What are the non-arthritis causes of swollen, painful finger joints? Explore a range of conditions from heat edema to hand infections that can lead to finger swelling and pain, along with their symptoms and treatment options.

Finger Swelling Due to Heat Edema

During hot weather, the body’s blood vessels dilate to allow more blood flow through the skin, which helps cool it down as heat is lost to the air. This can lead to swelling in the fingers and feet, a condition known as heat edema. The skin around the swollen area will appear shinier and stretched, and there may be a feeling of tightness when picking up objects. To reduce heat edema, it’s recommended to move into the shade and ensure proper hydration and nutrition throughout the day.

Finger Swelling from Exercise

When exercising, the body pushes blood closer to the skin’s surface to dissipate heat, which can result in swelling in the hands, fingers, and feet. However, finger swelling can also be a symptom of a more serious condition called hyponatremia, which occurs when blood sodium levels drop dangerously low due to excessive water intake without replacing lost electrolytes. Early signs of hyponatremia include puffiness and swelling in the hands and feet, and it requires urgent medical attention. Treatment for finger swelling from exercise typically involves taking a break or ending the workout, whereas hyponatremia may require intravenous saline or hospitalization for close monitoring and careful sodium level correction.

Hand and Finger Injuries

Common causes of hand and finger injuries include falls, sports, and getting fingers caught in machines. These injuries usually result in pain, swelling, and loss of finger mobility. In severe cases, the body’s inflammatory response can lead to the development of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which is characterized by stiffness, pain, swelling, and changes in skin color. Initial treatment for finger injuries typically involves over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication, as well as taping the finger to restrict movement. Finger exercises and continued anti-inflammatory medication may be necessary to address any resulting stiffness.

Hand and Finger Infections

Hand and finger infections are common, particularly among those who work in agricultural or construction settings. Staphylococcus aureus is the most prevalent bacterial hand infection, responsible for 80% of cases, while herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common viral infection, and various fungal species can also cause infections. Depending on the type and location of the infection, symptoms may include pain, heat around the swelling, skin darkening, abscesses, and loss of finger function. Treatment typically involves antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral medication for HSV, and topical or oral antifungal medications for fungal infections.

Finger Swelling During Pregnancy

Some swelling in the fingers is normal during pregnancy, but if it occurs rapidly and is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to contact a doctor immediately. In the last trimester, some people experience a condition called preeclampsia, which can cause sudden and severe swelling in the fingers, as well as high blood pressure and other potentially serious complications. Prompt medical attention is crucial in these cases.

Identifying the Underlying Cause

When experiencing swelling and pain in the fingers, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. While arthritis is a common culprit, the conditions discussed in this article, such as heat edema, exercise-related hyponatremia, injuries, infections, and pregnancy-related issues, can also lead to finger joint swelling and discomfort. By understanding the potential non-arthritis causes and their accompanying symptoms, individuals can work with their healthcare providers to develop an appropriate treatment plan and address the root problem effectively.

Seeking Medical Advice

If someone experiences finger swelling along with pain, heat, and flushing, they should seek urgent medical advice. This is because a range of conditions, both minor and more severe, can cause varying degrees of swelling in the fingers. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, order necessary tests, and provide appropriate treatment to address the underlying issue and alleviate the symptoms.

Non-arthritis causes of swollen, painful finger joints

Arthritis is a common cause of finger swelling, but other conditions — such as injuries, preeclampsia, and trauma — can also cause swelling, inflammation, and pain in the fingers and knuckles.

Finger swelling can happen when inflammation or fluid accumulates in the tissues or joints of one or all of the fingers. A person may lose some mobility and notice that their fingers are stiffer and more tender than usual.

Both minor and more severe infections and conditions can cause varying degrees of swelling in the fingers. If someone experiences finger swelling along with pain, heat, and flushing, they should seek urgent medical advice.

Read on to learn more about some potential causes of finger joint swelling that are not arthritis, accompanying symptoms, and treatment options.

During hot weather, the blood vessels dilate. This makes it possible for more blood to flow through the skin, which cools it down as it loses heat to the air. When this happens, people may notice their fingers and feet swelling.

Symptoms

Generally, when someone experiences heat edema, their skin is shinier and stretched around the swollen area. They may also feel a tightness in their fingers when picking up cups and other objects.

