We humans are so dependent on our hands that we often regret having only two hands. For this reason, we should pay special attention to the two we have. No other joints in our body are subjected to such daily stress as the finger joints. Severe pain in finger joints after a long day of work or numbness in the fingers in the morning can be warning signs of a serious joint disease that should definitely not be ignored.
What is joint pain in the finger?
Severe pain in finger joints after a long day of work or numbness in fingers in the morning can be warning signs of a serious joint disease. Joint pain in the finger can take different forms: it can be weak or severe, recurrent or constant pain or numbness. If the affected person does not feel pain as such, he should not ignore the external signs: Redness, swelling and/or rash on the finger joints, sometimes accompanied by increased body temperature. The first complaints usually have to do with the fingers of the more active hand that are most used – the thumb and index finger of the right hand.
Causes
The cause of joint pain in the finger can be a whole range of diseases. The pain in arthritis (inflammation of the joint) is always accompanied by swelling. In rheumatoid arthritis, the pain usually occurs simultaneously in the left and right hands. The severe joint deformity and finger numbness in osteoarthritis significantly impede the mobility of the fingers. Typical for osteoarthritis is cracking of joints during movement. Gout often affects people who eat a lot of meat. This food contains purine, which can accumulate in the joints and cause pain. Cold fingers and discoloration are typical of Raynaud’s syndrome. Various other factors can also contribute to finger joint pain: finger and hand injuries, chronic infectious diseases, immune system disorders, hormonal disorders, hypothermia, poor ecology and much more.
Diseases with this symptom
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Hypothermia (frostbite)
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis)
- Gout
- Finger arthritis
- Finger dislocation
Diagnosis and course
On the basis of the above symptoms, it is possible to exclude certain diseases, but nevertheless self-diagnosis and self-healing is neither easy nor advisable. The diagnosis should be made by a specialist through an external examination and X-rays that reveal deformities specific to the disease. By talking to the patient, he or she will also be able to take into account other specifics, such as what stresses the joints are exposed to and whether there is a family predisposition to the disease. If necessary, a blood test or puncture will then be performed. Other imaging procedures, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can provide more detailed information about the condition of the joints and the stage of the disease.
Complications
Joint pain in the finger is usually a symptom of a deeper disease. Possible complications usually occur later in the course of this disease, but quickly develop into chronic symptoms, depending on the cause. Initially, joint pain in the finger restricts the freedom of movement of the limbs; stiffening and later deformation of the joints occur, which impairs grasping and other movements, for example. In cases of severe pain, this stiffening may be intentionally induced as part of treatment to prevent further pain. In either case, stiffening of the fingers has a serious impact on the quality of life, mobility and ability to work of those affected. Chronic joint pain in the finger leads to permanent joint damage, accompanied by spread of the pain center to the entire hand and wrists. The swelling of the fingers can lead to circulatory problems, among other things. Joint pain that occurs as a result of gout is often accompanied by kidney damage, such as kidney stones. In addition, stiffening of other joints occurs in the further course, which in turn is accompanied by similar complaints.When treating the pain, home remedies should not be used, as these can put even more strain on the joints, which are already under strain, and can lead to swelling or allergies, for example. Clarification by a doctor is essential for joint pain in the finger.
When should you go to the doctor?
It is often difficult for medical laypersons to properly assess their joint pain in the finger and, most importantly, to decide whether or not to see a doctor. Painful finger joints may be due to overuse. When in doubt, it is always better to go to the doctor for joint pain in the finger. The sooner treatment begins for a diseased finger joint, the better. Otherwise, there is a risk of permanent deformation of the joint with limited movement. The first step in the case of joint pain in the finger is best taken to the family doctor. He will discuss possible causes with his patient in a detailed consultation. For example, there may be a family predisposition to joint pain in the finger. The patient’s occupation, daily routine and the course of the complaint are also informative for the attending physician. The physical examination of the patient is followed by technical methods such as X-ray or ultrasound. Laboratory values based on a blood test can also provide valuable information about the cause. In addition to dislocations, common causes of joint pain in the finger are arthritis, finger arthrosis and gout. Specialists such as internists, orthopedists and surgeons are the main contacts for joint pain in the finger after the family doctor.
