When the weather changes, during seasonal transitions from summer to autumn, people begin to complain of sudden sharp pain in the joints. Often this pain occurs at night and does not allow the body to fully rest. All night long my arms are twisting, aching, and burning.
It happens that sometimes the pain manifests itself in the rain, attacks can be very severe and even cause tears in the patient.
After some time, swelling and puffiness of the hands, redness of the skin in the area where the joint is inflamed, and an increase in the temperature of the skin in the area where the joint is inflamed becomes visible. The pain in the hands and the heaviness are such that even light objects are difficult to hold - there is not a day without suffering. If you notice these symptoms, you should immediately undergo an examination.
When you consult a doctor, you need, first of all, to be prepared for the fact that he will send you for special tests (x-ray, or puncture of joint fluid, etc.). After receiving the results, you can find out the type of arthritis in the joints of the fingers and find the source that caused the inflammation, which is also quite important information, since depending on the pathogen, the nature of further treatment is chosen.
The range of possible causes of arthritis is quite extensive. The causative agent may be a weakened immune system, or an infectious disease, injury or bruises, allergies, or metabolic disorders.
Medicine uses certain physiotherapy and drugs. In this case, medications are prescribed to treat the disease that caused the arthritis. In addition, painkillers, hormonal, anti-inflammatory and others are used. By physical methods, arthritis of the fingers is treated with massage, physical therapy, magnetic therapy, ultrasound, and heating. Patients must adhere to a special diet during treatment.
Treatment largely depends on the nature of the disease. During rheumatoid arthritis, treatment is long-term; in the acute period, it is mainly aimed at reducing the manifestations of inflammation, for which anti-inflammatory drugs (hormonal and non-steroidal) are often used, which can be used in the form of tablets and ointments, or even intra-articular injections. Such methods of influence are suitable for the treatment of arthritis of the fingers of any origin, however, this only applies to cases when the disease is in the acute phase (when symptoms of inflammation are already pronounced).
Next, various types of treatment begin depending on what caused the disease. During gout, actions are aimed at normalizing purine metabolism and reducing the amount of uric acid in the blood; uricodepressive and uricosuric drugs and diet help with this.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the main efforts are directed towards modulating the immune response, and cytostatics, immunosuppressants and the latest treatment methods (monoclonal antibody therapy and others) are used.
Then, at the last stage of the disease, treatment methods can be quite similar - joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery.
Alternative, or traditional, medicine offers various treatment methods that directly depend on the type of disease. You can use the following treatment methods: bee and snake venom ointments, cabbage and nettle leaves.
There is no need to neglect folk remedies. You can find many different recipes that will make the treatment more effective.
Qigong. A set of exercises for the joints of the hands (prevents the occurrence of arthritis of the joints of the hands)
Arthritis of the hands is an inflammatory process localized in the corresponding joints. Arthritis of the hands and fingers is a common condition. According to the latest data, this disease affects every seventh inhabitant of the planet. In most cases, women are affected, almost five times more often than men. Doctors explain this by the fact that women, due to the nature of their professional and everyday activities, are more often engaged in small manual labor. Arthritis usually affects the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints.
This disease occurs with inflammatory changes and, as a rule, is secondary, that is, a consequence of an existing disease. For example, arthritis of the hands is observed in rheumatic, infectious and metabolic disorders. The disease is socially significant, as it often leads to a person losing the ability to work and self-care and becoming disabled.
But there are general signs that are characteristic of arthritis of the hands of any etiology:
Stiffness of the hands, inability to move the fingers, this symptom is especially pronounced in the morning, immediately after waking up. The sensation is similar to that of a narrow glove being put on your hand. Often, in order to perform basic self-care actions, a person needs to first develop his hands and fingers;
The skin on the knuckles and around the joints affected by the disease becomes red, hot to the touch, and stretched;
Joints with arthritis of the hands are affected symmetrically;
As you move your fingers, you may hear a characteristic joint creak—crepitus. It should not be confused with regular clicking sounds, which are normal;
Subcutaneous nodules may appear;
Sometimes there is a loss of body weight associated with the inflammatory process occurring in the body, as well as rapid fatigue and weakness. More often, similar symptoms are observed with rheumatoid arthritis. The arms become spindle-shaped.
