Inflammatory process can develop in all parts of the musculoskeletal system, however, in most cases, arthritis associated with the main somatic ailment (with the exception of the disease against the background of trauma) affects the small joints of the hands and toes.
Brush - distal hand, which is conventionally divided into three anatomical segments: wrist, metacarpus and fingers (phalanges). The articular apparatus of the hand is represented by four groups of movable joints:
Diagnosis of arthrosis in the hands
The doctor will have to assess the condition of his patient, look for any deformities, any Heberden nodes and accompany their fingers in some movements, assessing their mobility and the presence of any joint jargon. X-rays are the most appropriate instrumental examination to know the condition of the joints, especially in relation to degenerative processes, because it perfectly emphasizes the condition of bones, articular rhythms, osteophytes and any deformities.
Endoprosthetics of finger joints
Most of the treatment is to relieve pain and restore joint functionality. Brief resting together may be the initial remedy for this disorder. The wardrobe can be recommended for both night and daily activities. Alternative postures will need to be prescribed by the therapist for those that worsen the symptoms.
- wrist;
- carpometacarpal;
- metacarpophalangeal;
- interphalangeal.
These joints provide a variety of hand movements: flexion, extension, circular rotation, abduction, and adduction.
The largest joint of the hand is the wrist joint, which is complex in structure, elliptical, and takes on the greatest load when performing any activity with the hands.
Arthrosis treatment of the hand and fingers is used to relieve pain and restore function. Brief rest periods can help if osteoarthritis gets worse. It might be wise to wear a nightgown at night and for some daily activities.
Arthritis and bumps on the fingers
A physical therapist or occupational therapist helps identify actions that worsen symptoms and suggests alternative methods or postures. The worst thing is to ignore if you suffer from arthritis. This, according to health experts, it could be the results of obesity. About 22 percent of adults in the United States have arthritis, with a total of about 50 million people suffering from the disease.
Clinical forms of arthritis
Joint inflammation can be acute or chronic with periodic exacerbations (relapses) and prolonged periods of abatement of symptoms (remission).
A chronic disease starts almost always asymptomatically or manifests itself as minor discomfort and non-intense aching pain in the area of the damaged joint. However, in the flourishing phase of the disease (exacerbation), the symptoms of chronic arthritis are identical to the painful manifestations of the acute form of the disease.
Cases did not increase in last years... However, pain or other symptoms of arthritis have increased significantly, limiting normal activity. The increase is primarily attributed to cases of osteoarthritis, especially among overweight or obese people.
There are about 000 known cases in Italy, but this figure would be much higher if we assume that many people are unaware of having contracted the infection. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that usually occurs in the elderly, but can also be caused by repetitive stress or acute trauma. Not to be confused with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease.
The inflammatory process can proceed in the form of monoartitis, in which pathological changes are observed in one joint, or cause more global lesions that damage two or more joints (polyarthritis).
Causes
A variety of internal and external factors are described, the impact of which leads to the development of joint inflammation. Some types of acute arthropathies are a direct consequence of the sharp intense influence of adverse circumstances, including:
Osteoarthritis usually affects the distal joints of the fingers and toes, and is usually associated with wear and tear on the joints due to unhealthy lifestyles, poor diet and aging. And asymmetric, as a rule, it manifests itself on one joint, on one side, and not on the other, or on one leg, and not on the other.
A healthy lifestyle is the best defense against osteoarthritis. Rates of arthritis are more than twice as high in obese people compared to those of normal weight. The extra weight puts more pressure on the joints. It can only lead to osteoarthritis and can also lead to worse conditions exponentially.
- various traumatic hand injuries;
- violation of the integrity of the skin during surgical operations;
- the ingress of infectious agents through microtrauma of the skin;
- ingress of harmful microorganisms into the joint cavity by the lymphogenous route or through the blood arteries.
These types of arthritis are: infectious, purulent-septic, reactive, post-traumatic.
Therefore, if you suffer from osteoarthritis and are overweight or obese, weight loss is an important form of treatment. Their biochemistry and genetics affect the relationship between fats, proteins and carbohydrates that the body needs to develop. Exercise is essential if you suffer from osteoarthritis.
