Joint swelling on the finger
introduction
At a Joint swelling on the finger it is a painless or painful increase in the size of one or more affected joints. Often a joint swelling on the finger goes with a noticeable one Restriction of movement hand in hand. The causes of a swelling of a Finger joint can be very different. Next Injuries, infections and diseases from the rheumatic type, can also degenerative changes in the finger joints play a significant role. In addition, joint swelling can result from a Dislocation of a finger joint occurrence.
Finger osteoarthritis
A pathological change that occurs frequently in the area of the finger joints is Finger osteoarthritiswhich can manifest itself in both old and young people. Through an increased Wear and tear on the articular cartilage develops a Cartilage damage on the finger joint that cannot be healed. Defective cells in the cartilage are unable to renew themselves. Therefore, the cartilage layer gradually decreases and loses its elasticity until the entire cartilage of the joint surface is worn out. The finger bones that form the joint then lie freely on one another and can cause friction. Continued heavy stress on the affected finger joints also leads to a change or to bones and ligaments and a arthrosis.
The cause of such cartilage damage can Injuries, improper strain on the finger joints and also increased overload be. It can also have metabolic diseases, such as gout lead to cartilage damage and consequently to osteoarthritis of the fingers.
Finger arthrosis manifests itself symptomatically Pain, joint swelling on the affected finger, Misalignments and one that is often progressive Restriction of movement the affected finger joints.
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Heberden osteoarthritis
A distinction is made between arthrosis in the area of the finger joints based on their location. Osteoarthritis that can be in one or more Finger joints is manifested as Heberden osteoarthritis designated. It forms Nodules or even cystic changes on the end joints, which in the course of the disease can lead to misalignments and severe swelling of the fingers and restrictions in mobility. In the course of the process, the end joints of the fingers become increasingly stiff, which can initially be released by increasing the movement of the fingers. In the worst case it can be a complete Stiffening of the joints to adjust.
Cause for a Heberden osteoarthritis In addition to incorrect loads and injuries, there are also congenital deformities or weaknesses in the joints or articular cartilage. It is noticeable that osteoarthritis is common from a Heberden Postmenopausal women are affected.
Bouchard osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the middle finger joints is called Bouchard osteoarthritis designated. This form of osteoarthritis can also manifest itself in several middle finger joints, but it usually occurs a little less frequently. Here, too, nodules develop in the area of the middle joints of the fingers, which lead to restricted movement, swelling and deformation of the finger joints. In the early stages of the disease, patients complain of severe pain, which is due to the increasing restricted mobility get in the background.
An existing osteoarthritis in the area of the fingers cannot be cured. By physiotherapy exercises the mobility of the affected fingers can be promoted and largely preserved. Can help relieve pain Painkiller are used. To counteract inflammatory changes within the affected joints, you can cortisone Substances are injected directly into the joint space with the help of a syringe.
rheumatism
A rheumatic disease can be a cause of a Joint swelling on the finger be. An important note for a rheumatic disease is the Involvement of several joints. A rheumatic one arthritis often runs insidiously and usually first manifests itself in small joints, such as the finger joints.
In most cases, the end joints of the fingers are not affected. A severe swelling develops Metatarsophalangeal joints and the Median joints. These swellings are often very elastic and soft. In addition to the joints, the tendons and ligaments of the fingers can also be affected by inflammatory changes.
Other symptoms that are due to joint swelling on the finger rheumatism speak are one Stiffness of the fingers in the morning, pain, deformity and misalignment of the fingers, a general feeling of illness like Fatigue, fever or exhaustion, one Restriction of movement and above all the simultaneous involvement of several finger joints. Due to the inflammatory processes, the joint surfaces of the fingers are destroyed in the course of the disease, and severe deformations and restrictions in finger mobility develop.
gout
Joint swelling and lumps on the fingers can also be used as part of a Gout disease occur. Gout is a metabolic disease that affects you increased levels of uric acid in the blood goes hand in hand. Due to the excess of uric acid, it is deposited in the form of crystals Bones and joints from. The joints fight the uric acid that has penetrated, and as a result, inflammatory processes develop in the affected joints and so-called arise Gout attacks. An attack of gout in a finger joint is manifested by a massive swelling, as well as redness and overheating. The affected finger is also very sensitive to touch and there is strong shooting pain. If a gout attack subsides after a day or two, the swelling in the finger joint goes down again and the finger is again painless and no longer restricted in its mobility. An attack of gout in the finger often occurs at night, after a large meal or heavy alcohol consumption.
There can be a long period of time, sometimes several months, between the individual gout attacks. However, if there is no treatment, chronic changes develop in the area of the affected finger joints. These show up as so-called Gout nodules on hand, as well Deformation of the finger joints.
Therapy for gout starts with you healthy eating style on. A low-purine diet is recommended as purines increase in the human body uric acid be metabolized. In order to compensate for the increased uric acid level in the long term, the doctor prescribes medication that inhibits uric acid formation.
Capsule injury
A capsule injury in the finger often occurs as a result of overstretching or forceful stretching of the affected finger joint. In many cases, ball sports, such as volleyball or handball, are the cause of this. The affected finger kinks and, in addition to the tear in the joint capsule, there is an injury to the stabilizing ligamentous apparatus on the finger.
There is severe pain and significant swelling of the finger and joint. The swelling develops due to the fluid leaking from the damaged joint capsule. Bruising around the joint or on the finger can also develop as part of the injury.
Therapeutically, the finger joint should be cooled immediately and immobilized with a splint for about two weeks so that the damaged joint capsule on the finger can regenerate.
Full healing can take up to six weeks. In some cases, the capsule injury may not heal properly and lead to osteoarthritis in the affected finger joint.
Read more on the subject below: Capsule tear on the finger