The following reasons can be identified as the main factors leading to arthritis of the hand joints:
Age. The older a person is, the more his joints wear out, the nature of the damage is mechanical. In addition, with age, metabolism slows down somewhat; nutrients do not reach the cartilage in the required volume (due to poor circulation). In women, hand arthritis occurs due to the fact that hormonal changes occur in their body during menopause, which negatively affects the condition of joint and bone tissues;
One of the common causes of arthritis in the hands is a previous injury. These could be bruises, fractures, cracks. They, of course, heal over time, but damage remains on the joints, which after years resemble arthritis;
Working conditions affect the incidence of hand arthritis. Thus, this pathology is considered an occupational disease of seamstresses, jewelers, tennis players and all other people whose activities involve the fact that the fingers and hands are constantly under tension;
Decreased immunity can cause inflammation of small joints;
A previous infectious disease. Often, damage to the joints of the hand occurs after a person has had a sore throat, the causative agent of which is streptococcus or staphylococcus. Especially often, such complications occur against the background of improper treatment of the disease. But the cause of inflammation can also be a common ARVI, as well as hypothermia;
There are several stages of development of arthritis of the fingers and hands, each of which has its own symptoms:
The first stage is characterized by the fact that there are no obvious signs of the disease. However, knowing what you should pay attention to, you can already at this stage suspect arthritis on your own and consult a doctor. When the disease begins to affect the hands, a person is unable to perform simple actions in the morning - turn on the water or gas. At the same time, stiffness goes away very quickly, so patients often do not seek medical help;
The second stage is characterized by the formation of bone erosions, the signs of the disease become brighter. The joints of the fingers begin to ache, crackle and swell; a person experiences difficulties not only in the morning, but also during the day. Due to the fact that it becomes more difficult to perform professional activities, people at this stage more often consult a doctor;
Infectious arthritis is the result of an infection entering a joint, which can be transmitted through blood or directly;
Metabolic arthritis, which can also be called “gouty”. The cause is the accumulation of uric acid salts near the joints. Most often occurs systemically;
You may come across the name “rhizarthritis” - this is the definition of arthritis that affects only the thumb;
Secondary arthritis, which occurs as a reaction of the body to immune disorders, allergic reactions or somatic diseases.
The earlier the disease is detected, and the more strictly the patient adheres to all medical recommendations, the more favorable the prognosis for recovery. Even in cases where it is not possible to recover completely, a person experiences a stable remission, during which he can live and work fully. Joint mobility will remain for a long time. A person may not become disabled until the end of his life and will be able to provide for himself independently, as well as work at any job until retirement. Thus, the prognosis directly depends on the patient himself, or rather on how he follows medical recommendations.
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Before starting treatment, you need to remember the following rules, which will make any therapeutic regimen more effective and will make it possible to forget about the disease for a long time:
The load on sore finger joints should be minimal. If this cannot be done due to professional activities, then it is necessary to go on sick leave, at least for the duration of the exacerbation of the disease. Housekeeping responsibilities should be delegated to close people as much as possible;
Perform daily exercises that your doctor recommends. They need to be done competently, effortlessly and only during the period of remission;
All prescriptions of the attending physician must be carried out unquestioningly;
It is prohibited to lift heavy objects or make sudden movements with your hands;
If necessary, you need to purchase special devices that make life easier for people with arthritis;
You need to strictly adhere to the chosen diet, do not take breaks during the holidays;
Every day you need to drink the amount of water recommended by your doctor.
Since most often arthritis of the hands occurs systemically, and many joints are involved in the pathological process, from small to large, it will not be possible to do without medication. If therapy is carried out according to doctor's instructions, side effects can be minimized. Moreover, modern drugs for the treatment of arthritis are developed taking into account the latest advances in medicine.
Agents that promote vasodilation. Taking them is necessary to ensure that the joints receive adequate nutrition from the blood. It is impossible to ensure this process with narrowed vessels. Trental, Teonicol, Actovegin are prescribed as such drugs. They are available in the form of injections, which are administered intramuscularly or intravenously, at the discretion of the doctor. A single course consists of 10 injections;
To optimize joint nutrition, vitamin complexes are prescribed, sometimes supplemented with calcium supplements;
For external use, a variety of ointments containing NSAIDs are prescribed. This can be fastum-gel, voltaren and others. The advantage of local treatment is that it does not (unlike tablets) irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
The need to undergo physiotherapeutic procedures is dictated by the fact that the treatment of hand arthritis must be carried out in a complex manner. Physiotherapy procedures open up a lot of possibilities, help improve the metabolic process and stop the destructive effect of the disease on the joints.
There are skin diseases.
During the acute period, anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are prescribed. The form can be any: injections, ointments, tablets. Selected individually for each patient.
