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Osteoarthritis fingers treatment
What is osteoarthritis of the fingers?
The joints of the fingers are made up of two finger bones, called phalanges, which meet in a joint to allow the fingers to move. The articular surfaces of the two bones are covered with articular cartilage to, among other things, reduce friction between the bone ends so that it slides more easily. The articular cartilage also protects the bone surfaces. A joint also needs to be used and moved regularly and in balance in order for the articular cartilage to receive the necessary nutrition and to remove waste products.
The articular cartilage of the fingers is renewed, broken down and built up, just like the rest of the body. In the case of a long-term overload or imbalance in the body, the formation of new cartilage can be slower than the breakdown, which means that the cartilage gradually becomes thinner and even disappears completely on some surfaces. The overload and imbalance in the joint can create a tear and inflammation in the joint that damages the balance of the articular cartilage.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the fingers
Osteoarthritis of the fingers causes stiffness in the affected finger joints, especially in the morning or when you have not moved or used your fingers for a while. Once you have started to move your fingers, the stiffness usually goes away after a while. You also tend to get pain when you put pressure on your fingers and also when resting, especially after putting extra strain on the joints. The affected finger joint(s) may also swell and become less mobile, impairing function and causing “fumbling” and impaired fine motor skills.
The imbalance can also cause inflammation of the joint, which becomes swollen and tender. If the inflammation is severe, the joint may become red (visible on finger joints) and it may become warm.
What causes arthritis and osteoarthritis of the fingers?
Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. The cause can be an overload due to one-sided work where the fingers are overworked. It can also be a rheumatic inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, but this often affects joints throughout the body.
Osteoarthritis of the fingers can be caused by persistent monotonous work, causing the fingers to become overworked. It can also be due to an injury that has healed incorrectly and then causes osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis of the fingers is more common as people get older, over 50, as collagen formation decreases and it affects the body in general, such as cartilage formation, bones, fascia, skin. Women are also affected to a greater extent than men. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of certain amino acids needed for collagen production, can also cause osteoarthritis.
Why do I have osteoarthritis in my fingers?
If you have osteoarthritis of the fingers, you have an imbalance in the finger joints. You may have overloaded your fingers over a long period of time, such as one-sided work that is repeated often over a period of time. There may also be a deficiency in the nutritional supply, such as certain amino acids and vitamin C deficiency or a poor flow and circulation.
When and where should I seek treatment for osteoarthritis of the fingers?
Osteoarthritis of the fingers can be treated and relieved at a FasciaClinic. It is good to get treatment as soon as possible once osteoarthritis has been diagnosed, to reduce the risk of it getting worse.
How is osteoarthritis of the fingers treated?
You will be helped to relieve the joint and get the flow and thus the nutrient supply to the articular cartilage going, so that healing is promoted. The treatment is done both manually and with a vibrating machine and is very gentle and comfortable.
Osteoarthritis of the fingers – what can I do myself?
Avoid the work or movements that caused the strain. Keep your fingers moving without straining them too much, a little finger gymnastics is good. Avoid strains that cause a lot of pain. Take supplements of hydrolyzed collagen and vitamin C.
You can use special osteoarthritis gloves that warm the joints, or finger supports.
Osteoarthritis of the fingers – frequently asked questions and answers
Aids for osteoarthritis of the fingers?
You can use special osteoarthritis gloves that warm the joints, or finger supports.
