Arthrosis of the fingers, how to treat, methods, drugs, physiotherapy!

Painful sensations, limited mobility, deformations of fingers of different degrees - all this may indicate the presence of such an unpleasant disease as arthrosis.

Unlike arthritis, which is accompanied by an inflammatory process with the possible involvement of other organs and systems, arthrosis per se is classified as degenerative-degenerative diseases and in most cases occurs without inflammation( if anyjoint flow of arthrosis and arthritis) and in isolation, without affecting other systems and organs.

After reading the information below, you will get a general idea of ​​arthrosis, learn about the causes of its arthrosis, the characteristic symptoms and treatment options.

General information on the arthrosis of the fingers

The key information on the essence of the disease is disclosed above. According to the averaged statistical data, the ailment more often affects female patients who have crossed the 40-year age limit. The risk of arthrosis becomes especially high with the onset of menopause.

In its mechanism of action, arthrosis is a degenerative disease accompanied by depletion of the components of the interphalangeal joints. A number of functional disorders of the function of joints with varying degrees of deformation occur.

A violation of the normal function of dividing the intercellular substances is noted, which causes the articular tissues to crack and dry out. Patients with arthrosis of the fingers may have similar lesions of other joints. In addition to the upper limbs, most often the disease is diagnosed in the area of ​​the fingers of the lower extremities, knees, shoulders, pelvis, etc.

In addition to its main title considered in this publication, the disease under study is often referred to as deforming osteoarthritis. And this name is chosen by chance: as the disease progresses to late stages, the deformities begin to affect not only the articular cartilage, but also the bones located next to it. In most cases, their terminal segments suffer. In the affected areas there are thickening - the so-called. Nodules. To a lesser degree the risk of arthrosis is affected by the joints of the thumb.

In the advanced stages, the aforementioned outgrowths lead to deformation of the joints, which significantly limits the normal mobility and provokes the development of inflammation. Patients with arthrosis note a significant deterioration in the quality of life. Gradually they lose the ability to perform not only professional, but also elementary everyday tasks. Many of them, provided there is no adequate timely medical assistance, become disabled.

The main causes of the appearance of arthrosis

Arthrosis of the fingers can appear for a variety of reasons. We list the most frequent of them.

1. Natural age changes. With age, there are violations of blood flow and internal metabolic processes. Systems, organs and tissues receive the substances they need in less quantity. In addition to other disorders, this can trigger the onset of arthrosis.
2. Climax. Actual for female patients.
3. Decreased function of the immune system.
4. Previously injured fingers.
   

   Injuries to the fingers increase the risk of developing arthrosis

5. Various kinds of respiratory infections.
6. Problems of genetic nature, which led to the development of defective processes in the joints.
7. Features of labor activity associated with frequent excessive load on the fingers.
   

   Osteoarthritis often affects people whose profession is associated with a constant strain on the fingers of the

8. Some acquired ailments, for example, diabetes, gout, rheumatism, etc.
9. Unfavorable external conditions, for example, frequent hypothermia.
10. Allergic processes.
11. Hereditary predisposition.
12. Disorders of metabolic processes caused by various factors.
13. Infectious diseases, for example, chlamydia.

Symptoms of arthrosis

To fully understand the essence of the mechanism of development of arthrosis and its manifestations, it is necessary to understand the structure of the joints. By its nature, the joint represents the movable articulation of bones in the so-called articular sac. The composition of the joint includes the following elements:

• of the surface of the joined bones;
• free space between joined bones, referred to as an articulation gap;
• collagen articular cartilage, responsible for damping the movements of the fingers;
• synovial membrane;
• special synovial fluid - produced by the previously mentioned shell. Responsible for reducing friction during movements, supplying the necessary elements to articular cartilage and its hydration;
• an articular bag.

In the event of a variety of disorders of articular fluid production, the cartilage "drying" occurs with its subsequent dystrophy. As a result, strong friction occurs between the bone surfaces, which causes the patient to experience painful sensations. This leads to arthrosis with all the symptoms characteristic of it, listed in the following list.

1. Characteristic crunch while moving with your fingers.
   

   Crack in the fingers

2. Painful sensations, the intensity of which changes when making movements and changing the level of the load. Most often, the patient experiences aching pain, which increases at night and after awakening.
   

