Pain always reminds us that there are problems in the body. Many diseases are accompanied by it, including arthritis. We are designed in such a way that until the problem is solved, the brain will constantly signal us with pain. Arthritis ointment works well to get rid of it and relieve the accompanying symptoms quickly and specifically at the destination.
Using ointments for arthritis will help relieve pain
Causes of arthritis of the fingers
The most common causes of arthritis in the fingers are rheumatoid arthritis (a systemic autoimmune disease) and osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the joint cartilage that affects the bones). At the moment, doctors identify several factors:
- Systemic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue diseases).
- Metabolic diseases (gout, diabetes).
- Infections (chlamydia, tuberculosis, syphilis).
- Injuries (professional, sports, household - one-time or repeated, left without treatment).
- Other factors (hypothermia, working with vibrating tools).
Heredity and age-related hormonal changes can also affect your chances of developing the disease. The presence of chronic foci of infection in the body (tonsillitis, caries), as well as previous viral and bacterial diseases (influenza, measles, herpes virus) can provoke the manifestation of infectious arthritis.
The first signs of arthritis in the fingers may appear after intense or prolonged stress (both physical and emotional), an acute allergic reaction or hormonal imbalance.
Less common is the occurrence of arthritis of the joints of the fingers due to surgical intervention.
Noltrex injections:
- effective at any stage of knee arthrosis;
- give a long-lasting effect - from nine months to two years;
- do not cause allergies due to their synthetic origin;
- absolutely safe due to biocompatibility with body tissues;
- do not give adverse reactions;
- indicated, including for diabetes mellitus - under the supervision of an endocrinologist.
Even the last stage of gonarthrosis is not a death sentence. Medicine does not stand still, so it’s too early to despair! Consult a specialist you trust and choose the most suitable treatment for you. And most importantly, maintain a positive attitude and faith in recovery!
Symptoms of arthritis in the fingers
The first and most noticeable symptom of finger arthritis is pain. However, other, less noticeable, signs of the disease are much more important for the patient and the attending physician, because they help to identify the disease at the first stage, when the synovial cartilage is still intact. Being vigilant about the following symptoms of finger arthritis will help save your hands:
- stiffness in the joints, unusual fatigue at the end of the working day;
- tension and discomfort in the fingers and hand muscles;
- feeling of a “narrow glove” on the hand;
- weather sensitivity - hands twist or ache when the weather changes;
- local increase in temperature and redness over the joints;
- minor swelling (in the early stages) that makes it difficult to remove the ring or hold the pen (over time, the fingers may swell and take on a “spindle” shape;
- periodic pain that goes away, but returns again - over time, the symptom increases and especially bothers the patient after a night or after stress on the hand.
At stages 2 and 3 of arthritis of the fingers, specific symptoms are added:
- rough crunching in fingers;
- the range of motion in the joint is reduced;
- the fingers begin to deform - bend, thicken in the joints (due to the gradual degeneration of muscles and ligaments), and characteristic nodules form.
With rheumatoid arthritis, exacerbation of the disease may be accompanied by weakness, fever, and skin rashes. A distinctive sign of arthritis of the fingers due to gout is “knobbiness” of the hand.
Viprosal
The cream contains natural snake venom, specifically viper venom. This cream contains gum turpentine, camphor, and salicylic acid. Together, these ingredients have an excellent antiseptic effect. When applying the cream, the painful sensations disappear instantly. It is widely used for bruises, injuries, neuralgia, ischemia, and arthritis. Relief occurs due to the irritating effect and improved blood circulation in the damaged area.
pros
The cream contains only natural ingredients, the pain goes away quickly. Enhances tissue nutrition and treats inflammation. A small amount of ointment is enough to apply to the affected area. There are practically no side symptoms. Budget cost is about 200 rubles.
Minuses
Minor allergic reactions in the form of rash and redness with individual intolerance. Severe diseases of internal organs. Cannot be used by pregnant women and children.
How to treat finger arthritis
Rheumatologists treat arthritis of the fingers. After diagnosis, they will determine the stage of the disease and appropriate treatment. Arthritis of the fingers, regardless of the cause, is treated comprehensively. The duration of treatment varies from case to case - from a few weeks to lifelong.
Treatment for arthritis of the fingers is a long and ongoing process.