Treatment

To reduce heat edema, people should try to move into the shade. They should also ensure that they eat and drink enough during the day.

When a person exercises, they feel hotter. To cool down, the body pushes the blood closer to the surface of the skin to dissipate the heat. When this happens, a person may notice swelling in their hands, fingers, and feet.

However, finger swelling is sometimes a symptom of a more serious condition called hyponatremia. Exercise-related hyponatremia occurs when blood sodium concentration drops to a dangerous level because a person is exercising and drinking too much water without replacing lost electrolytes.

Symptoms

The early stages of hyponatremia may present with puffiness and swelling in the hands and feet. If a person has hyponatremia, they require urgent medical attention.

Some other symptoms of hyponatremia include:

• confusion
• dizziness
• headache
• seizures
• coma

Treatment

Finger swelling from exercising usually goes down when a person takes a break or ends their workout.

Treatment for hyponatremia varies depending on how low a person’s blood sodium levels are. Some people may need to stop drinking until they urinate, whereas others may need intravenous (IV) saline.

When blood sodium levels are severely low, some people may need hospital admission for close monitoring and frequent blood work. This is because hyponatremia requires very careful correction. However, if correction occurs too quickly, some people can become sicker, and this can be life threatening.

Common causes of hand and finger injuries include:

• falls
• sports
• catching fingers in machines
• thermal burns
• chemical burns

When a person hurts their hand or fingers, they usually experience pain and swelling and lose finger mobility for a while.

If the damage is particularly severe, a person may later develop complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). CRPS occurs when the body’s inflammatory response to the injury is too high.

Symptoms

Some CRPS symptoms include:

• stiffness
• pain
• swelling
• changes in skin color

Treatment

When a person injures their finger, immediate treatment usually includes:

• taking over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications
• taking OTC pain relief medications
• taping the finger to restrict movement

If stiffness develops, the person may need to perform finger exercises and continue to take anti-inflammatory medications.

Hand and finger infections are common in people who work on farms and building sites. Staphylococcus aureus is the most prevalent bacterial hand infection and is responsible for 80% of cases.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common viral infection, whereas Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species tend to cause most fungal infections.

Symptoms

Depending on where the infection is, a person could experience:

• pain
• heat around the swelling
• skin darkening
• abscess
• loss of finger function

A person may also experience systemic infections, which cause symptoms such as fever and chills. This may be more likely if there is joint involvement of the infection.

Treatment

Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections. HSV could resolve on its own, but a doctor may recommend antiviral treatment if it does not. Depending on how severe a fungal infection is, a doctor usually prescribes topical antifungal medications to apply to the affected area before considering oral medication.

Some swelling in the fingers is normal during pregnancy. However, if swelling occurs rapidly and with other symptoms, a person should contact a doctor immediately.

In the last trimester of pregnancy, some people experience preeclampsia. When this happens, blood pressure and swelling suddenly increase, which can be dangerous for both the parent and the fetus.

Symptoms

When a person has preeclampsia, they may experience:

• swelling in the fingers, hands, and feet
• a persistent headache
• blurry vision
• difficulty breathing

Learn more about preeclampsia.

Treatment

When preeclampsia is mild, a doctor usually watches the person closely until they give birth. During this time, the doctor may test their blood and urine and monitor the fetus with an ultrasound.

In severe cases of preeclampsia, the individual may receive IV medication to control their blood pressure and prevent seizures.

When someone has carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, which causes pain in the hands and fingers. In most cases, people report that their fingers feel swollen but that they cannot actually see any swelling.

Symptoms

Some other symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• numbness in the index and middle fingers
• tingling during the day and night
• difficulty grasping objects
• weakness

Treatment

A doctor may recommend the following carpal tunnel treatments:

• splinting
• avoiding activities that trigger pain
• taking OTC pain relief medications
• trying alternative therapies, such as acupuncture
• undergoing surgery

Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome.

Bursitis occurs when the bursa inflames. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that sit between bones, tendons, and muscles. Bursitis can develop anywhere in the body, including the fingers, but common areas of inflammation tend to be in the hips, elbows, and knees.

