Definition
Finger arthrosis is a non-inflammatory, wear-related disease of the finger joint, which is characterized by damage to the joint cartilage, a narrowing of the joint space and bony changes under the affected joint cartilage layer. It usually does not occur until old age, but depending on the stress on the finger joint, it can occur earlier. Finger arthrosis manifests itself through permanent pain and a restriction of movement, which is perceived by those affected as very unpleasant and stressful. As a treatment option, alternative means such as simple home remedies are gaining in importance in addition to the classic therapy options such as medication or surgery.
Use of household remedies
Because finger disease is a chronic, degenerative disease that requires lifelong symptomatic treatment, many people affected often desire a gentler, cheaper and yet effective alternative, such as simple home remedies. A household remedy for osteoarthritis is the use of wraps with certain additives, such as healing earth or curd cheese. There are a lot of alternatives for these additives, but all of them have as their basic principle the increase of blood circulation or cooling of the area.
These can be used as needed, as they have very few side effects. The wraps can be left on the joint until they have dried and are no longer effective. It is recommended to use cold compresses in case of acute attacks of finger arthrosis and warm compresses in case of chronic complaints.
A quick alternative is to alternate between warm and cold water, which can be allowed to flow over the affected finger joints. It is best to start with warm water and end with cold water, as this optimally relieves the complaints. As a further home remedy, various tinctures with various additives, such as chestnuts or comfrey, are advertised, which are also said to have a positive effect on finger arthrosis.
In principle, household remedies are also considered helpful, which are actually aids that avoid carrying heavy loads with the hands, such as pulling carts, so that the load on cartilage is reduced to a minimum. Finger arthrosis is usually the result of excessive overloading of the joint, which is not actually intended for the extent. As a result, the joint cartilage is worn down more and more, but cannot be reproduced, so it is a progressive process.
A further cause of the development of finger arthrosis can be an axial malposition of the phalanges and the associated mechanical misloading of the joint cartilage. In addition, an injury to the finger, for example a fracture, or a surgical intervention on the finger joint can increase the risk of developing arthrosis. An inflammation of the joint or a disturbance in the metabolism can also be a trigger. The most common cause, however, is certainly the increasing, natural wear and tear of the joint cartilage with age. The special thing about finger arthrosis is that if it occurs symmetrically and affects either only the middle or end joints of the fingers, there is a genetic disposition for it.
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