   Aching in the morning

3. Seals arising in affected areas.
4. Swelling in the area of ​​joints.
   

   Finger swelling

5. A constant feeling of tension in the muscle tissues surrounding the affected areas.

Symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the disease. The above characteristics are characteristic of the initial, i.e.the first stage of the disease. As the disease progresses to the second stage, there is a strong thinning of the cartilage, accompanied by the appearance of various defects. Chronic inflammatory processes affecting the synovial membrane are noted. At this stage, the symptoms include the following manifestations:

• regular, severe pain;
• significant restriction of mobility of sick fingers;
• reddening of the skin in affected areas with an increase in its temperature;
• increase in the size of previously formed seals and swellings;
• muscle atrophy of the affected finger.

In the third stage of arthrosis, complete destruction of the cartilage occurs. The accompanying symptoms are as follows:

• persistent very severe pain;
• pronounced curvature of the fingers with a possible change in their length;
• transformation of swelling and compaction into pathological nodules;
• almost complete loss of mobility;
• explicit deformation formations in affected areas;
• loss of cartilage of its cushioning function;
• the formation of bone spurs on the bones located next to the affected joints.

In the future, the joint can become completely immobilized. In the event that the thumb is involved in the process, rizartroz is diagnosed.

Methods for the treatment of arthrosis of the fingers

The treatment of arthrosis of the fingers is suitable for a complex, simultaneous and / or consistent use of several possible techniques. About them in the table.

Table. Methods of treatment of arthrosis of the fingers

Treatment methods	Description
Use of medicines	Evaluating the patient's condition, the specialist will prescribe the most effective medicines for the particular case. First of all, these are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs intended to eliminate inflammatory processes( if any) in the articular cartilage region. In parallel, chondroprotectors are used to restore the normal structure and function of the cartilage. Otherwise, the composition of drug therapy remains at the discretion of the doctor.
Physiotherapy methods	Electrophoresis, laser therapy, and magnetotherapy methods are actively used. Ozokerite baths and paraffin applications are not bad. The above mentioned methods contribute to a significant decrease in the intensity of the expression of painful sensations and the acceleration of metabolic processes in articular cartilages.
Physical training and gymnastics	In a complex with medical treatment, specialists strongly recommend the practice of special gymnastics to restore the mobility of the affected joints. For example, tapping your fingers on the table effectively, sorting out various small items, flexing-expanding your fingers, etc. Before the gymnastics brush is recommended to hold a little in a bath with warm water. Exercises contribute to the activation of metabolic processes in the affected areas and lead to the restoration of impaired motor functions.
Therapeutic massages	Very effective gentle method. The key word here is sparing, becauseexcessive loads on the affected joints can lead to the opposite effect - the occurrence of injuries, because of which the pathological process will worsen and will develop faster. Good effect is produced by stroking the brush, as well as soft rubbing and stroking. During the massage, blood circulation improves, muscle spasms are eliminated.
Folk methods	A good effect is provided by baths with essential oils, needles, the root of the lively;infusions and decoctions on the fern and birch leaves;compresses with honey. Ointments based on propolis or wax are suitable for grinding. Application of the above methods helps to reduce pain, improve the processes of internal metabolism and reduce the dosage of medications used.
Hirudotherapy	Unconventional, for many beginners unacceptable, but, as practice shows, a very effective method of fighting arthrosis of the fingers. In the course of qualified clinical studies, it was found that the saliva of medical leeches beneficially affects the affected joints.
Surgical intervention	The use of surgical methods is resorted to in the absence of a significant effect from the use of other means of exposure, as well as on advanced stages of arthrosis. To eliminate the pain syndrome and generally improve the patient's condition, an operation is performed, known as arthrodesis. In addition, plastic joints are performed( the affected areas are replaced by artificial ones, manufactured individually for the patient).If necessary, excision of large growths is performed.
Diet	Patients with arthrosis of the fingers should adhere to a special diet. Specific recommendations will be given by the attending physician, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's condition. We provide general advice that is relevant for all cases. First of all, the diet should include more alkaline foods, for example, forest berries, rye bread, goat milk, etc. Fresh healthy vegetables and birch sap are very useful.

It is worth immediately adjusting to the fact that the treatment of arthrosis of the fingers in the vast majority of cases is a long and difficult process. If you had to meet with such a problem, be patient and follow the doctor's recommendations in everything.

As preventive measures can be advised except that the exclusion of excessive loads on joints, avoiding hypothermia and any kind of injury, adequate nutrition and the right way of life.

Be healthy!

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