When someone overuses their joints, it can lead to bursitis.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of bursitis include:

• pain
• tenderness around joint
• reduced joint mobility
• swelling and skin darkening

Treatment

Treatment options for non-infectious bursitis in the finger include:

• resting the area
• icing the area
• taking OTC anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications
• taping up the finger to reduce movement

Learn more about bursitis.

Scleroderma means hard skin. It is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin and underlying connective tissue. It can also sometimes lead to multi-organ involvement.

Symptoms

When a person has this condition, they may notice their skin becoming stiff and swollen around the finger joints.

Some other symptoms of localized scleroderma include:

• pale fingers
• finger joint pain
• taut and shiny skin where there is swelling
• immobile fingers

Treatment

There is currently no cure for scleroderma, but doctors can treat hardened skin and inflammation using corticosteroids.

Learn more about scleroderma.

Some other potential causes of finger swelling include:

• mallet finger
• nailbed injuries
• trigger finger
• Dupuytren’s contracture
• cysts
• tumors

People typically experience pain and swelling in the fingers after a sprain or injury. If the swelling does not show any signs of reducing after a few days, a person should contact a doctor — especially if the area feels hot.

Sometimes, finger swelling is a symptom of a more serious condition, such as preeclampsia or scleroderma. In these cases, a person usually experiences other symptoms, such as headaches and pale fingers, respectively.

Finger swelling has various causes. Injuries, physical activities, and environmental factors such as hot weather can all cause finger swelling. Some rare autoimmune conditions, such as localized scleroderma, can also present with finger joint swelling.

If a person is pregnant and their fingers swell rapidly, they should contact a doctor to rule out preeclampsia.

Non-arthritis causes of swollen, painful finger joints

Arthritis is a common cause of finger swelling, but other conditions — such as injuries, preeclampsia, and trauma — can also cause swelling, inflammation, and pain in the fingers and knuckles.

Finger swelling can happen when inflammation or fluid accumulates in the tissues or joints of one or all of the fingers. A person may lose some mobility and notice that their fingers are stiffer and more tender than usual.

Both minor and more severe infections and conditions can cause varying degrees of swelling in the fingers. If someone experiences finger swelling along with pain, heat, and flushing, they should seek urgent medical advice.

Read on to learn more about some potential causes of finger joint swelling that are not arthritis, accompanying symptoms, and treatment options.

During hot weather, the blood vessels dilate. This makes it possible for more blood to flow through the skin, which cools it down as it loses heat to the air. When this happens, people may notice their fingers and feet swelling.

Symptoms

Generally, when someone experiences heat edema, their skin is shinier and stretched around the swollen area. They may also feel a tightness in their fingers when picking up cups and other objects.

Treatment

To reduce heat edema, people should try to move into the shade. They should also ensure that they eat and drink enough during the day.

When a person exercises, they feel hotter. To cool down, the body pushes the blood closer to the surface of the skin to dissipate the heat. When this happens, a person may notice swelling in their hands, fingers, and feet.

However, finger swelling is sometimes a symptom of a more serious condition called hyponatremia. Exercise-related hyponatremia occurs when blood sodium concentration drops to a dangerous level because a person is exercising and drinking too much water without replacing lost electrolytes.

Symptoms

The early stages of hyponatremia may present with puffiness and swelling in the hands and feet. If a person has hyponatremia, they require urgent medical attention.

Some other symptoms of hyponatremia include:

• confusion
• dizziness
• headache
• seizures
• coma

Treatment

Finger swelling from exercising usually goes down when a person takes a break or ends their workout.

Treatment for hyponatremia varies depending on how low a person’s blood sodium levels are. Some people may need to stop drinking until they urinate, whereas others may need intravenous (IV) saline.

When blood sodium levels are severely low, some people may need hospital admission for close monitoring and frequent blood work. This is because hyponatremia requires very careful correction. However, if correction occurs too quickly, some people can become sicker, and this can be life threatening.

Common causes of hand and finger injuries include:

• falls
• sports
• catching fingers in machines
• thermal burns
• chemical burns

When a person hurts their hand or fingers, they usually experience pain and swelling and lose finger mobility for a while.

If the damage is particularly severe, a person may later develop complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). CRPS occurs when the body’s inflammatory response to the injury is too high.

