What is Bouchard arthrosis
Bouchard arthrosis is a degenerative disease of the anterior finger joints, also known as proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP). It usually occurs as a result of many years of wear and tear of the joints due to incorrect loading and is therefore more common, especially in older people. Arthrosis is a non-inflammatory change in the joint cartilage caused by wear and tear, which over time results in pain and restricted mobility.
A distinction must be made between siphoning arthrosis and arthrosis of the back finger joints. In the treatment of Bouchard’s arthrosis, the prevention of progression of the disease as well as the acute treatment of the pain is the main focus. Thereby a complete freedom of pain and movement should be achieved.
An important part of the treatment lies in active movement therapy. This can be done by the patient himself or together with a physiotherapist. Strengthening exercises of the finger muscles are also recommended, for example with the help of a softball.
Exercises in water can also be helpful. In the case of an acute flare-up of arthrosis, the use of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example ibuprofen or diclofenac, can help. For other severe pain, some doctors use injection therapy in the finger joints, for example with hyaluronic acid.
This is a naturally occurring substance in the joint fluid. If no improvement can be achieved after intensive conservative therapy, surgical treatment can help in rare cases. Homeopathy for Bouchard arthrosis can help to alleviate the symptoms.
When choosing the right remedy, you should contact an expert beforehand, as it depends on the degree of arthrosis and other diseases. A selection of homeopathic remedies is for example: Rhus toxicodendron, Caulophyllum, Teufelskralle or Causticum. In rare cases, surgical treatment can be helpful to prevent the disease from progressing.
One method could be the removal of destroyed cartilage on the finger joint, for example in the form of a synovectomy or denervation. One also speaks of a radiosynoviorthesis. If the symptoms persist, a joint stiffening can be performed, a so-called arthrodesis.
This involves stiffening the finger joint with plates or screws so that it can no longer be moved. This has the advantage of complete pain relief, but the finger can no longer be bent in this joint. It is important to note that surgical treatment can in no way cure the disease, but can at best alleviate the pain and prevent its progression.
