Finger osteoarthritis - a disease of musicians or not

Thinking of an old man’s hand, we almost inevitably imagine gnarled fingers thinning on the walls, but as if swollen in the joints. Few think it is not just a sign of the body’s natural aging, but a symptom of a real disease - osteoarthritis of the fingers. And even more, not everyone knows that this disease can "age" your hand at the age of twenty-five or thirty, making even a simple note or twisting the bottle cap a painful and difficult task. motor skills, who is at risk and what to start with finger arthrosis, once it has begun - read about it below.

Deforming arthrosis of the fingers

A person’s metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints are under constant strain because they need to perform subtle motor movements every minute for a normal quality of life - from a simple grip (taking an apple, opening a door, holding a cutlery) to a small one. and complex (these determine a person’s handwriting, sewing and knitting ability, playing instruments, and much more). The more intensely the fingers are loaded, the greater the wear and tear on the cartilage tissue that obscures the head of the phalangeal bones, thus forming the joint surface. This cartilage layer, which washes with joint fluid, allows the bones not to rub against each other during movement, but seems to slip, and also acts as a natural shock absorber (for example, during shock movements without which it is impossible to type on a keyboard).

For various reasons, which are discussed below, interphalangeal cartilage is subject to abrasion. Most often, the process is as follows:

1. The porous cartilage tissue undergoes a load in which the joint lubricant is "squeezed out" of it, providing good joint mobility. Normally, it then recovers - the cartilage is saturated with moisture again at rest. dry out and crack, which leads to a decrease in its flexibility and functionality.
2. As the over-dried cartilage is unable to resist friction, it gradually wears out and thins, revealing the bones of the head. As the joint surface is unable to fully cope with the task, the bones, muscles, and ligaments begin to experience the strain on the cartilage — the finger on almost the entire orthopedic device or even the entire hand. In order to increase the area of the joint surface and prevent it from being further erased, the body begins to "finish" the osteophytes in the affected area - with bone growths that can be rounded and even spiky. This process is also called "salt deposition", whichnot entirely correct, because we are talking about the proliferation of bone tissue.
3. The appearance of osteophytes leads to a decrease in mobility - the fingers are worse and the usual daily tasks can no longer be handled as skillfully as before. However, bone tissue does not have its own defense mechanism against friction, so osteophytes periodically break off and damage adjacent tissues, causing pain and inflammation. In addition, microscopic cracks occur, which reduce bone strength and make it fragile - which is why finger fractures are not uncommon in arthrosis and osteoarthritis, even from not too strong blows. When an osteophyte that compensates for joint dysfunction breaks down, another woman is in place - over time, the process only gets worse along with cartilage dysfunction.
4. Severe wear on the joint surfaces, changes in the shape of the bones lead to a change in the structure of the whole hand, chronic inflammation and pain. The brush deforms until it is unable to grasp the mug with its fingers.

Arthrosis, also called osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis (all synonyms), differs from arthritis primarily in the destruction of the joint and the chronic course of the disease. While arthritis refers only to the presence of an acute inflammatory process involving cartilage tissue. In arthrosis, the synovium, synovium, subchondral bone, and ligaments and muscles are involved in the degenerative-dystrophic process. Furthermore, in arthritis, the pain is usually sharp and severe, occurring at night. While arthrosis feels during the day, in the early stages - not very pronounced painful pains.

At present, the most common forms of arthrosis are considered: rhizarthrosis, in which the thumb is involved, and polyarthrosis, which affects several interphalangeal joints at the same time.

Remember: in the early stages of the disease, bone destruction can still be prevented and arthrosis can go into constant remission while maintaining high-quality biomechanics of the hands.

Causes of arthrosis of the small joints of the hand

The risk group often includes family members who have already had diseases in finger arthrosis. The density of cartilage tissue and the rate of metabolic processes within it are genetically predetermined, so the predisposition to disease can be hereditary. In addition, the disease affects postmenopausal women about ten times more often than their male counterparts.

The likelihood of osteoarthritis increases with professional and household workloads - typists, surgeons, masseurs, bakers, milking girls, lathes and millers, pianists, athletes and other professionals who "work with their hands" often notice unpleasant symptoms earlier than others.

Finger osteoarthritis is facilitated by:

• rapid abrasion and / or insufficient regeneration of cartilage tissue;
• metabolic disorders, endocrine problems, systemic autoimmune diseases (diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, gout);
• lack of normal rest and warm-up at work, excessive exercise with dumbbells;
• sleep disorders and chronic stress;
• age-related hormonal changes;
• congenital hand defects;
• injuries to the hands, fingers and wrists;
• hypothermia, work with vibrating devices and other adverse factors;
• septic and specific (tuberculosis, chlamydia, syphilis) infectious diseases;
• allergic reactions;
• chronic dehydration (habit of low drinking);
• unbalanced diet, lack of vitamins D, E, K and minerals.

Symptoms of finger osteoarthritis

Symptoms and treatment of finger joint arthrosis can vary significantly depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's perception. Often, mild discomfort in the joints, increased muscle fatigue can be attributed to fatigue, and is ignored until constant excruciating pain appears. But the sooner treatment is started, the more fully the functionality of the fingers will be maintained in old age and the higher the quality of life will be in the years to come.

