Rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers: the first symptoms, causes and treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious joint disease characterized by an autoimmune nature. This ailment 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 pathology of the joints, the symptoms of which affect the quality of human life. Lack of timely treatment can lead to disability. People of all ages are prone to the disease, but more often it affects women after the age of 30.

Scientists have proved the role of emotions in the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis. This disease is subject to emotionally restrained people who constantly hide their true feelings. This theory has been repeatedly confirmed by scientific research.

For any stress, the autoimmune system responds by injecting specific hormones into the blood, increasing the likelihood of triggering a response from the body. Cells begin to attack and destroy joints, perceiving them as alien agents. Lymphocytes at this point are distinguished by mediators of inflammation - these are special substances that differ in their ability to penetrate the joint and destroy its structures. In this case, the synovium is severely damaged. It swells and hypertrophies, and over time can grow directly into the cartilage and ligaments, weakening the entire structure.

Why does rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers occur ?

The first symptoms of the disease appear against the backdrop of malfunctions in the functioning of the immune system. The causes of its occurrence are still poorly understood. Among the factors that increase the likelihood of pathology, doctors include the following:

• metabolic disease;
• Injuries and mechanical damage to the joints;
• Infection, viral diseases (acute respiratory disease, influenza, angina);
• Smoking, overweight;
• Hereditary predisposition.

Do not ignore the working conditions as a factor affecting 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 the fingers: the first symptoms

Treatment of pathology can not be imagined without revealing a complete clinical picture.

First, inflamed and swollen metacarpophalangeal joints of the fingers. The wrist zones are also often involved in the pathological process. Almost always the defeat of the joints is two-sided. Painful discomfort intensifies at night, and subsides only in the morning. Relief is observed after a little workout. However, as the disease progresses, seizures recur frequently.

Gradually there are rheumatoid nodules. These are small formations, dense in their consistency. They can decrease in volume, then completely disappear, but after a while the "peas" appear again. Education does not cause anxiety, create an exclusively cosmetic defect.

The first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers can be accompanied by signs of general intoxication of the body. Patients usually complain of weakness, unreasonable fever, deterioration of appetite and chills.

The unfolded stage of the disease is characterized by the appearance of deformation of the fingers. Often doctors diagnose ulnar deviation. This state, in which the fingers bend outward, are fixed in the wrong position, resulting in impaired mobility in the wrist joints. Against the background of this pathological process blood circulation in the hands worsens, they become pale, and the muscles gradually atrophy.

If you have found the first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis of your fingers, it is recommended to consult a doctor without delay. Many write off the manifestations of the disease at age or are engaged in self-medication. On reception to the expert at the initial stage of development of a pathology units come. The rest of each time postpone the visit until the stiffness and tenderness in the joints will not cause the refusal to work.

Classification of the disease

Above we have already told you what symptoms are accompanied by rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers. Classification of this disease, which is used in modern medicine, involves the identification of several stages of development of the pathological process. Next, consider each in more detail.

1. 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 an ailment are the stiffness of movements, when a person can not perform elementary tasks in the morning (open the tap or turn on the kettle).
2. The second stage is characterized by the formation of bone erosions, manifestations of the disease become pronounced. Joints begin to ache and swell. The apparent discomfort is now evident not only in the morning hours, but even in the daytime.
3. In the third stage, the deformation of the joints begins. The pain becomes so strong that a person is forced to consult a doctor. Symptoms of pathology do not go away without taking strong medicines.
4. The fourth stage. Gradually articular cartilage fuses. The patient can not perform elementary actions with his hands. A person becomes so helpless that he is assigned a group of disabilities.

Principles of diagnostics

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 radiography, a blood test for rheumatic tests.

Roentgenologically, the disease manifests itself by erasing the boundaries of the surfaces of bones, reducing the space between them. A blood test confirms the presence of an inflammatory process due to the appearance of specific proteins. Confirmation of the diagnosis is possible only after assessing the totality of symptoms, the results of radiographic and laboratory studies.

Forecast

The sooner a specialist confirms the final diagnosis and prescribes an individual treatment, the higher the chances of a quick recovery. If the pathology fails to win completely, most patients usually have persistent remission. The mobility of the joints persists for a long period of time. A person for the rest of his life is able to serve himself independently, and also work up to the pension itself. Thus, the prognosis for this pathology directly depends on the fulfillment of the doctor's prescriptions.

Medication Therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis, as a rule, proceeds systematically. Gradually, a lot of joints are involved in the pathological process, beginning with the smallest ones and ending with large structures. This means that without medical treatment, patients with this diagnosis can not do. If you follow clearly all the prescriptions of the doctor, 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 puffiness and soreness, which instantly 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 medications depends on the patient's well-being.

The course of therapy includes medications that promote vasodilation ("Theonikol", "Actovegil"). Injections of drugs are administered intramuscularly.

The 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. Before applying a prescription, it is important to consult a doctor.

Wax wraps are an excellent remedy against rheumatoid arthritis. For its preparation, it is necessary to melt 100-150 g of beeswax on a water bath, add a pod of hot pepper. After about 10 minutes, the pepper should be removed, replacing it with 50 drops of St. John's wort oil. It is recommended to store the resulting product in the freezer, beforehand transferring it to special ice molds. To use it, one cube must be melted, put a lot of weight on cellophane and wrap it with the affected arm.

You can make baths with the addition of herbal dues. The most effective is a mixture of St. John's wort, aloe juice, yarrow, and twill. These plants are recommended for patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers and toes. Treatment and symptoms of diseases have much in common, despite the fact that these are completely different parts of the body.

Preventive actions

It is not possible to completely protect yourself from rheumatoid arthritis. However, doctors allocate 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 joints with useful substances and microelements. Doing sports, giving up harmful habits, tempering the body - a pledge of good health. It is important to constantly monitor body weight and try to avoid undulating it.

In the materials of this article, we described how rheumatoid arthritis of the joints of the fingers differs, the symptoms and ways of treating this insidious disease. Observance of elementary preventive measures minimizes the risk of developing this pathology. Be healthy!