When a period of remission begins, the swelling subsides, the pain subsides, and the joint itself is not inflamed, then it is necessary to actively begin to restore the joint and, at the same time, eliminate the cause of the arthritis. If inflammation begins against the background of gout, then purine metabolism in the body should be normalized, which will reduce the level of uric acid. To do this, you must follow a diet. With rheumatoid arthritis, it is necessary to normalize the functioning of the immune system as a whole. It is at the stage of remission that a course of physiotherapy is prescribed.
The goal of endoprosthetics is to restore the functionality of the hands. After the operation, the person will be able to perform self-care activities. However, this procedure has significant disadvantages - high cost and long rehabilitation period.
How does endoprosthetics of fingers occur?
The heads of the bones are removed, just like the phalanges of the fingers, but usually not completely, but partially. The doctor makes the decision;
After a successful operation and completion of a rehabilitation course, a person will be able to restore motor activity in their hands and significantly improve their quality of life. He will also no longer be tormented by long-term pain caused by hand arthritis in the final stages.
However, there are a number of contraindications to endoprosthetics surgery:
Any skin infections until they are completely cured;
If earlier the problem of replacing a native joint with an artificial one could not be resolved due to the fact that the prosthesis was often rejected by the body, now orthopedic surgeons in most cases carry out the operation successfully. The joints themselves are made of special materials that have increased strength and at the same time take root well in the human body.
There are certain foods that can relieve the symptoms of arthritis. These include:
We should not forget about apples, which contain elements that help relieve inflammation in joints and restore cartilage tissue;
Foods like ginger and turmeric will not only reduce inflammation, but also help reduce pain;
Sometimes doctors insist that a patient with hand arthritis switch to a completely vegetarian diet. At the same time, heat treatment of vegetables and fruits should be kept to a minimum. It is not necessary to exclude animal products from your diet forever; you only need to do this for a week until the acute phase of the disease passes. During this time, substances that have a destructive effect on cartilage and bone tissue will be eliminated from the body to some extent.
However, there are foods that it is important to abstain from consuming at all times: both during an exacerbation and during remission.
These include:
Chocolate, cocoa, gingerbread, cookies, condensed milk;
For those people who suffer from arthritis of the fingers, certain nutritional rules have been developed.
The daily diet should be divided into 3 main meals and 3 snacks. In this way, it will be possible to regulate blood sugar levels, and, importantly, the level of purine acids, which cause deposits to form on the joints of the hands;
There are special exercises aimed at developing sore fingers and hands. But they must be performed during the period of remission and in such a way as not to cause harm to health.
Several effective exercises to restore the function of hand joints:
Exercise 5. “Pendulum”. To do this, you also need to leave your hands on the table, your fingers rise up one by one, but at the same time they will need to be moved in different directions - twice, and then the same number of times in a circle;
Exercise 7. “Pencil”. You need to take a pencil, place it on a flat surface and roll it from your fingertips to the base of your palm. The same exercise must be performed while holding the pencil suspended in a vertical position. It is better if it has ribbed edges rather than a smooth surface;
Exercise 8. “Ball”. The ball must be placed on a flat surface and rolled back and forth with your fingers. You can diversify the exercise by rolling the ball in a circle. It is better if it is a special massage ball with small ribbed spikes. Thus, it will be possible to achieve a massage effect and improve blood supply to the hands.
Take vitamin and mineral complexes designed to provide joints with nutrients in full;
Strengthen the body with the help of hardening procedures, adhere to a healthy lifestyle;
Eliminate or sharply limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages, get rid of such bad habits as smoking;
Author of the article: Muravitsky Igor Valerievich, rheumatologist
Diet alone, of course, cannot cure arthrosis, but in combination with other therapeutic measures it will significantly improve the condition of the joints.
When creating a menu, you need to consider the following:
1. Products that determine the diet for arthrosis should help normalize metabolism.
2. Meat and fish should be consumed boiled. Excessive consumption of phosphorus, which they contain, leads to disruption of phosphorus-calcium metabolism and demineralization of bones. Boiling will avoid this.
3. It is not recommended to consume soups cooked in strong meat or fish broth, as it contains a large amount of purine compounds, which is dangerous for the joints.
4. To improve water-salt metabolism, it is necessary to include pumpkin and zucchini dishes, watermelons, greens, prunes and dried apricots in the menu.
5. There should be approximately 3 times more raw food in the diet than that which has been heat-treated.
6. For good intestinal function and cleansing, fiber is necessary, that is, wholemeal bread, water-based cereals, fruits and vegetables.
