When we think of the hands of an elderly person, we almost inevitably imagine gnarled fingers that are thinned in the phalanges but as if swollen in the joints. Few people think that this is not just a sign of the natural aging of the body, but a symptom of a real disease - osteoarthritis of the fingers. What's more, not everyone knows that this disease can "age" the hands by the age of twenty-five or thirty, making even writing a simple note or twisting a bottle cap a painful and difficult task. How to Maintain Fine Motor Skills in Your Fingerswho is at risk and what to do with osteoarthritis of the fingers if it has already started - read below.
Deforming osteoarthritis of the fingers
The metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of a person are exposed to constant stress, because for a normal quality of life they have to perform fine motor movements every minute - from simple grasping movements (taking an apple, opening a door, holding a cutlery) to very small and complex ones (they determine a person's handwriting, their ability to sew and knit, play instruments, and much more). The more intensely the fingers are stressed, the more stress is placed on the cartilage tissue that covers the heads of the phalangeal bones and forms the joint surface. This layer of cartilage, surrounded by synovial fluid, does not allow the bones to rub against each other when moving, but rather to slide, and also plays the role of a natural shock absorber (e. g. it is not possible to type on the keyboard).
The interphalangeal cartilage is subject to wear and tear for various reasons, which we will discuss below. Most often the process goes like this:
- The porous cartilage is exposed to stress that "squeezes out" the joint lubricant and ensures good joint mobility. Normally, this is followed by recovery - the cartilage is saturated with moisture again in a calm state. However, if the stress is too great or the dietIf the cartilage is disturbed, it begins to dry out and crack, leading to a decrease in its elasticity and functionality.
- Overdried cartilage, unable to withstand friction, gradually begins to wear off and thin out, exposing the heads of the bones. Since the joint surface is not fully able to cope with the task at hand, the bones, muscles and ligaments experience the stress on the cartilage - almost the entire orthopedic apparatus of the finger or even the entire hand. In order to enlarge the area of the joint surface and prevent it from being wiped out further, the body begins to "manufacture" osteophytes in the affected area - bone growths that can have a rounded and even spike-like shape. This process is popularly known as "salt deposition. ""called, which is not entirely correct, because we are talking about the increase in bone tissue.
- The appearance of osteophytes leads to a decrease in mobility - the fingers flex worse, and normal daily tasks can no longer be performed as consistently as before. At the same time, the bone tissue does not have its own protective mechanism against friction, and therefore osteophytes regularly break off and damage the adjacent tissue, causing pain and inflammation. In addition, microscopic cracks form, which reduce the strength of the bone and make it brittle - this is why finger fractures are not uncommon in osteoarthritis and osteoarthritis, even if the blows are not too strong. If the osteophyte, which makes up for the inadequate function of the joint, breaks off, another grows in its place - over time, the process only worsens along with a cartilage dysfunction.
- Severe wear and tear on the joint surfaces, changes in the shape of the bones lead to restructuring of the entire hand, chronic inflammation and pain. The brush is so deformed that he cannot even grab the mug with his fingers.
Osteoarthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis (all are synonyms), differs from arthritis, especially in the destruction of the joint and the chronic course of the disease. While arthritis only implies the presence of an acute inflammatory process that affects the cartilage tissue. In osteoarthritis, the joint sac, synovium, subchondral bone, ligaments and muscles are involved in the degenerative-dystrophic process. With arthritis, too, the pain is usually sharp and severe and occurs at night. While the osteoarthritis is noticeable during the day, in the early stages - not too pronounced pain.
The currently most common forms of osteoarthritis are considered: rhizarthrosis, in which the thumb is involved, and polyarthrosis, in which several interphalangeal joints are affected at the same time.
Remember: In the early stages of the disease, bone loss can still be prevented and osteoarthritis can be brought into permanent remission while maintaining the high-quality biomechanics of the hands.
Causes of osteoarthritis of the small joints of the hands
The risk group often includes people in the family who are already suffering from osteoarthritis of the fingers. The density of cartilage tissue and the speed of metabolic processes in it are genetically predetermined, and therefore the propensity for the development of the disease can be hereditary. In addition, the disease affects postmenopausal women around 10 times more often than their male peers.
The likelihood of osteoarthritis increases in connection with occupational and domestic stress - typists, surgeons, masseurs, bakers, milkers, turners and millers, pianists, athletes and other professionals who "work with their hands" often notice unpleasant symptoms earlier than others.
The development of osteoarthritis of the fingers is facilitated by:
- rapid wear and / or insufficient regeneration of cartilage tissue;
- Metabolic disorders, problems with the endocrine system, 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 hand, fingers and wrist;
- Hypothermia, work with vibrating instruments and other unfavorable factors;
- septic and specific (tuberculosis, chlamydia, syphilis) infectious diseases;
- allergic reaction;
- chronic dehydration (the habit of not drinking enough water);
- an unbalanced diet without vitamins D, E, K and minerals.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the fingers
Symptoms and treatment of osteoarthritis of the finger can vary greatly depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's perception. Often, slight discomfort in the joints and increased muscle fatigue are attributed to tiredness and ignored until excruciating pain occurs all the time. But the earlier treatment is started, the more the fingers remain functional in old age and the higher the quality of life in the following years.