The second component, if you want to deal with both weight loss, prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis, is a regular exercise program. Most people do not know how " physical exercise can be powerful in maintaining density bone tissue and joint function and how it can help prevent and relieve osteoarthritis, which advances with age.
There are also chronic forms of joint inflammation that are associated with an underlying medical condition, such as rheumatism, psoriasis, and gout.
Among the leading causes that potentiate the development of inflammation in the joints:
- congenital physiological defects of parts of the skeleton;
- acquired deformities of the hand due to degenerative-dystrophic changes in cartilage tissue in arthrosis or as a result of complications of injuries;
- unfavorable heredity: genetic predisposition to pathologies of the locomotor system;
- weakness of the immune system and, as a result, frequent acute viral and infectious diseases;
- excessive, inadequate response of the immune system, causing allergic-type reactions;
- autoimmune aggression: the attack of phagocytes on their own cells;
- untimely identified, misdiagnosed, not completely eliminated viral or bacterial infection, often occurring in a latent (latent) form;
- constant overload of the joints of the upper limbs due to the performance of professional duties;
- disruptions in metabolic processes.
The causes of exacerbation of chronic inflammation of the joints of the hand can be:
The idea that exercise is bad for joints is a misunderstanding; There is no evidence to support this belief. On the contrary, evidence shows how physical activity has a positive effect on joint tissues. If you are physically active to lose weight or maintain your ideal weight, your risk of developing osteoarthritis decreases.
If it is already in place for knee osteoarthritis, it is advisable to use exercises that strengthen the quadriceps in the front of the thigh rather than working or other shock-resistant exercises. Swimming or cycling practice would be helpful.
- severe hypothermia;
- unusual or lengthy work upper limbs;
- changes in hormonal status (for example, during pregnancy);
- exposure to stress factors;
- a sharp change in diet and drinking regime.
Clinical symptoms
The mechanism of development of inflammation and the symptoms manifested - in most cases at the peak of the disease are identical, but each type of arthritis has its own "personal" signs. Symptoms of inflammation in the segments of the hand also differ from patient to patient, depending on their age group, general health, and medications.
People suffering from osteoarthritis must be careful to avoid activity that aggravates joint pain. You should avoid any exercise that activates a significantly unstable joint. At the same time, it is very important to show and increase muscle tone supporting joints. Over time, the withdrawal results lead to muscle wasting and weakness.
Using traditional methods of treatment
If your joints are stiff, you should practice stretching and warming up before exercising, while swollen joints can benefit from applying ice for 10 minutes before starting work. The program should include a number of activities such as weight training, cardio, stretching and basic work, which should be integrated into the individual routine.
Let us describe the general clinical symptoms characteristic of the acute course of the disease and the phase of exacerbation of a chronic disease.
The most informative symptom, indicating the peak of the development of inflammation, is severe pain syndrome. The pain, as a rule, is strictly localized in the area above the inflamed joint, however, there may be a phenomenon of irradiation - the reflection of pain in adjacent areas along the branches of nerve fibers. With relapse pain expressed intensely in the form of stabbing, cutting, pulling, aching sensations. Discomfort does not disappear on its own after changing the position of the hand and prolonged inactivity with the upper limbs.
If pain persists for more than an hour after exercise, it is best to slow down or choose "another form of exercise." Assistive devices are useful for relieving pressure on joints that are stressed during exercise. What can be done to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
If you suffer from osteoarthritis, the cartilage on the inner joint is gradually damaged, and the synovial fluid that keeps the joints lubricated tends to decrease. The pain and stiffness you feel is the result of the bones starting to come into contact with one another, as cartilage and synovial fluids diminish, and if nothing is done quickly, the discomfort can get worse until they can no longer perform normal daily activities.
Another visually noticeable sign is external changes in the area of the affected joint. The joint area looks swollen and edematous, the joint stands out from the rest with its increased size and fuzzy contours. Skin covering in the diseased segment it changes its color: from a pale pink tone to a bright purple color. To the touch, the area of the skin is perceived as hotter in comparison with the surrounding areas, which indicates a local increase in temperature.