7. Regular tea should be replaced more often with herbal tea, rosehip decoction, and dried fruit compote.
8. Nutrition for arthrosis should be aimed at reducing excess weight, which places a heavy burden on the joints. This will somewhat reduce pain and improve the functional abilities of the joints, especially in patients suffering from arthrosis of the knee joints.
There are clear recommendations for organizing meals. The diet should be aimed at accelerating metabolic processes and weight loss (if there are extra pounds).
Nutrition should be rational, containing the required amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Proteins are needed to build new tissues. Dairy products are especially useful because they help restore the cartilage tissue that envelops the articular surfaces of bones. Milk protein is well absorbed by the body. In addition, dairy products contain a lot of calcium, which is necessary to strengthen bone tissue.
The diet should include lean meat and fish (animal protein), buckwheat, beans and lentils (vegetable protein). Proteins will be better absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract if these products are boiled, stewed or steamed.
For arthrosis, jelly, jelly and jellied meat prepared from foods rich in cartilage tissue (pork legs, beef tails) are useful. These dishes contain collagen, which ensures the strength of cartilage and bone tissue. For the same purpose, gelatin can be used for preparing dishes, which restores bone tissue and acts in the same way as chondroprotectors.
In order for the body to receive energy for normal metabolic processes, carbohydrates are needed. However, instead of simple sugars (confectionery, baked goods, etc.), which contribute to the accumulation of fat reserves, it is necessary to include in the diet foods rich in complex carbohydrates (cereals, vegetables, fruits). The latter, due to slow absorption, do not enter the blood in large quantities, like simple carbohydrates, and therefore can serve as a source of energy for a long time without turning into fat.
With arthrosis, the diet should include a sufficient amount of fat, without which metabolic processes are inhibited. It is necessary to use mainly vegetable fats and butter. Refractory fats, which are rich in fatty meats, obstruct blood flow, forming cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
Minerals and vitamins are necessary for proper metabolism. B vitamins are very useful for arthrosis. Vitamin B1 is found in oranges, raisins, baked potatoes, peas, beans and whole grain bread. Vitamin B2 is found in dairy products, bananas, and eggs.
Bananas also contain vitamin B6. In addition, potatoes, nuts, and chicken are rich in them. The body obtains vitamin B9 (folic acid) from foods such as cabbage, lentils and bananas.
The development of arthrosis is inhibited by vitamins C (citrus fruits, rose hips, black currants, sweet peppers), E (vegetable oils, unrefined cereals) and D (cod liver, egg yolk, butter, milk).
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW! The only remedy for JOINT PAIN, arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, recommended by doctors! Read more.
The causes of arthritis of the fingers are thinning of the cartilage of the joints, ligaments and some changes in the joint capsules. Due to these circumstances, deformation and curvature of the fingers occur, which accompany unpleasant symptoms.
People who have been involved in traumatic activities for a long time and have dealt with injuries or microtraumas to their hands are especially susceptible to this disease. Also at risk are athletes whose hands have been exposed to significant stress due to their professional activities.
The most likely causes of the development of this disease include:
Any arthritis of the hands is associated with inflammatory processes, however, for the reasons leading to this, it can be classified into certain types:
It is not difficult to completely restore JOINTS! The most important thing is to rub this into the sore spot 2-3 times a day.
Arthritis of the fingers, in any form, has some common and similar symptoms:
However, different forms of arthritis have their own characteristics and some distinctive symptoms. The most severe course of the disease with manifestations of obvious and acute symptoms can be noted with rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers. It most often affects the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints.
The main symptom that causes the most discomfort is pain, which can intensify due to changing weather conditions . Also, an increase in pain is noted after a long period of rest or prolonged physical activity.
Other unpleasant companions of rheumatoid arthritis are joint swelling, redness of the skin and increased temperature when touching the affected areas. Further progression of the disease can cause severe pain at the slightest movements of the hands.
If the disease develops as a result of an infectious disease, then inflammatory processes of a purulent nature may be observed. This process is often accompanied by general weakness of the patient, decreased appetite, and increased temperature.
As for gouty arthritis, it can be diagnosed using a specific blood test. It should also be taken into account that this type of disease most often affects the extreme interphalangeal joints, as well as the first metacarpophalangeal joints (exclusion joints).
The intensity and specificity of treatment mainly depends on the degree of damage to the finger joints and the causes of the disease. also very important to start treatment in a timely manner , since advanced stages with signs of damage to the tissue surfaces of the joints are much more difficult to treat, and the recovery process will take more time.