First phase.The disease begins with a feeling of pain, numbness or tingling in the hands, sometimes manifested as - shooting pains. It's harder to do everyday tasks - fingers get tired faster, dry and rough cracks appear in the joints (not to be confused with the "healthy" sound! ), Clicks when bending. I want to rest my hands. Pain is usually only felt during exercise. the fingers hurt for a while and cause discomfort. The rigidity of the movements is observed more and more often, before the exercises requiring dexterity it is necessary to "warm up", to extend the fingers. The joints become swollen. In the presence of cardiovascular diseases the hands begin to react to the changingweather.

Second stage.At this stage, the joint space narrows sharply (up to 50%), and the inflammatory process intensifies. Above the joints, the skin often becomes hot. The pain is usually constant and cannot stop at night. After work and in the morning, the fingers have swelling and stiffness. The bellows thicken noticeably and the ligaments shorten, awkwardness appears in the movements, making it harder to manipulate small objects (needles, threads, tiny coins and buttons). On the side of the joints, a characteristic thickening of the connective tissue (called Heberden and Bouchard nodules) appears, filled with synovial fluid - the cysts are particularly visible when viewed from the back of the palm. The tactile and temperature sensitivity of the fingers is significantly reduced. It becomes almost impossible to rest your hands without a warm bath - the muscles are in constant tension. The amplitude of voluntary movements decreases noticeably, convulsions appear.

Third stage.In the last stage of the disease, the fingers practically do not bend, ankylosis and permanent contractures may appear. The pain is constant, debilitating, and often causes depression in patients. Between the joints, the phalanges of the fingers become thinner due to dystrophy of the muscle tissue. Simple everyday tasks, such as holding a cup, are virtually out of reach for the patient. You need the help of others. The deformation of the joints and the change in the shape of the hand are clearly visible. In advanced cases, necrotic changes in the tissues are possible.

If you want to take an explicit test and understand if you should worry, an article on the symptoms and treatment of osteoarthritis will be helpful to you. However, the best solution would be to contact a rheumatologist or orthopedist as soon as possible - only clinical diagnostic methods will help to definitively confirm or refute the diagnosis.

Treatment of finger osteoarthritis

Treating finger arthrosis at an early stage allows the complete elimination of external symptoms of the disease that affect quality of life. However, therapy is complex, multi-vector - involving not only the use of drugs, but also physical effects and even occupational therapy. To combat a chronic illness, you sometimes need to rethink your diet, daily routine, working conditions, and workplace organization.

Drug treatment

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the fingers usually begins with the elimination of pain, to which the hand is secured with a splint or orthopedic bandage and painkillers, creams, and ointments. The resting mode helps to regenerate the cartilage and restore elasticity. In the presence of severe inflammation and edema that disrupts tissue trophism (nutrition), your doctor will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to restore blood circulation to your fingers. Steroid hormones are prescribed for use. It requires topical application of antibiotics for osteoarthritis caused by infectious arthritis.

Inclusion of chondroprotectors at any stage of the disease has become one of the most effective measures. Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine should be consumed in courses for about 6 months a year - the effect occurs after a few months and is long-lasting.

If the recommended treatment does not relieve the pain, painkillers can be injected directly into the joint. Often, this method involves the use of special pharmaceutical compositions that include chondroprotectors, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich blood plasma (PRP therapy), and other means to regenerate cartilage tissue and eliminate friction.

Surgery for arthrosis of the hands

In the last stage of the disease, surgery is indicated. As a general rule, this is flushing of the joint and removal of osteophytes, reconstruction or formation of the destroyed joint, stabilization (fusion) or endoprosthetics (a hitherto rather unpopular measure during surgery of small joints in the hand).

Physiotherapy treatment

In most cases, the disease responds well to conservative physiotherapy treatment - however, it is only performed during the remission phase, after the inflammation has subsided. Device methods for treating deforming osteoarthritis of the fingers include electrophoresis, shock wave, UHF, pulse, magnetotherapy, and others. Acupuncture is also effective.

Therapeutic massage and self-massage recommended for patients, which helps to overcome muscle tension and cramps, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the ligaments, the metabolism of the hands and fingers, and the amplitude of voluntary movements. Enough for self-massage:

• rub your palms together until the skin is warm;
• rub all your fingers from the bottom to the tip;
• wrap each finger in a slightly clenched fist just as you sharpen a pencil;
• quickly bend and unfold your fingers for 30 seconds, avoiding clenching your fists;
• put your palms together and support your fingertips together, squeezing them well for 1-2 minutes.

Includes treatment for finger osteoarthritis and exercise. Use rubber balls and special wrist expanders, special cubes and other tools to improve fine motor skills during warm-up. Modeling from clay or plasticine will not be unnecessary. This helps maintain muscle tone and prevent the development of large osteophytes.

You can also make hot baths at home with water (it is worth adding sea salt, essential oils, herbal teas), paraffin or pure sand - heating the preparations speeds up the elimination of decomposition products and provides quick access to nutrients.

Diet for finger arthrosis

Patients are advised not to follow a strict diet that excludes smoked, overly salty foods, alcohol, as well as foods containing artificial colors, steroids, and preservatives. Diet is especially important in the treatment of metabolic arthrosis - in which case it is completely determined by your doctor. As a general rule, patients are offered foods rich in animal and plant collagen and other gelling agents. The food should contain at least "empty" calories and fully meet the body's daily needs for vitamins, macro- and microelements. It is essential to drink enough water with electrolytes such as mineral or isotonic drinks.