The good news is that the body is perfectly capable of repairing cartilage and synovial fluid, but this requires the proper intake of omega fats. Omega-3 fats, such as "krill oil, are an essential food ingredient that the body needs to reduce" inflammation, while glucosamine can help repair cartilage, which is the synovial fluid.
Glucosamine and chondroitin can help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis. The results of studies that have evaluated these supplements are not as reliable, and it has been confirmed in many people that no significant relief is obtained from either glucosamine or chondroitin.
The patient complains of difficulty or inability to perform the usual range of motion. Any load on the joint leads to exacerbation of discomfort.
In critical conditions, asthenic symptoms may be noted: loss of strength, weakness, apathy, decreased appetite, increased need for sleep. With a purulent-septic form of the disease, Clinical signs toxic poisoning of the body: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness. If the cause of the relapse is bacterial or viral infection the person is in a feverish state, which is accompanied by fever and chills.
However, recent research points to a way to dramatically increase the benefits of glucosamine when combined with omega fats. Omega-3s are widely recognized as specific anti-inflammatory properties. Glucosamine is a precursor to glycosaminoglycans, which is a major component of cartilage, so it can help prevent the degeneration of cartilage that occurs with osteoarthritis.
While it is often not recommended to use supplements, omega-3s combined with glucosamines can be beneficial for many patients. However, there are still other dietary supplements that can offer relief, especially when taken in combination with each other.
Treatment
Only an experienced doctor can determine how to treat arthritis of the hands after studying the results of diagnostics and excluding other pathologies.
Pharmacological treatment
In the treatment of acute and chronic forms of arthritis, medicines of different pharmacological classes are used, depending on the complex of symptoms and the etiology of the disease.
Natural options for pain relief. Osteoarthritis can manifest itself as a very painful condition, so pain relievers are usually an important component of treatment. Typically, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics such as Tylenol are used for this purpose.
Therefore, it is advisable to find more safe way selection of alternative natural anti-inflammatory drugs, including. Hyaluronic Acid: It is a key component of cartilage and has the function of delivering nutrients to cells and carrying waste outside. Research has found that it can help support joint health and mobility. It relieves pain by subtracting substance P, a chemical constituent of nerve cells that transmit pain signals to the brain, into the body. Emotional anxiety often causes arthritic conditions, therefore effective method controlling them can be of great value in terms of preventing disease.
Antibiotics are often used to overcome acute inflammation. Their appointment requires a strict dose selection, taking into account the age and weight of the patient, the state of the body systems, the severity of the infection. It is extremely important to observe the prescribed dosage regimen and to periodically monitor the concentration of the active substances of the drug in the patient's blood.
Christine Northup wrote. The severity of the problem depends on how intense these emotions are and how long are present and unresolved. Although we are all subject to irritations and frustrations in our lives, there is no reason to stay in castles and not move anymore.
The preferred solution for resolving emotional discomfort is the Emotional Freedom technique. If arthritis is already in place, the best solution is to find a qualified professional who can help you apply the method correctly. Remember, arthritis should not be considered a "terminal" disease.
Antiviral agents of both herbal origin and synthetic compounds are also used in the treatment. Their use makes it possible to eliminate foci of inflammation caused by viral agents and to have an immunomodulatory effect.
In some cases, the following are included in the treatment:
- antimycotics (antifungal agents);
- antihistamines (histamine receptor blockers);
- cytostatics (immunosuppressants);
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents);
- gold salts;
- corticosteroids (steroid hormones);
- hondoprotectors.
Treatment with folk remedies
With weight loss, exercise, appropriate changes in your diet and lifestyle, and the use of natural anti-inflammatory drugs can overcome the disease. Omega-3 fats are incredibly important in the treatment of osteoarthritis. According to a recent animal study, a diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids reduced most disease rates in the India prone to develop osteoarthritis test subject.
Three notable examples. Omega-3s are actually anti-inflammatory drugs that work in a very general way that they are beneficial for most people. Ideally, everyone should make a healthy lifestyle with high levels of omega-3s, and enjoy the health benefits they have to offer, including arthritis protection.
Treatment of chronic inflammation in the phase of relieving symptoms can be carried out using folk methods at home. Folk remedies include:
- applying warming ointments, anti-inflammatory compresses;
- hand baths with the addition of healing agents;
- taking herbal infusions and decoctions;
- the use of freshly squeezed juices.