Not often, however, there are cases when surgical intervention is advisable. Surgeries are necessary if the joint is to be restored, as well as its partial replacement or complete prosthetics. The modern method of surgical treatment at the moment is a new endoscopy method called arthroscopy.
Like the treatment of any other disease, in this case it is necessary to begin the process by eliminating the causes. In this case, the method is selected taking into account the patient’s age group, the presence of other chronic diseases, the stage of arthritis, individual characteristics of health and well-being, etc.
The most effective is the complex treatment of this disease, which combines pharmacological drugs, folk remedies, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, balanced nutrition, sanatorium treatment, and adherence to the regime.
In the acute period of all manifestations, it is advisable to initially relieve signs of inflammation . Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, ibuprofen, nimesulide, are very effective in this regard. They can be used in the form of injections, ointments or tablets. In cases with the rheumatoid form, glucocorticoids must be administered into the cavity of the affected joints to relieve inflammation.
After the pronounced signs of inflammation have been removed, further treatment takes into account the causes of the disease. Thus, it is advisable to treat infectious arthritis with antibacterial therapy. In this case, it is important to correctly determine the type of infectious agent and prescribe a drug taking into account the sensitivity of the virus to it.
As for the rheumatoid form, in this case drugs are prescribed that modulate the response of the patient’s immune system, for example, azothioprine. Basic drugs, for example, gold preparations and methotrexate, effectively slow down the progression of the disease.
Good results were achieved with the use of more modern pharmacological drugs, for example, leflunomide. It is advisable to add biologics - TNF inhibitors - to anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs or glucocorticoids in the treatment complex. They are quite effective in combating inflammation in the joints. Among the new methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis, monochannel antibody therapy should be noted.
Regarding gouty arthritis, it is important to normalize purine metabolism and reduce the concentration of uric acid. A special diet that works effectively in this direction involves limited consumption of meat, legumes, fish, and the complete exclusion of alcohol . It is also recommended to use allopurinol.
Regardless of the form of arthritis of the fingers, chondroprotectors, multivitamins, restoratives, physiotherapeutic procedures, and diet bring a positive effect in treatment.
Traditional medicine also offers its own treatment options for this disease.
These could be procedures like this:
This difficult disease can be avoided if you lead a healthy lifestyle, strengthen your body, pay due attention to strengthening the immune system, and avoid excess weight. Diet and proper and balanced nutrition also play a huge role. These methods are quite simple and accessible to everyone who wants to be healthy!
Regardless of the cause of the disease, common symptoms of hand arthritis can be identified. These include:
Arthritis of the fingers and hands most often occurs in older people because their metabolism slows and blood circulation is impaired. Already worn-out joints do not receive sufficient nutrition, and fragile joint tissue and bones suffer. The catalysts for arthritis can be bruises and injuries, fractures and hormonal imbalances. Even the type of activity plays an important role. This unpleasant side effect can be felt by those whose profession involves working on a computer and other activities that require constant tension in the hands.
And, of course, genetic predisposition... Inheritance is not always a joy when it comes to health.
Arthritis can be a consequence of even untreated sexually transmitted infections! In addition to STIs, it can be a complication of other infectious diseases: staphylococcal or streptococcal sore throat, influenza. Often sick people should generally be more attentive to their joints. After all, decreased immunity also increases the risk of developing arthritis.
Hand arthritis often occurs with psoriasis, diabetes, tuberculosis and gout.
If you are lucky enough to notice joint arthritis in the first stage, then you are truly lucky. Symptoms in the first stage are very mild or absent altogether. Who will pay attention to slight stiffness of movement in the morning if, after sleep, thoughts about upcoming worries immediately pop into their heads? In addition, the weakness passes very quickly. In this case, the disease is already beginning to affect the hands, and treatment would prevent its progression. But few patients seek help at this stage of arthritis.
At the next stage of arthritis of the fingers and hands, pain becomes more frequent, and swollen joints may be noticed. The patient usually suspects something is wrong and consults a doctor. Diagnosis of bone erosions at this stage is not a problem, and the disease is highly treatable.
Arthritis at the third stage is obvious, since the joints of the hands are symmetrically deformed, and the fingers “no longer obey.” The main thing is not to get carried away with painkillers (and pain in the third stage is not only morning) and immediately begin complex therapy.
Fourth stage of arthritis. At this stage, if left untreated, the disease progresses so much that the cartilage, the tissue of the joint capsule, those areas of the bones to which the cartilage is attached, as well as ligaments and tendons are affected. At the fourth stage, the joints often grow together, and it becomes difficult to do anything with your hands. And this means loss of independence and disability.
