Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious joint disease characterized by an autoimmune nature. This disease breaks into a person's life unexpectedly and begins to progress at a rapid pace. This article provides information on the topic "Rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention."
General information
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic joint pathology, the symptoms of which affect a person's quality of life. Lack of timely treatment can lead to disability. People of all ages are prone to the disease, but more often it affects women over the age of 30.
Scientists have proven the role of emotions in the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis. Emotionally restrained people who constantly hide their true feelings are prone to this disease. This theory has been repeatedly confirmed by scientific research.
For any stressthe autoimmune system responds by throwing specific hormones into the blood, increasing the likelihood of triggering a response from the body. Cells begin to attack and destroy the joints, perceiving them as foreign agents. Lymphocytes at this moment secrete inflammatory mediators - these are special substances that are distinguished by their ability to penetrate the joint and destroy its structures. In this case, the synovial membrane is severely damaged. It swells and hypertrophies, and over time can grow directly into cartilage and ligaments, weakening the entire structure.
Why does rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers happen?
The first symptoms of the disease appear against the background of malfunctions in the functioning of the immune system. The reasons for its occurrence are still poorly understood. Among the factors that increase the likelihood of developing pathology, doctors include the following:
- metabolic disorder;
- injuries and mechanical damage to the joints;
- infections, viral diseases (ARI, influenza, tonsillitis);
- smoking, overweight;
- hereditary predisposition.
We should not ignore working conditions as a factor influencing the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis. This pathology belongs to the category of occupational diseases and is mainly found among jewelers, tennis players, musicians.
Rheumatoid arthritis of fingers: first symptoms
Treatment of pathology is impossible to imagine without revealing the full clinical picture.
Firstthe metacarpophalangeal joints of the fingers become inflamed and swollen. The wrist regions are also often involved in the pathological process. Almost always, joint damage is bilateral. Pain discomfort intensifies at night, and subsides only in the morning. Relief is observed after a small warm-up. However, as the disease progresses, attacks are repeated more and more often.
Gradually appear rheumatoid nodules. These are small formations, dense in texture. They can decrease in volume, then disappear completely, but after a while the "peas" appear again. The formations do not cause concern, they create only a cosmetic defect.
The first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers may be accompanied by signs of general intoxication of the body. Patients usually complain of weakness, unexplained fever, loss of appetite and chills.
The extended stage of the disease is characterized by the occurrence of deformation of the fingers. Doctors often diagnose ulnar deviation. This is a condition in which the fingers bend outward, are fixed in the wrong position, as a result of which mobility in the wrist joints is impaired. Against the background of this pathological process, blood circulation in the hands worsens, they become pale, and the muscles gradually atrophy.
If you have discovered the first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers, it is recommended to consult a doctor without delay. Many attribute the manifestations of the disease to age or self-medicate. At the reception toa specialist at the initial stage of the development of pathology comes only a few. The rest put off each visit until the stiffness and soreness in the joints causes them to refuse to work.
Disease classification
Above, we have already described what symptoms accompany rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers. The classification of this disease, which is used in modern medicine, involves the allocation of several stages in the development of the pathological process. Next, consider each in more detail.
- The first stage is not accompanied by a clear clinical picture. If you know what signs you should pay attention to, you can independently determine rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers. The first symptoms of the disease are stiffness of movements, when a person cannot perform elementary tasks in the morning (open a tap or turn on a kettle).
- The second stage is characterized by the formation of bone erosions, the manifestations of the disease become pronounced. The joints begin to ache and swell. Obvious discomfort now manifests itself not only in the morning, but even in the afternoon.
- At the third stage, deformation of the joints begins. The pain becomes so severe that the person is forced to see a doctor. Symptoms of pathology do not go away without taking strong medications.
- The fourth stage. Gradually, the articular cartilage grows together. The patient cannot perform elementary actions with his hands. A person becomes so helpless that he is assigned a disability group.
Principles of diagnosis
To confirm the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers, the first symptoms are an important indicator of the presence of a pathological process. However, to determine the severity of the disease and the presence of concomitant disorders, patients are prescribed a comprehensive examination. It includes x-rays, a blood test for rheumatic tests.
Roentgenologically, the disease is manifested by erasing the boundaries of the surfaces of the bones, reducing the space between them. A blood test confirms the presence of an inflammatory process due to the appearance of special proteins. Confirmation of the diagnosis is possible only after an assessment of the totality of symptoms, the results of x-ray and laboratory studies.
Forecast
The faster the specialist confirms the final diagnosis and prescribes individual treatment, the higher the chances of a quick recovery. If the pathology cannot be completely controlled, most patients usually experience stable remission. Joint mobility is maintained for a long period of time. A person until the end of his life is able to serve himself independently, as well as work until retirement. Thus, the prognosis for this pathology directly depends on the fulfillment of the doctor's instructions.
Drug therapy
Rheumatoid arthritis is usually systemic. Gradually, many joints are involved in the pathological process, starting with the smallest and ending withlarge structures. This means that patients with such a diagnosis cannot do without medical treatment. If you strictly follow all the doctor's instructions, the risk of complications can be minimized. How to treat rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers?
The first symptoms of the disease must be stopped with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. "Ibuprofen", "Diclofenac", "Voltaren" help to reduce swelling and soreness, which immediately affects the patient's condition.
Also, doctors recommend medicines based on glucosamine and chondroitin. The minimum course of treatment is three months. In the future, the appropriateness of taking drugs depends on the patient's well-being.
The course of therapy includes medications that promote vasodilation ("Teonicol", "Actovegil"). Injections of drugs are administered intramuscularly.
Help of traditional medicine
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis of the joints of the fingers and hands with the help of traditional medicine is especially effective at the initial stage of the disease. It is important to consult your doctor before using any prescription.
Wax wraps are an excellent remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. To prepare it, you need to melt 100-150 g of beeswax in a water bath, add a pod of hot pepper. After about 10 minutes, the pepper must be removed, replacing it with 50 drops of St. John's wort oil. The resulting product is recommended to be stored in the freezer, poured into special molds for ice in advance. For hisuse, one cube must be melted, the mass applied to cellophane and wrapped with the affected hand.
You can make baths with the addition of herbal preparations. The most effective is a mixture of St. John's wort, aloe juice, yarrow, meadowsweet. These plants are recommended for use in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers and toes. Treatment and symptoms of diseases have much in common, despite the fact that they are completely different parts of the body.
Prevention measures
It is not possible to completely protect yourself from rheumatoid arthritis. However, doctors identify a number of preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of its occurrence.
First of all, it is necessary to take vitamin complexes to provide the joints with useful substances and trace elements. Playing sports, giving up addictions, hardening the body is the key to good he alth. It is important to constantly control body weight and try to avoid its undulating fluctuations.
In the materials of this article, we described the difference between rheumatoid arthritis of the joints of the fingers, the symptoms and methods of treating this insidious disease. Compliance with elementary preventive measures minimizes the risk of developing this pathology. Stay he althy!
