relax. Repeat these steps four times for each hand.
Tap with your thumb
Stiffness and pain in the joints of the fingers are caused by various reasons, but it is still useful to train the thumbs so that daily operations such as writing by hand, holding a spoon, brushing your teeth, etc. they don't cause problems.
Place your palm in front of you, straightening your wrist, and touch all the others with your thumb to form the letter O. After holding it for half a minute or a minute, relax your palm. Minimum four repetitions for each arm.
Extend your thumb
Thumbs need to be stretched.
Raise your hand in front of you, turning your palm towards you, and bend your thumb towards your index finger for half a minute or a minute, then relax it. Do this four times with each hand. Then, from the same position, stretch your thumb across the palm of your hand so that the lower joint stiffens and hold the position for half a minute to a minute. There are also four repetitions.
The most common causes of pain in the joints of the fingers when bending are not only injuries and infections, but also overwork. If the joint of your finger is diseased, you need to act urgently: first of all, consult a specialized doctor: a surgeon, neurologist or traumatologist. To relieve pain, make joints more mobile and muscles strong, exercise your fingers and palm regularly.