There are more than a dozen types of arthritis. Fingers and hands can become infected or the disease can become a consequence of injury. Gouty arthritis causes salt to accumulate around the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis begins in small joints (such as the phalanges of the fingers) and gradually spreads to larger cartilages.
Arthritis of the hands can take on acute and chronic forms.
Acute arthritis develops and progresses quite quickly and is characterized by elevated body temperature and severe pain. Chronic arthritis occurs more slowly and is not as painful at first, but it can be difficult to completely get rid of this form of the disease.
Regardless of the type and form, hand arthritis can be cured if you take this issue seriously. It is possible to live and work “like everyone else” even when arthritis of the hands cannot be completely cured: it is important to strictly follow the recommendations of specialists and maintain joint mobility with exercises. Read on to learn more about what treatment for hand arthritis includes and how to learn to deal with this disease.
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Among the modern medicinal methods of treating arthritis of the fingers and hands is therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, since arthritis of the hands is an inflammatory process and the first thing to do is to relieve inflammation and swelling.
Also, the attending physician can prescribe medications to the patient based on chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, which help restore joints.
Good blood supply to joint tissues will help slow down the development of arthritis. To activate blood circulation, vasodilators are often prescribed, which are administered intravenously or intramuscularly. The course is quite long and can be repeated if arthritis recurs. Also, much will depend on the type of arthritis in the hands, for example, infectious arthritis requires taking antibiotics.
Since cartilage and bone tissue are affected, vitamins and minerals (such as pantothenic acid, vitamins C and E, calcium, copper, selenium and zinc) come to the rescue.
For better pain relief, tinctures, creams, ointments and gels are used; they help relieve swelling and improve mobility without side effects.
Drug treatment of hand arthritis is often supported by physiotherapy: ultrasound, massage, quartz treatment, electrophoresis. This promotes blood circulation and restoration of joint mobility, therefore, significantly speeds up the healing process.
Methods of surgery and prosthetics are used exclusively in cases where the arthritis has been advanced and it has not been possible to cure it by other means.
And yet, a lot depends on the patient’s lifestyle during treatment: you should avoid heavy strain on your arms, lead a healthy lifestyle and regularly perform therapeutic exercises.
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Of course, any kind of gymnastics is out of the question during a period of exacerbation of arthritis: it is physically impossible and can harm your health. Exercises are performed when general therapy has already given the first results - during the period of remission. Exercises are needed primarily to avoid fusion of the joints and support the motor abilities of the fingers and wrists, to soften the load, some of them can be done in water.
Complex gymnastics can be performed both for arthritis and for its prevention. You need to work out the joints carefully, strictly following the technique of doing the exercises.
Including foods that relieve arthritis pain in your diet is an important part of treating arthritis in the fingers and hands. It is better to get vitamins and minerals directly from food, and only then from vitamin complexes.
The diet for arthritis of the fingers and hands excludes:
Also, if you have arthritis of the fingers and hands, you should cross off the list:
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Good genetics and a profession that does not involve the work of hands still cannot completely protect against diseases of the joints of the hands. Prevention of arthritis will not be superfluous in any case; moreover, adhering to these basic rules in everyday life will not be difficult.
Any infectious disease must be treated using professional advice from doctors, because this will protect against the risk of a new disease – arthritis.
Sports and more sports. Moderate physical activity strengthens not only muscles, but also joints. Since arthritis of the hands often awaits people in their declining years, it is necessary to engage in light sports or simply move more even in middle and old age (we have already written about how walking prolongs life). Supporting the general tone of the body is mandatory for the prevention of joint diseases, incl. arthritis of the fingers and hands.
Strength is in immunity. Taking care of the immune system will be the key to strong joints and a shield from the catalysts of arthritis - infections, hormonal imbalances, etc.
Weight control. Sudden weight fluctuations are a shock to the whole body. A nutritionist will help you choose the optimal diet individually for everyone, but keeping fit or not is a personal matter for everyone. But the former is definitely better for preventing arthritis.
And of course, smoking and alcohol. No comments needed.
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Let us immediately note that treatment of arthritis of the fingers and hands is a priori possible only in the first stages of this disease. When the hands begin to change their usual shape and the ability to self-care is lost, no folk methods can help. In addition, they do not take into account the types of arthritis, and this is already alarming.
Likar.info has selected several recipes for treating arthritis of the fingers and hands at home, which are based exclusively on the healing properties of natural ingredients. These methods can indeed relieve symptoms and reduce discomfort, but a complete cure for hand arthritis is possible only with a comprehensive and professional approach.