Treatment and therapy
In the treatment of finger joint disease, there is no way around a rheumatologist, who will prescribe the appropriate massage, the necessary painkillers and diet. Therapy for joint pain can vary depending on the disease. In general, all medications intended to suppress degenerative joint disease contain chondroitin. This substance strengthens cartilage tissue and supports bone metabolism. Doctors strongly recommend excluding animal products, especially meat, from his ration and switching largely to a plant-based diet. Prescribed dietary supplements contain important vitamins and antioxidants that help strengthen the entire immune system. Minerals and herbal extracts have a soothing effect on swelling and promote metabolic processes in joints. Since pain can be very severe during therapy, painkillers are usually needed. These contain anesthetic substances that have certain side effects. It is therefore all the more important to seek advice from your doctor when making your choice. Natural active ingredients are preferable to chemical ones. Exercises to strengthen wrists are indispensable. Regularity and gradual increase of load on joints is important. In some cases, surgical intervention can lead to significant relief. A general tip for joint pain in the finger is to reduce overexertion in work, everyday life and sports and to relieve his wrists to the maximum. Some time ago, some joint diseases of the fingers were considered incurable and thus one had to be prepared for a lifelong fight against the disease. However, with the development of new therapies and drugs, experts are becoming more confident.
Outlook and prognosis
Joint pain in the finger usually indicates deep-seated conditions such as arthritis, gout, rheumatism, osteoporosis, or osteoarthritis. In most patients, complications occur only as the disease progresses. Therefore, treatment is comparatively late in some sufferers and the positive prospect of recovery is diminished. Chronic pain worsens the patient’s quality of life and mobility. If the doctor diagnoses joint pain in the finger due to overuse, inflammation, injury, natural signs of wear and tear, metabolic disorders or dislocations, the prognosis is positive because the complaints can be cured within a few weeks with medication, relief at work and in everyday life, and physiotherapy. The initial situation is equally favorable if the pain is due to improper nutrition, for example overweight, since successful treatment is possible through diet or dietary changes. If the joint pain in the finger is due to serious diseases such as gout, rheumatism, osteoporosis, arthrosis or arthritis, the prognosis is less positive.Most patients are affected by the respective disease for the rest of their lives, but it is treatable by various therapeutic measures to the extent that maximum pain relief and thus an improved quality of life are brought about. Due to menopause, women are ten times more likely to be affected by osteoarthritis in the finger joints than men. In contrast, men under the age of 55 are more likely to complain of pain in the finger joints that is not due to osteoarthritis.
Prevention
The exact causes of some joint diseases are not well understood, but joint pain in the fingers can be prevented. With balanced exercise and sport, joint fluid is produced, which provides the cartilage with the necessary nutrients. In one’s diet, one should avoid fatty and acidic foods and keep one’s consumption of sweets and alcohol low. Prevention should start early – although chronic joint pain in the fingers is more common in people over 40, initial joint problems can also develop in young people who are just over 20.
Here’s what you can do yourself
Joint pain in the finger is harmless in many cases and can be relieved by simple measures and home remedies. Usually it is enough to relax and gently massage the fingers for a few minutes. Stretching exercises warm up the muscles and loosen stiffened joints. Depending on the cause, warming gloves, cool packs or pain-relieving teas and preparations also help against acute complaints. If the aching fingers are the result of osteoarthritis, home remedies such as ginger, turmeric or apple cider vinegar bring relief. These natural remedies have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and stiffness and improve the mobility of the fingers. In addition, thermal applications, massages or physiotherapy can be used. In case of joint pain caused by rheumatism, radon heat therapy has proven to be effective, in which the pain is treated with the help of heat, massage and pressure points. Furthermore, a healthy and balanced diet and the renunciation of cigarettes and alcohol are recommended. Luxury foods and fatty foods can aggravate the inflammatory processes and should be avoided until the causative disease is cured. If joint pain in the finger persists despite all measures, a physician should be consulted.
