Osteoarthritis of the finger joint or finger polyarthritis causes wear and tear of the joint cartilage in the fingers of the hand. The end joints of the fingers and the interphalangeal joint are often affected. Here you will find further information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis in the finger joints as well as specialists for finger joint osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis of the finger joint is the wear and tear of the joint cartilage in the finger joints of the hand. As it progresses, the entire bone can be destroyed and the joint surfaces are destroyed.
The end and interphalangeal joints of the fingers are particularly frequently affected by osteoarthritis.
There are basically three different types of osteoarthritis of the finger joints:
Osteoarthritis of the middle and end joints of the fingers is the most common type of osteoarthritis of the entire musculoskeletal system. However, many patients also suffer from polyarthrosis, in which case several joints in the body are affected.
Osteoarthritis of the finger joints often occurs from the age of 40 @ Moe /AdobeStock
Finger joint arthrosis is characterized by swelling of the affected joints. Pain and partial reddening, which become more pronounced under stress, are also typical.
As the disease progresses, the movement of the fingers is significantly restricted. Most patients complain of increased symptoms in the morning, the typical start-up pain.
Protrusions in the form of nodules are typical and can be observed in almost all patients. Symptoms may also include a loss of strength in the affected hand and pain when gripping heavy objects.
Women are more frequently affected by the above symptoms than men. It mostly affects middle-aged women. An estimated 90 percent of patients are female.
The exact causes of finger joint arthrosis are still largely unknown. The fact is that genetic factors play a role and this type of osteoarthritis is hereditary.
Hormonal changes in women during the menopause also lead to increased symptoms. In general, inflammation and irritation in the body increase the frequency and duration of symptoms caused by finger joint arthrosis.
Inflammation and irritation include
An injury can also be the cause of finger joint arthrosis. If no correct treatment is given after an injury involving the joints, the result is misalignment. The misalignment causes the joints to continue to rub, which in turn can lead to osteoarthritis.
If another injury is the trigger, doctors also speak of post-traumatic finger joint arthrosis.
Based on the patient's description and a physical examination, the diagnosis is usually clear quite quickly: progressive finger joint arthrosis results in a visible deformity in the joint area.
The swelling is then both visible and palpable. X-rays clearly show that the joint spaces have become narrower.
X-ray image of finger joint arthrosis @ Ladanifer /AdobeStock
The first point of contact for suspected osteoarthritis is a specialist in phys. med. and rehab or an orthopaedist. If the disease is not yet very advanced, the doctor will carry out conservative therapy.
The following measures are used:
Splint treatment is also possible. This is mainly used for the thumb. A thumb orthosis is a splint that relieves the thumb during everyday movements.
Physiotherapy for finger joint arthrosis @ Andrey Popov /AdobeStock
It is particularly important to detect and prevent or reduce ongoing inflammatory processes. In this way, doctors can achieve inflammation modulation and slow down the progression of the disease.
All methods aim to maintain the mobility of the finger joints. Patients can do a lot themselves to stop the progression of osteoarthritis.
A change in diet and finger gymnastics with a softball have proven just as effective as water gymnastics. Some patients also opt for injections of their own blood (PRP or plasma injections) directly into the affected joint.
The serum obtained from the patient's own blood is a substance produced naturally in the body that contains a high number of platelets. It ensures that the body sets its own repair mechanisms in motion.
At an advanced stage, the quality of life of those affected is usually so limited that an operation is necessary.
There are two options for surgery:
Hand surgery is responsible for both operations. Surgery is the last resort and is not necessary for many patients. It is usually used when the joints in the thumb are affected.
Resection arthroplasty is usually used. Doctors remove part of the joint and replace it with a piece of tendon.
Although the thumb is slightly shorter as a result, the patient is relieved of the pain. Another popular surgical method is the thumb saddle joint prosthesis. An implant is used in a similar way to a hip prosthesis.
Finger joint arthrosis should not be confused with arthritis. In arthritis, not only the joint itself is affected, but also the surrounding connective tissue.
Osteoarthritis of the finger joint, on the other hand, usually takes a benign course and is easily treatable. Arthritis, on the other hand, leads to painful and inflammatory destruction of the finger joints, tendons, ligaments and the joint capsule.
The course of arthritis of the finger joints varies from case to case. The disease often progresses in recurring episodes.
Start-up pain at the beginning of a new movement is also very characteristic. This then decreases over time. Some patients have no pain at all and only notice a deformation and stiffening of the joints.
Patients can certainly influence the progression of osteoarthritis themselves: In addition to various physiotherapeutic measures, you need to pay attention to your diet. It is better to avoid eating too much meat and sausage.
Red meat in particular has been shown to contain pro-inflammatory substances that promote osteoarthritis in the finger joints. The same applies to too much sugar.
Instead, eat enough fruit and vegetables with a sufficient vitamin content and eat a healthy and varied diet. You should also avoid fruit and vegetables with a high acid content, such as tomatoes or strawberries .
Once the patient and doctor have decided on an operation and joint replacement, comprehensive aftercare is important.
The patient should start occupational therapy immediately after the operation in order to restore mobility quickly.
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