Oatmeal: soak a piece of cloth in a warm decoction of oatmeal, wrap your hands in it, and put on cotton gloves. This accessory should be worn for an hour if you feel a slight ache in your hands and phalanges, as often happens when the weather changes.
Mustard compress: the beaten whites of two eggs should be mixed with 50 g of mustard powder and mixed thoroughly. During the night, blood circulation will be restored, which means stiffness in the morning will disappear.
Blue clay and mumiye: home remedies prepared on the basis of these components have soothing properties, help relieve swelling and relieve discomfort. But they cannot cope with joint diseases on their own. The same goes for burdock, zloty mustache, knotweed, birch and rosehip: if you find recipes with these components, you can safely use them for additional therapy for arthritis of the fingers and hands, but not as the main one.
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Symptoms of the disease may vary depending on what caused it.
The pain that a person experiences when performing any actions with his hands. At the initial stage of the disease, it may be mild, but as pathogenesis develops, the discomfort becomes stronger. At first, the pain appears only in the morning, after a person has remained motionless for a long time, and after 30 minutes it disappears. Often patients call the pain that occurs in the joints of the fingers an aching, which clearly indicates its nature. Sometimes it may be accompanied by a burning and tingling sensation;
Reaction of joints to changes in weather, as well as changes in atmospheric pressure;
Swelling and swelling form around the joints. This makes the hands look like pillows, the fingers thicken;
The body temperature rises locally - in the place where the diseased joint is located. But sometimes, for example, with infectious or rheumatoid arthritis, the general body temperature may increase, and fever is often observed;
Hereditary predisposition. Scientists have found that if blood relatives suffered from arthritis, then their descendants are likely to also be susceptible to this disease;
Diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatism, sexually transmitted infections, lupus erythematosus, diabetes mellitus, gout, tuberculosis - all this can cause arthritis of the hands and fingers;
Stress should not be ignored as a factor influencing the occurrence of the disease.
The third stage is determined by joint deformation. The hands are always affected symmetrically, the pain in the fingers becomes very severe. Most of all, it torments a person in the morning, the skin turns red, the local temperature rises, and movements are constrained. These signs may not go away until the patient takes pain medication;
Fourth stage. The articular cartilage grows together, it becomes impossible to move the fingers, and even the simplest self-care skills are lost. The person becomes helpless and is assigned one of the degrees of disability.
On the subject: Arthrosis of the joints of the fingers and toes
If we look at the classification, we can count up to 10 varieties of this disease.
The most common types of arthritis in the hands are:
Rheumatoid arthritis. In most cases, it begins precisely with small joints, which include the joints of the fingers. Subsequently, the disease affects larger joints;
Post-traumatic arthritis is the result of damage to bone tissue and articular cartilage. The inflammatory process is often delayed;
Depending on the location of the inflammation, hand arthritis can be proximal, middle or distal;
You should forget about self-medication. All, even seemingly the most proven methods of treating sore joints of the hands, must be previously agreed upon with the doctor;
Rest at night should be complete and be at least 8 hours;
Drug treatment of hand arthritis is carried out using the following drugs:
When the disease is in the acute phase, taking NSAIDs is necessary. Drugs in this group include diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketonal, and ibuclin. They will help relieve inflammation and swelling somewhat, as well as reduce pain, which will immediately have a beneficial effect on the patient’s well-being;
Preparations that are based on chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. But you should be prepared for the fact that you will need to take them over a long period of time. The minimum duration of therapy is 3 months. In the future, the appropriateness of the appointment is determined by the patient’s well-being. Such a long treatment period is due to the fact that the hyaline cartilage of the joints of the fingers and hand is restored slowly;
If arthritis is bacterial in nature, then its therapy is impossible without the use of systemic antibiotics. These can be penicillins, as well as macrolides;
If the disease does not respond to the above therapy, then corticosteroids or antimalarials may be prescribed. But doctors try to avoid these drugs, since their effect is short-lived and there can be many side effects;
On topic: Modern dietary supplements for joint restoration
Ultrasound treatment, electrophoresis, massage, quartz treatment and acupuncture have been successfully used. Since the hand joints are in close proximity to the surface of the skin, targeting them with any of these procedures will be most effective.
Electrophoresis is carried out using a special apparatus. The joint is exposed to current of different frequencies. This improves blood circulation, relieves pain and promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Using electrophoresis, various drugs are delivered to the joint, for example dimexide, analgin, novocaine, etc.