First stage.The disease begins with a feeling of sore hands, numbness or tingling, sometimes - manifests itself in stabbing pain. It becomes more difficult to do everyday tasks - fingers tire faster, dry and rough crunch occurs in the joints (not to be confused with "healthy" sound! ), Clicks when bending. I want to give my hands a break. Pain is usually justfelt during exercise. In the relaxed state, the fingers hurt for some time and cause discomfort. Stiffness of movements is observed more and more often, prior to exercises that require manual dexterity, the fingers must be "warmed up" to stretch the fingers. TheJoints become swollen, and in cardiovascular diseases, the hands react to changing weather.
Second floor.At this stage, there is a sharp narrowing of the joint space (up to 50%), the inflammatory process increases. The skin over the joints often becomes hot. The pain tends to be continuous and cannot stop even at night. Swelling after work and in the morning, stiffness of the fingers. The phalanges noticeably thicken, and the ligaments shorten, the movements appear awkward, making it difficult to manipulate small objects (needles, threads, small coins and buttons). Characteristic, synovial fluid-filled connective tissue thickenings appear on the sides of the joints (the so-called tactile and temperature sensitivity of the fingers is greatly reduced. Without warm baths, it is almost impossible to relax the hands - the muscles are constantly tense. The amplitude of voluntary movements is noticeably reduced, Convulsions occur.
Third section.In the last stage of the disease, the fingers practically do not bend, ankylosis and persistent contractures may appear. The pain is constant, debilitating, and often causes depression in patients. The phalanges of the fingers between the joints become thinner due to muscular dystrophy. Even simple everyday tasks - for example holding a cup - are practically inaccessible to the patient. He needs the help of others. Deformations of the joints and changes in the shape of the hand are clearly visible. In advanced cases, necrotic changes in the tissue are possible.
If you want to take an express test and understand whether it is worth worrying, this article on Osteoarthritis Symptoms and Treatment will help. However, the best solution would be to see a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible - only clinical diagnostic procedures will help to definitively confirm or refute the diagnosis.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the fingers
Control of osteoarthritis of the fingers in the early stages allows you to completely get rid of the external symptoms of the disease that affect the quality of life. However, the therapy is complex, multivectoral - it includes not only the use of drugs, but also physical effects and even occupational therapy. Fighting a chronic disease sometimes requires rethinking diet, daily routines, working conditions and workplace organization.
Medication
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the fingers, as a rule, begins with the elimination of pain, for which the immobilization of the hand with a splint or an orthopedic bandage and pain reliever tablets, creams and ointments is used. Sleep mode helps rehydrate the cartilage and restore its elasticity. For severe inflammation and edema that disrupts the trophism (nutrition) of tissues, the doctor prescribes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that restore blood flow to the fingers. Depending on the indication, steroid hormones are prescribed. Osteoarthritis, which is caused by infectious arthritis, requires the topical administration of antibiotics.
The inclusion of chondroprotectors has established itself as one of the most effective measures at every stage of the disease. Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine have to be taken in courses about 6 months a year - the effect occurs after a few months and is long-term.
If the proposed treatment doesn't relieve the pain, analgesics can be injected directly into the joint. This procedure often uses special medicinal mixtures that also contain chondroprotectors, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich blood plasma (PRP therapy), and other agents designed to regenerate cartilage tissue and eliminate friction.
Surgical intervention for osteoarthritis of the hands
In the latter stages of the disease, depending on the indication, surgery can be performed. This is usually a joint irrigation and removal of osteophytes, the reconstruction or formation of a destroyed joint, its stabilization (fusion) or endoprosthetics (previously a rather unpopular measure in surgery on small wrists).
Physiotherapy treatment
In most cases, the disease responds well to conservative physiotherapeutic treatment - but this only occurs in the remission stage, after the inflammation has subsided. Apparatus 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 are recommended to patients, which will help fight muscle tension and spasms, have a positive effect on the condition of the ligaments, metabolism in the hand and fingers, as well as the amplitude of voluntary movements. It is enough for self-massage:
- rub your palms together until the skin is warm;
- rub each finger from the base to the tips;
- roll each finger into a lightly clenched fist, as if you were sharpening a pencil;
- quickly bend and bend your fingers for 30 seconds, avoiding clenching them into fists;
- Put your palms together and place your fingertips together by pressing them well for 1-2 minutes.
Includes treatment of osteoarthritis of the fingers and gymnastics. Use rubber balls and special wrist expanders, special cubes and other devices to develop fine motor skills while warming up. Modeling from clay or plasticine will not be superfluous. This will help maintain muscle tone and prevent large osteophytes from forming.
You can also make warm baths at home with water (it is worth adding sea salt, essential oils, herbal teas), paraffin or clean sand - heating the formulations will accelerate the elimination of putrefactive products and provide quick access to nutrients.
Diet for osteoarthritis of the fingers
Patients are advised to follow a non-strict diet that excludes smoked, excessively salty foods, alcohol, and foods with artificial colors, steroids, and preservatives. Diet is especially important in the treatment of metabolic osteoarthritis - in this case it is completely determined by the attending physician. Meals rich in animal and vegetable collagen and other gelling agents are usually recommended for patients. Food should contain a minimum of "empty" calories and meet the body's daily needs for vitamins, macro- and micro-elements. It is imperative that you drink enough water with electrolytes, such as mineral or isotonic drinks.