Arthrosis of thumb and finger joints
Signs might include:
- Pain when moving affected joint
- Stiff joint in the morning
- Rizarthrosis: pain particularly at the junction from thumb to wrist
- Heberden Arthrosis: formation of bicuspid protrusions (Heberden's nodes) at the finger-end joints
- Bouchard Arthrosis: pain and visible swelling of the affected middle joints
- Degenerative changes that are common with aging
- Misload for many years (e.g. due to sports, computer and handicraft work)
- Fractures close to joints that have healed improperly
- Injuries of extensor tendons
Post-menopausal women suffer more often from arthrosis of the finger joints than men. Hormone-related factors could be possible causes, as well as hereditary predisposition.
Without treatment, the disease progresses and cartilage damage increases. Painful deformations and stiffness in the joints develop, and eventually the affected person cannot move the joint anymore.
Nonsurgical therapy
At the beginning of the therapy, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory painkillers or an injection in the affected area. If the patient suffers from Rizarthrosis (arthrosis of thumb-saddle joint), a special thumb or wrist splint may relieve and immobilize the joint as well as reduce the pain. Another option is Orthokin therapy, a biological treatment method with hyaluronic acid. In addition, the physician often prescribes hot, cold, electro therapy or physiotherapy.
Surgery
If conservative treatment isn’t successful, surgery might be an option. The procedure depends on the affected joint and on the extent of cartilage damage. The surgeon may, for example, interrupt the pain-conducting nerve tracts or remove bony extractions.
Preventive measures
The causes of the arthrosis of the finger joints are usually not known, and the disease cannot be cured. But the symptoms may be alleviated with therapy. In addition, the patient should avoid anything that might do harm to the joints, e.g. repetitive strain on joints. It’s also recommendable to eat healthy: Certain nutrients may protect the joints and minimize or delay arthritic symptoms, e.g. vitamins C and D, glucosamine, boron, chondroitin sulfate, MSM. Moreover, dehydration might be a major underlying factor in degeneration and pain. Don't drink cola, coffee, and tea instead of good quality water!