Electrophoresis cannot be performed if:
The person has an elevated body temperature;
There is a built-in implant that falls under the treatment area;
Ultrasound is no less popular in the treatment of hand joints. It helps relieve spasms, restore mobility to the fingers, and reduce pain. However, this method of treatment can be used only when the acute stage of the disease has passed, since exposure to ultrasound affects the degree of vascular permeability. Although this method is highly effective, it also has a number of contraindications, for example, menopause, coronary heart disease, vegetative-vascular dystonia, hypertension and other diseases.
Thus, ultrasound therapy and electrophoresis are considered the most effective for arthritis of the fingers and hands. These are the two most commonly used methods of auxiliary therapy for hand arthritis in modern domestic medicine. Although other countries adhere to other methods. So, in China, acupuncture is used to treat arthritis of the hands. However, only complex therapy can relieve a person from pain and inflammation in the joints.
If the patient seeks help too late, when the phalanges of the fingers have fused, then endoprosthetics will be necessary.
This procedure is effective in treating most joint diseases. But it is prescribed when other methods of therapy do not give the desired effect. Before replacing even a small finger joint with a prosthesis, the patient is fully examined. Each artificial joint is developed individually, taking into account the physiological characteristics of a person.
An incision is made on the dorsolateral surface of the hand, then the articular capsule is opened;
Dentures are installed in widened channels.
Acute or chronic osteomyelitis;
Pathologies of the cardiovascular system (meaning severe forms in which a person cannot tolerate anesthesia);
Foci of infection until recovery are sinusitis, caries, tonsillitis, otitis media.
Sea fish with high fat content. These may be representatives of the salmon family, tuna, sardines;
Fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. These include papaya, kiwi, peaches and oranges.;
Nuts and seeds. Preference should be given to almonds. But it is important that the nuts are not salted, since salt in large quantities is prohibited for people with arthritis;
Garlic is great for dealing with inflammation. But don’t get too carried away with it, as it irritates the stomach. It is better to consume a few cloves of garlic with your main meal;
Cereals such as millet, buckwheat, oatmeal and rice.
Hot peppers, tomatoes, eggplants and pumpkin. These vegetables can provoke an attack of pain. Especially if the hand arthritis was caused by gout;
All foods containing saturated fat. These include fatty meats and delicacies, offal, baked goods with margarine;
Sorrel, rhubarb, spinach and green onions.
If you adhere to them, the diet will be effective and will definitely have a positive effect:
You cannot consume a large amount of food at one time, and also starve;
Body weight should be controlled. If you have excess pounds, you need to lose them. But this process must take place under medical supervision;
You need to drink enough water, which the doctor can calculate based on how much the person weighs;
You can drink not only ordinary, but also alkaline mineral water, if there are no contraindications to this.
Exercise 1. “Fist”. Warm-up, which consists of clenching your hands tightly into a fist. In this case, the thumb should be on top of the other four. You should press it on your fingers and remain in this position for at least half a minute. After this, the fist unclenches and the fingers spread as wide as possible to the sides. The exercise must be done with both hands synchronously. You need to repeat up to 4 times. An important limitation to performing the exercise is the occurrence of painful sensations. If discomfort occurs, the activity must either be stopped completely or the intensity of the compression reduced;
Exercise 2. “Rosary beads.” Alternately, you need to touch the pads of each of the remaining fingers with your thumb. You should start with the index finger, stopping at the little finger and working your way back. Perform at least 5 times;
Exercise 3. “Fan”. The palms must be pressed firmly against any flat surface, but without resting on them. Try to tense your hands and spread your fingers out to the sides as wide as possible. Repeat 5 times, try to perform as if a tight elastic band was put on your fingers, the resistance of which must be overcome;
Exercise 4. “Piano”. The hands remain in the same position as in the previous exercise. In this case, you must alternately try to lift your finger up, while leaving the adjacent fingers on the table. Do not bend them at the joints. Repeat 3 times for each brush;
Exercise 6. “Claws.” To do this, you need to leave your hands in the same position, bend and straighten your fingers, pulling them towards your palm. But you need to do it not one by one, but with all five fingers at once;
On topic: Therapeutic exercises and exercises for arthritis
No person can completely protect themselves from a disease such as arthritis, but there are preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of the disease.
To do this, you need to adhere to the following recommendations:
Every infectious disease must be treated to the end, without self-medication and promptly seeking help from a doctor;
Try to avoid sudden fluctuations in weight, control body weight and get rid of extra pounds in a timely manner;