Symptoms

Some CRPS symptoms include:

• stiffness
• pain
• swelling
• changes in skin color

Treatment

When a person injures their finger, immediate treatment usually includes:

• taking over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications
• taking OTC pain relief medications
• taping the finger to restrict movement

If stiffness develops, the person may need to perform finger exercises and continue to take anti-inflammatory medications.

Hand and finger infections are common in people who work on farms and building sites. Staphylococcus aureus is the most prevalent bacterial hand infection and is responsible for 80% of cases.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common viral infection, whereas Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species tend to cause most fungal infections.

Symptoms

Depending on where the infection is, a person could experience:

• pain
• heat around the swelling
• skin darkening
• abscess
• loss of finger function

A person may also experience systemic infections, which cause symptoms such as fever and chills. This may be more likely if there is joint involvement of the infection.

Treatment

Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections. HSV could resolve on its own, but a doctor may recommend antiviral treatment if it does not. Depending on how severe a fungal infection is, a doctor usually prescribes topical antifungal medications to apply to the affected area before considering oral medication.

Some swelling in the fingers is normal during pregnancy. However, if swelling occurs rapidly and with other symptoms, a person should contact a doctor immediately.

In the last trimester of pregnancy, some people experience preeclampsia. When this happens, blood pressure and swelling suddenly increase, which can be dangerous for both the parent and the fetus.

Symptoms

When a person has preeclampsia, they may experience:

• swelling in the fingers, hands, and feet
• a persistent headache
• blurry vision
• difficulty breathing

Learn more about preeclampsia.

Treatment

When preeclampsia is mild, a doctor usually watches the person closely until they give birth. During this time, the doctor may test their blood and urine and monitor the fetus with an ultrasound.

In severe cases of preeclampsia, the individual may receive IV medication to control their blood pressure and prevent seizures.

When someone has carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, which causes pain in the hands and fingers. In most cases, people report that their fingers feel swollen but that they cannot actually see any swelling.

Symptoms

Some other symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• numbness in the index and middle fingers
• tingling during the day and night
• difficulty grasping objects
• weakness

Treatment

A doctor may recommend the following carpal tunnel treatments:

• splinting
• avoiding activities that trigger pain
• taking OTC pain relief medications
• trying alternative therapies, such as acupuncture
• undergoing surgery

Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome.

Bursitis occurs when the bursa inflames. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that sit between bones, tendons, and muscles. Bursitis can develop anywhere in the body, including the fingers, but common areas of inflammation tend to be in the hips, elbows, and knees.

When someone overuses their joints, it can lead to bursitis.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of bursitis include:

• pain
• tenderness around joint
• reduced joint mobility
• swelling and skin darkening

Treatment

Treatment options for non-infectious bursitis in the finger include:

• resting the area
• icing the area
• taking OTC anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications
• taping up the finger to reduce movement

Learn more about bursitis.

Scleroderma means hard skin. It is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin and underlying connective tissue. It can also sometimes lead to multi-organ involvement.

Symptoms

When a person has this condition, they may notice their skin becoming stiff and swollen around the finger joints.

Some other symptoms of localized scleroderma include:

• pale fingers
• finger joint pain
• taut and shiny skin where there is swelling
• immobile fingers

Treatment

There is currently no cure for scleroderma, but doctors can treat hardened skin and inflammation using corticosteroids.

Learn more about scleroderma.

Some other potential causes of finger swelling include:

• mallet finger
• nailbed injuries
• trigger finger
• Dupuytren’s contracture
• cysts
• tumors

People typically experience pain and swelling in the fingers after a sprain or injury. If the swelling does not show any signs of reducing after a few days, a person should contact a doctor — especially if the area feels hot.

Sometimes, finger swelling is a symptom of a more serious condition, such as preeclampsia or scleroderma. In these cases, a person usually experiences other symptoms, such as headaches and pale fingers, respectively.

Finger swelling has various causes. Injuries, physical activities, and environmental factors such as hot weather can all cause finger swelling. Some rare autoimmune conditions, such as localized scleroderma, can also present with finger joint swelling.

If a person is pregnant and their fingers swell rapidly, they should contact a doctor to rule out preeclampsia.