Proven for centuries folk way to eliminate inflammation of the musculoskeletal system: tea from lingonberry berries and a decoction from the leaves of this shrub. This evergreen plant has a wide range of actions: anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, immunomodulatory. To prepare the healing liquid, take 1 tablespoon of dry raw materials, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 12 hours and filter. The resulting volume must be drunk in three doses in one day. The optimal duration of treatment is two weeks.
With the exception of some fish species, which are not always recommended for consumption due to mercury contamination, there are very few other sources of vital fat. Make sure you include an Omega-3 source in your diet. Most people today lack omega-3 fatty acids and consume too much omega-6 found in vegetable oils and processed foods.
Due to this severe imbalance, it is advisable to supplement the diet with a source of high quality omega-3 fatty acids, while reducing the intake of omega-6s, in order to restore the balance of the relationship. There are sources of omega-3 from plants and animals with significant differences between them.
An effective folk method: the internal use of decoction decoction (marsh cinquefoil). The plant has a powerful therapeutic effect: it eliminates the inflammatory process, cleanses the body of toxic toxins, has an analgesic effect, relieves stiffness of movements. To obtain a decoction, take 1 tablespoon of dry crushed material, add 200 ml of hot purified water and keep on a steam bath for 15 minutes. When the liquid has cooled down, filter it. Healers recommend using this drink for a month.
A simple folk remedy for getting rid of inflammation and arthralgia is to prepare medicinal decoctions from dried parts of chamomile, nettle leaves and ground oak bark.
Folk remedies for the treatment of inflammation of the joints of the hand suggest that patients do warm (but not hot) hand baths every day. In water, you can dissolve crystals of sea salt or add a few drops of oils: fir, thyme, eucalyptus, rose, bergamot.
- a disease that changes hands beyond recognition. How to treat arthritis of the hands so that they always remain attractive, workable and do not bring discomfort?
What is hand arthritis?
The joints of the hands are the most vulnerable to arthritis. A person constantly performs many different operations with his hands in all spheres of life. They are most exposed to stress and injury. But not only these factors provoke the development of the disease. Joint arthritis is an inflammatory disease that can result from infections, poor working conditions, or an autoimmune reaction of the body to its joints.
Different age categories of people are subject to the disease. With age, the number of patients increases. Most often women suffer from arthritis. This is due to the fact that the disease is inherited only by them. Those who have relatives who are at risk of developing arthritis are most at risk.
When the disease is chronic:
- The pain occurs with hypothermia of the hands.
- In the morning, upon waking, there is stiffness in the fingers.
- Joints squeak during movement.
- Nodules are felt under the skin.
On testifies:
- fever;
- acute joint pain;
- swelling and hyperemia of the skin in the area of the joints.
Without timely and correct treatment, the disease leads to loss of mobility and deformation of the hand joints.
The reasons for the development of pathology
The causes of finger arthritis are very different:
- These are various kinds of infections. Arthritis appears against the background of other ailments: rheumatism and flu, psoriasis and tuberculosis, syphilis and hepatitis and the like.
- Weakened immunity. The inflammatory process occurs as a result of hypothermia (due to cold water, weather).
- Severe lingering stress and emotional upheaval. In most cases, these are long-term resentment, guilt, long-held anger, self-loathing for something.
- Immune failure. Changes in the hormonal background due to the use of certain medications, diseases, stressful situations give a start for the destruction of the tissues of their own joints by leukocytes.
- Genetic predisposition. The disease is inherited.
- Various injuries and bruises, undergoing surgery on the hands.
- Failure of metabolic processes in the body. They create the basis for the emergence of vascular pathology in the hands. Small vessels are damaged, blood supply is disrupted.
Hand arthritis is treated by several specialists. The first condition for effective therapy is competent diagnosis. It is based on laboratory studies of the internal contents of the joint capsule. The analysis makes it possible to establish the nature of the disease: infectious or non-infectious.
After the final diagnosis is made, an individual treatment program is drawn up. Hand arthritis is treated using drug therapy and therapeutic and prophylactic measures.
