Swelling and lumps on the finger joints could be symptoms of finger joint arthrosis. The breakdown of the cartilage substance causes the joint capsule to ossify, resulting in the formation of small nodules on the finger joints, which restrict mobility and cause pain. In the further course of the disease deformities of the fingers occur.
Therapy
The most important thing in the therapy of swelling and nodules in the finger joints is to maintain mobility and relieve pain. Traction (pulling the finger out of the socket) stimulates the blood circulation in the area and thus the metabolism process, which should result in a minimal improvement of these nodules. In addition to improving mobility, traction also takes the pressure out of the joint, thus improving mobility.
In addition, the movement of the fingers improves mobility and attempts to improve the adhesion of the capsule. To reduce the swelling, lymph drainage or decongestant strokes in the fingers are suitable. If there is an acute inflammation in the joints, this inflammation should be reduced as soon as possible, because any inflammation that develops increases the sticking of the capsule and the cartilage degradation.
To reduce the inflammation, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications help. In addition, the patient can positively support the affected finger with cold therapy. When the acute phase is over, the therapist should also reduce the hypertonic muscles in the hand and forearm area.
Soft tissue techniques, fascial solutions, trigger point therapy and massages are particularly effective for this. If the patient is in a pain-free phase, he or she should improve the muscle strength through own exercises. Small softballs or plasticine are ideal for pumping the hand.
The fingers are mobilized and the strength in the forearm is improved. In general, the patient’s statics should be assessed. If there are significant axial deviations in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, shoulder and arm areas, these areas should be mobilized. Treatment of the cervical spine with detonation of the short neck muscles promotes blood circulation in the entire upper extremity and prevents cramped behavior in everyday life. You want to read more information on this topic:
- Manual lymph drainage
- Coordination and balance exercises
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