The joints of the fingers hurt: causes and treatment, what to do with the pain of the joints of the hands

Articles

Reading time: 12 min dreamstime.com

Contents

Pain in the small joints of the fingers: causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Which doctor to contact
How to relieve pain in the joints of the fingers
Consequences
Prevention

Pain in the joints of the hand can be caused by muscle fatigue, or it can be a sign of a dangerous systemic disease. Fortunately, the latter are much rarer. Most often, doctors are faced with injuries and problems of the ligamentous apparatus, which respond well to local treatment. When the joints of the hands hurt, the causes and treatment are quite diverse. For the treatment of hand pathology, it is important that the patient seek help in a timely manner, especially when 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 possible diagnoses in which the joints of the hands hurt, what to do, how to treat such conditions.

This article is a recommendation. Treatment is prescribed by a specialist after consultation.

It is better to sign up for a consultation with a specialist and the doctor will consult and tell you about the method of treatment. Reception can be both face-to-face and online

We do not recommend self-treatment

Pain in the small joints of the fingers: causes

extension or at rest, can have a variety of diagnoses.

“Trigger finger”, aka stenosing ligamentitis or Knott’s disease

One of the most common causes of pain in the hand. This is a benign pathology in which it is very difficult to straighten the finger from a bent position on its own. The disease is common among both women and men, 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-handers, the left hand is more often affected.

Risk factors include:

• Overwork of the flexor muscles of the hand. This can happen when working at a computer for a long time, driving a car for long distances, carrying heavy bags, playing the guitar, repetitive blunt hand injuries, working with tools that need to be held tightly in the hand – for example, at a construction site

• Metabolic disorders in body: diabetes mellitus, decreased thyroid function – hypothyroidism

• Smoking – nicotine damages small vessels and nerves

• Previous trauma to the palm or base of the finger

Hand pattern with “Trigger Finger” pathology

90 046 Injury of the hand

This includes fractures, fractures of bones, dislocations of joints , tears and sprains of ligaments and muscles. Often there is a condition called “hammer finger”. Such a finger is bent and hurts a lot when trying to unbend. It differs from the “snapping finger” by the following characteristics:

• Reason for occurrence. “Hammer finger” is a consequence of an injury, for example, with a strong blow to the tip of an extended finger: for example, hitting the ball while playing basketball

• Localization of flexion. The hammer finger is bent at the distal interphalangeal joint, the small joint of the finger that is closest to the nail. The “snapping finger” is flexed at the proximal interphalangeal joint, the second finger joint from the nail, or the metacarpophalangeal joint, which connects the finger and the palm itself

• The “hammer finger” often swells, turns blue and deformed, especially if there is a fracture of the phalanx

Osteoarthritis th pathology in patients older than 40 years, especially women.

The cartilaginous tissue that forms the joint is destroyed, the amount of fluid inside it decreases. As a result, the joint becomes “dry”, its mobility decreases. At later stages, the bones that form the joint are also destroyed, “growths” – osteophytes – may appear on them. The interphalangeal joints of the fingers are usually affected. It is difficult for the patient to clench the hand into a fist, hold heavy objects, which significantly interferes with everyday life.

Osteophytes on x-ray

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Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis

900 03

These are autoimmune diseases. The metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints are most commonly affected. Since these diseases are systemic, that is, they cause changes throughout the body, the joints usually hurt and swell 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 a skin disease called psoriasis.

Stages of rheumatoid arthritis

Gout and pseudogout

Metabolic disorders in which hard crystals are deposited in the joints. With gout, uric acid, a product of purine metabolism, is deposited in the form of crystals. Purines are produced within the body and also come from food. Gouty crystals can appear not only inside the joints, but also under the skin and in the tendons. The body reacts to them with severe inflammation. Pseudogout is similar to gout in its symptoms, but is caused by the deposition of another substance, calcium pyrophosphate. Both diseases are treated with medication, although the drugs are somewhat different.

With gout, the joints become warm to the touch, swollen, painful

Tumors and cysts

This is a very rare pathology, the vast majority of hand tumors are benign. Cysts may appear in the bone tissue, in the joints. They cause pain, and at large sizes disrupt the range of motion in the joints.

