Diagnosis

The diagnosis of traumatic injuries to the finger joint can usually be fairly certain by means of an X-ray of the hand. The X-ray image remains a good means of detecting changes in the joint in the case of other diseases of the finger joints. For example, changes in the joint space can be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis.

In the blood, so-called rheumatoid factors can also be measured. Rheumatoid factors are autoantibodies, i.e. antibodies that are directed against the own body. The diagnosis of the Arthrose usually takes place also on the basis a radiograph, whereby here contrary to the rheumatoid arthritis usually only one joint is affected.

The finger joints are usually the thumb joint, although arthrosis can occur naturally in any joint. If new complaints of the finger joints occur, an orthopedist can be consulted first.This person can determine whether an injury or a chronic illness is present by means of certain examinations. The orthopaedic surgeon can also initiate important treatment steps in the case of rheumatic complaints and treat the disease in cooperation with a rheumatologist if necessary.

Therapy

In the case of traumatic causes of pain in the finger joint, it is important to bring about healing in order to avoid consequential damage. In the case of overstretching, this can be a simple immobilization, while in the case of a fracture, surgery is usually performed. It is important to make sure that the fingers do not stiffen at the end of the treatment.

For this reason, treatment is often accompanied by physiotherapy or physiotherapy. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, attempts are usually made to relieve the pain and inflammatory reactions by means of non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs such as Aspirin®. In a degenerative disease such as osteoarthritis, the joint can either be stiffened, which naturally leads to a functional impairment of the finger joint, or it can be treated with painkillers.

The treatment of pain in the finger joint can be very different depending on the cause of the pain. In the case of inflammation, as well as acute pain or injury to the finger, certain immediate measures are used, which can be carried out with home remedies. These include rapid cooling, compression, immobilization and elevation of the finger.

Subsequent diagnostics and further treatment should be carried out by a physician. To prevent gout, for example, and to calm inflammation in the finger, the finger must also be cooled. Furthermore, a healthy diet should be ensured.

Sufficient water should be drunk, overweight should be reduced and legumes and animal intestines should be avoided. All this can reduce the uric acid values in the body. In case of joint pain in the fingers caused by arthrosis, it is recommended to take 5 globules of Actaea spicata C5 (Eared St. Christopher’s wort) or Polygonum aviculare (bird knotweed).

Bryonia (fence bryony) can also be taken for painful fingers and restricted movement. 5 globules are taken 3 times a day. If the joint pain is caused by overloading, Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy) can improve the symptoms.

In case of injuries to fingers or joints, arnica can help to relieve the pain and speed up healing. Rhus toxicodendron and arnica are also taken 5 globules 3 times daily. A medication intake must be directed exactly to the cause of the pain in the finger joints.

This should definitely be done in consultation with the doctor. Different underlying diseases require fundamentally different therapeutic procedures and medications. In case of pain, “NSAIDs” can be taken if necessary. These include Ibuprofen, Diclofenac or Indometacin. They alleviate the pain regardless of whether an acute injury or a rheumatic disease is present.