The nodules of Geberden and Bouchard are the forms of deforming arthrosis of the hand, most common in women after 40 years. In men, the development of this disease is much less common and in a percentage ratio is 1 case to 10.
Clinically, nodular arthrosis is bone growths on the distal( Gerber's nodules) and proximal( Bushar's nodules) interphalangeal joints.
Nodules are formed - the pain grows
The formation of Geberden's nodules is preceded by reddening and swelling of the end interphalangeal joints, a burning sensation, tingling sensation, the appearance of painful sensations that intensify during night and pre-morning hours.
In 30% of cases, the development of degenerative nodular arthrosis proceeds asymptomatically. Over time, unpleasant symptoms disappear, on the site of the lesion nodules are formed, the size of which varies from the size of the grain to the size of a pea.
First of all, the back of the index and middle fingers of the hands is affected. A characteristic feature of Geberden's nodules is the symmetry of their arrangement, as a rule, bone growths are formed on both hands simultaneously, in identical places.
Often the development of the disease is accompanied by periods of exacerbation( more than 50% of cases), which lead to the occurrence of acute pulsating pain in the sites of nodular seals. Acute painful sensations subside after the skin over the knot bursts, and its contents expire.
The site of dislocation of Bušar's nodules is the lateral surface of the proximal joints of the hand, which makes the fingers become a spindle-shaped, ugly shape. Nodal formations develop gradually, almost painlessly.
Polyosteoarthrosis of the hands does not affect the general condition of the internal organs of a person, however, the development of the disease significantly restricts the movement of the fingers, leading to subsequent deformation of the hand. Disease, neglected, often leads to a complete loss of the ability to move your fingers and as a consequence of disability.
Causes and predisposition to the disease
Arthrosis is a disease that develops due to age-related disorders, cartilage regeneration and joints. The ailment is often associated with a high load on the joints.
The development of arthrosis is primarily associated with a violation of blood circulation in the subchondral layer of bone tissue. The cartilage does not receive sufficient nutrition, thinens and loses its elasticity, the amount of lubricant filling the joint cavity decreases, the friction force on the cartilage increases, which in turn causes inflammation in the joints.
To date, the causes of causing polyostoarthrosis are thoroughly known. It is considered that predisposing factors to the development of the disease are:
- genetic inheritance,
- congenital anomalies;
- menopause in women;
- excessive activity of lysosomal enzymes;
- excess weight;
- diabetes;
- thyroid disease;
- trauma and intraarticular fractures.
Diagnosis of the disease
The main method of diagnosing nodular arthrosis is a visual examination of the hands. If necessary, prescribe and laboratory studies, such as a clinical blood test, rheumatrophy. With polyostoarthrosis, as a rule, the indicators are within the normal range.
Additional diagnostic methods include radiography, which allows you to clearly see the deformation processes in the cartilaginous tissue and joints.
In the photo the arrows indicate the nodules of Geberden
Methods of therapy
It is possible to get rid of the nodules of Geberden and Buschar by curing the disease. Medical measures should first of all be aimed at improving the condition of cartilaginous tissue.
In the first stages of the disease, chondroprotectors are used - long-acting drugs, such as chondroitin and glucosamine, which serve as cartilage correctors.
Mechanism of action of chondroitin sulfate stimulates the synthesis of cartilaginous cells, slows the degeneration of cartilage tissues, increases the mobility of damaged joints.
The action of glucosamine is aimed at stimulating the production of glucosaminoglycans by the body, which are necessary for the regeneration of cartilaginous tissue, the drug has a pronounced analgesic effect.
Along with chondroprotectors in the treatment of "nodular fingers", vasodilating medications are used - Trental, Theonikol.
During the exacerbation of the disease, the attending physician can prescribe the reception of non-steroids that have an anti-inflammatory effect - Ibuprofen, Voltaren, Indomethacin.
In addition to tableted preparations, non-steroids, anti-inflammatory ointments such as Dolgit, Fastum-gel, Indomethacin ointment, Voltaren-gel can be used as agents of local action. The course of treatment with ointments lasts at least one month.
In case of severe pain, physiotherapeutic procedures, for example, paraffin baths and therapeutic muds, may be prescribed to the patient. 
In especially severe cases, with severe pain and protracted inflammatory processes in the joints, the patient is prescribed an immunosuppressant - Plakvenil. The course of treatment can last from six months to 12 months.
In the treatment of polyosteoarthrosis, a course of gentle massage or exercise therapy is often prescribed. Special exercises and massage movements improve blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, improve the motor ability of joints.
Nontraditional therapies
Traditional healers and healers recommend the use of bischofite - brine, which is obtained during the extraction of oil for the treatment of nodular arthrosis. To conduct therapy, you will need:
- bischofite;
- medical bandage;
- plastic bag;
- a pair of cotton mittens.
The procedure is as follows: a brine soaked in brine is wound around each affected finger. Then the hands are wrapped with a plastic bag, on top of which the mitten is put on.
Withstand a compress for at least two hours. The procedure is performed every other day, the total number of treatment sessions is 30 days.
In folk medicine, for treating the nodules of Geberden and Buschar, compresses based on grated vegetables are also used.
For example, a pack of grated potatoes, for the preparation of which use only green areas of the tuber. Another version of the compress - freshly sliced onions, mixed with yogurt and chalk.