Infectious diseases of the fingers

The most common: panaritium and its variety – paronychia. This is an infection of the periungual tissues. Other infections include:

• cellulitis – inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue
• lymphangitis – inflammation of the lymphatic vessel
• abscess – accumulation of pus
• osteomyelitis – inflammation of the bone
  9 0058

Patients with hand infections usually present with minor previous trauma. The risk of these diseases increases if a person has a weakened immune system.

Periungual panaritium

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel formed by the carpal bones, ligaments and tendons. Women suffer from this syndrome more often than men. Conditions in which the likelihood of developing the disease increases: thyroid disease, pregnancy, obesity, diabetes mellitus. Constant work with prolonged holding of the wrist in the extension position often becomes a provoking factor. This is especially true for people whose professions involve the assembly of small parts, such as tailors or surgeons, as well as computer work. Symptoms appear in the fingers, which supplies the median nerve: large, index, middle and close to them half of the ring finger. Usually this is not only pain, but also numbness, tingling and goosebumps, and sometimes weakness in the hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Dupuytren’s contracture or palmar fibromatosis

With this disease, it is impossible to fully extend the fingers, they are in a forced half-bent position, as a result, the functioning of the hand is impaired. First, dense strands of connective tissue are formed in the palmar tendons, then they are shortened. More often the disease appears in men older than 50 years and has a clear hereditary predisposition. As with many other pathologies of the hand, the risk is increased due to diabetes, smoking, occupational hazards.

Stages of Dupuytren’s contracture

The list of possible diagnoses for pain in the joints of the hand also includes a number of rarer conditions: vibration disease, vasculitis, etc. Considering such a variety, it is better not to delay contacting a specialist. The Temed Clinic will help to make the correct diagnosis as soon as possible.

Symptoms

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

• Onset of pain, which may be acute or gradual. For diseases caused by degenerative changes, overwork of the ligamentous apparatus, a gradual onset is characteristic, since the development of these processes takes time. Autoimmune diseases can manifest both gradually and acutely. Exacerbations of gout and pseudogout occur suddenly, reaching a peak of symptoms within a few hours. Trauma is also associated with acute, sharp pain

• Time and factors of onset or aggravation of pain during the day. With carpal tunnel syndrome, the hand may hurt at night, with osteoarthritis, the pain is worse after stress on the joints, with rheumatoid arthritis, the pain is most pronounced in the first 30 minutes after waking up or after prolonged inactivity

highlight:

• Features of flexion and extension of the joints: with a “snapping finger” the joint closes in flexion, but can be carefully transferred to an extended position, while the “hammer finger” and contracture cannot be fully extended. With rheumatoid arthritis, you can see a thickening of the fingers in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe joints, their deformation. In the pathology of the ligaments, nodules can be felt in their composition

• Stiffness and limitation of movement in the joints

• With gout and autoimmune arthritis, the patient will notice redness and swelling, the joint will be hot to the touch – these are symptoms of inflammation

• numbness, goosebumps, tingling, decreased sensitivity to heat, cold, touch

• With vasculitis – inflammation of blood vessels – fingers often turn white or blue

• In many diseases, weakness in the hand can be noted: this indicates nerve damage, also occurs with injuries. In these cases, it is better to contact a doctor immediately

Find out how to get rid of pain without surgery

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a consultation with a specialist who asks in detail about complaints, the presence of concomitant and hereditary diseases. After the doctor necessarily examines the patient and palpates the hand. In some cases, these manipulations are enough to make a diagnosis. But for its confirmation and clarification, additional studies are prescribed. These can be:

• X-ray of the hands in various projections is the most commonly used and available method for assessing the condition of bones and joints. It will be required for suspected fracture, foreign body, developmental anomaly, tumor or cyst, as well as for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis on the radiograph is manifested by a decrease in the joint cavity, as well as the presence of bone growths – osteophytes
• Computed tomography (CT). Used to better visualize complex fractures, assess joint health
• Ultrasound of soft tissues and joints of the hand . Allows visualization of ligaments, tendons, nerve trunks, joint condition
• MRI . The method gives clear layered images of all brush structures. The main indications for prescription are injuries of ligaments and tendons
• Electroneuromyography . This method is necessary to evaluate the conduction of a nerve impulse. It is used when carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected
• Blood tests. Most often these are:

1. metabolic indicators – for example, glycated hemoglobin and blood sugar in diabetes, since 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 to contact

Diseases of the structures of the hand, due to the huge variety, often require consultation of specialists from several profiles. Initially, if there was no fact of injury, it is worth contacting a therapist, if an injury has occurred, a traumatologist.