Medical treatment includes:
- painkillers (the doctor selects each individually);
- chondroprotectors (protect the joint and inhibit the synthesis of the destructive enzyme);
- combined drugs (combine several active substances that provide multi-vector therapy).
Topical treatments are used to reduce inflammation and pain:
- Lubricate places in the area of diseased joints with gels and ointments based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Intra-articular and perifocal administration of glucocorticosteroids.
Non-drug treatments include:
- Reducing the stress on the joints to a minimum.
- Prevention of factors that provoke the disease.
- Performing therapeutic gymnastic exercises with a simultaneous visit to the pool.
- The use of physiotherapeutic procedures: thermal, ultrasonic, laser-magnetic and acupuncture, massage and hydrotherapy.
- Rejection of bad habits. Do not abuse coffee drinks.
- Compliance with a therapeutic diet. The diet includes foods high in antioxidants and vitamins D and E, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Food rich in starch and fats, salty and fried foods are excluded.
In the most advanced forms of hand arthritis, surgical methods of treatment are used.
They mean:
- Joint replacement surgery.
- Arthrodesis (fixation of the joint in a given position).
Folk remedies for the treatment of the disease
To date, treatment with folk remedies has not lost its importance:
- Tinctures. Alcohol tincture of white lily flowers perfectly relieves joint inflammation and pain. To prepare it, you need to pour 10 flowers of the plant with 400 ml of alcohol. For about 20-30 days, insist in a cool dark place. After that, the infusion is filtered and the joints are lubricated up to 3 times a day. The duration of treatment has no time frame.
- Trays. For trays with white clay, you need 100 g of clay and 1 liter of water. Clay is purchased at a pharmacy, bred warm water and put the baths for 15-20 minutes. The duration of the course is not limited. The course of treatment with hay baths is 7 days. Then they take a break for 7 days, after which the course is repeated. To prepare a bath, 200 g of dry straw is poured into 2 liters of boiling water. Simmer in a steam bath for up to 40 minutes. The broth is cooled to body temperature. Take a bath from 15 minutes to half an hour.
- Compresses. In acute pain, honey is the main remedy. It is mixed with vodka. Strips of linen or cotton fabric are moistened in the mixture and hands are wrapped. Cotton gloves are put on top. The compress is put on at night. You can make compresses from the juice of white cabbage or wormwood, onion gruel.
- Ointments. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 chicken yolks. Heating the beeswax in a water bath, slowly pour out the honey-egg mixture. The ointment is applied warm. Therefore, it is prepared just before use. A wide strip of fabric is moistened with ointment. Then they are applied to the hands and fixed with a bandage. Leave it overnight.
- Rubbing. Mix equal amounts of henbane and sunflower oils. The mixture is rubbed into sore spots at night. Insist for 1 month in 1 liter of vodka 2-3 green chestnut peels. Then rub the hands. The affected areas can be treated with alcohol tincture of bird cherry bark (2 tablespoons per glass of vodka).
- Tea. Take anti-inflammatory compound teas (in a 1: 1 plant ratio):
- from currant leaves, rose hips, hibiscus;
- from chamomile, calendula, lemon balm;
- from birch leaves, chamomile flowers and cinquefoil;
- from leaves of currant, lingonberry, birch.
Mix 1 tablespoon of raw materials. Then pour boiling water over and leave for 1 hour. Having strained, drink 1 glass 3 times a day.
- Tinctures for internal use. They are made on the basis of herbal infusions from horseradish and black currant leaves.
- Using special clothing. Knit mittens from natural wool (dogs or sheep). During periods of exacerbation and during bouts of pain, these things are worn at night. Then the pain gradually loses its strength.
Do not ignore the first signs of joint inflammation. Arthritis is a very dangerous disease.
You can get a lot of trouble and complications from her. If the disease becomes a chronic condition, you can expect dangerous complications that are more difficult and more expensive to treat, and even earn a disability.
If an ailment is detected in the early stages, you need to do only correct and comprehensive therapy.
Self-medication can be hazardous to health, as some therapeutic agents may be contraindicated in a particular case.
Before starting treatment with folk or drugs, you should always seek the advice of a specialist.