Rheumatologists treat autoimmune diseases. Traumatologists-orthopedists, as well as surgeons are engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of hand injuries, tumors. Consultation with an endocrinologist will be needed for metabolic disorders. If there is weakness and numbness in the hand, you need to contact a neurologist.

How to get rid of pain in the joints of the fingers

Treatment can be surgical and conservative.

Surgical treatment is necessary for purulent processes on the hand, as well as for complex injuries. Open wounds also require surgical treatment. Any wound is a source of infection, and such patients are prescribed antibiotics and debridement. Closed fractures can be treated conservatively. They begin with rigid fixation of the fracture site: for 7-10 days for fractures without displacement and for 3 weeks for fractures with displacement. After that, the patient wears a special orthosis on the hand until the bone is completely restored – usually 4-10 weeks, sometimes longer.

Conservative treatment for autoimmune diseases with damage to the joints of the hand 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 pain in the joints of the hand, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be indicated, which relieve pain and inflammation. Local methods of influence give a good effect:

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• Injections

  of corticosteroids into the joints of the hand, into the tendons. They effectively relieve inflammation, but have side effects, so they must be used according to strict indications. Fixation position depends on the diagnosis

• Exercises

  on the muscles of the hand, which will be selected by a specialist depending on the pathology

• Acupuncture

  The method involves the introduction of sterile needles into biologically active points, which allows you to relieve pain and improve joint mobility

• Shock wave therapy

  B In recent years, it has gained popularity in the treatment of ligament problems. Effective and safe for the treatment of “trigger finger”, deforming osteoarthritis, reduces the likelihood of recurrence, improves joint mobility and functionality of the hand as a whole

• Kinesiology taping

  This is the application of special tapes to the hand, which helps to stabilize the joint in a comfortable position. So he recovers faster

• Laser therapy

  Reduces pain and helps in the restoration of cartilage, which is extremely important for osteoarthritis

• Magnetic therapy

  Aimed at reducing pain, inflammation and swelling 90 003

At the Temed Clinic you can get advice and undergo a course of treatment with any of the described methods or a combination of them – depending on what is indicated for you.

Consequences

Most patients with injuries and degenerative processes of the hand, snapping finger, carpal tunnel syndrome are able to restore joint function and return to a normal lifestyle. The leading role in the prognosis of the disease is played by an early visit to the doctor, the correct wearing of a bandage, orthosis, if indicated, and compliance with the prescribed recommendations. If the joints of the hand are not treated for a long time, deformities are possible, which cannot be completely eliminated. Contact a specialist as soon as there are complaints about the condition of the brush, and he will select the necessary therapy for you.

Prevention

• Eliminate common risk factors. The risk of musculoskeletal problems with the hand increases with metabolic disorders, smoking, and hormonal disorders. It is important to maintain normal blood sugar, especially if you have already been diagnosed with diabetes. Patients with gout are recommended a special diet, some are prescribed anti-gout drugs. It will be useful to periodically check the condition of the thyroid gland. A decrease in its function negatively affects the immune system and the whole body

• Take care of your hand if you are at increased risk of joint disease. For example, if your work involves overworking the hands, try to ensure the most comfortable position, do not keep the hands constantly bent, let them rest and do a little warm-up. Go in for sports in special gloves, monitor the condition of the skin and nails so that the infection does not penetrate into the tissues of the hand. Get regular preventive check-ups with doctors

Follow these recommendations and this will help reduce the risk of hand problems. 9Ferrara PE, Codazza S, Maccauro G, Zirio G, Ferriero G, Ronconi G. Physical therapies for the conservative treatment of the trigger finger: a narrative review . Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2020 Jun 26;12(Suppl 1):8680. doi: 10.4081/or.2020.8680. PMID: 32913608; PMCID: PMC7459363.

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Treatment of finger joints without drugs and operations

Treatment of finger joints without drugs and operations | LineGym Dnipro

Medical license – Accreditation of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 761 dated 04/02/2020