Treatment of arthritis of the fingers with medications
For the medical treatment of arthritis of the fingers, the following groups of drugs are used:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They help reduce pain and inflammation, remove swelling and restore nutrition to the cartilage. NSAIDs are used both externally (ointments, gels, creams) and internally - in the form of tablets for arthritis of the fingers, intramuscular and intra-articular injections. At the same time, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines and other drugs, incl. to protect the gastric mucosa.
- Vasodilators. They help relieve spasms and improve nutrition of the joint and adjacent soft tissues.
- Chondroprotectors. Preparations based on chondroitin and glucosamine promote healthy synthesis of cartilage tissue, accelerate its recovery and protect cartilage cells from destruction.
- Glucocorticosteroids. Hormonal drugs for the treatment of arthritis of the fingers are prescribed only in cases where NSAIDs are ineffective. They radically eliminate pain and reduce inflammation in severe conditions.
- Vitamins and restoratives, as well as calcium supplements.
- Antibiotics. Used in cases of arthritis of an infectious nature.
Before treating arthritis in your finger joints, consult your doctor.
Tablets for arthritis of fingers
In the “home” treatment of arthritis of the joints of the fingers, drugs such as naproxen, nimesulide, paracetamol, ketorolac, piroxicam, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, meloxicam, metamizole help. Among chondroprotectors, artracam, structum, and dona are especially effective.
Local medications for the treatment of arthritis of the fingers
In the drug treatment of arthritis of the fingers, Voltaren, Dolobene, Fastum Gel, Ketonal, Viprosal, Nicoflex and others, as well as ointments based on bee or snake venom, are widely used. The ointment is applied to clean, dried skin and gently rubbed until completely absorbed.
Physiotherapy for arthritis of the fingers
Physiotherapy is almost mandatory for arthritis of the fingers. However, not all methods of physiotherapy are applicable during exacerbation of the disease - before starting physiotherapeutic treatment for arthritis of the joints of the fingers, you must consult a doctor.
The following methods are most effective:
- magnetic therapy;
- ultraviolet irradiation;
- medicinal electrophoresis;
- phonophoresis;
- laser therapy;
- UHF;
- reflexology;
- balneotherapy and mud therapy;
- paraffin therapy;
- manual therapy;
- massage for arthritis of fingers.
Gymnastics for fingers for arthritis
During the day - at least 3-4 times - it is worth doing simple finger exercises:
- Rub your palms together vigorously until a feeling of warmth appears.
- Clench and unclench your fists (5-10 times). Then twist them clockwise and counterclockwise.
- Try to touch the base of your palm with your fingertips - stretch the muscles on the back of the hand well (5 times).
- Reach the tip of your thumb to the base of your little finger (7-10 times).
- Stretch your arms in front of you and turn your hands with your palms up and down (7-10 times).
- Move up and down and in circles with each finger.
For gymnastics for fingers with arthritis, choose a soft ball or ring to squeeze and unclench it - for example, while talking on the phone. Modeling from clay or plasticine is also useful.
How to relieve pain from arthritis of fingers
In addition to ointments and gels, which have a warming and irritating effect, folk remedies for arthritis of the fingers help reduce pain - warm baths for the hands, incl. with chamomile, St. John's wort and other beneficial herbs. If your joints are very inflamed and swollen, apply ice to them for 5-6 minutes to reduce swelling and restore nutrition.
Rubbing and self-massage also helps with arthritis of the finger joints. Massage each finger from base to tip and knead the brush. Massage with gel after baths is especially effective for arthritis of the fingers.
Recipes for folk remedies
Another type is folk treatment. There are many recipes for ointments and lotions for arthritis and arthrosis. We will present some of them, but before using them, consult your doctor.
- This composition includes 4 parts linseed oil, 1 part turpentine and 1 part propolis. Store in a cool place and warm up before use. Recommended use: 2 times a day.
- To prepare the ointment, you need to take 10 parts of wax, 3 parts of chopped horseradish, 0.5 parts of bee venom and two parts of propolis. Apply twice a day, store in a cool place.
- This composition is prepared from herbs: hops, St. John's wort, sweet clover - 10 g each. Next, grind with 50 g of petroleum jelly. All this is infused in a transparent jar for a week, and then applied twice a day.
The best way to combat arthritis is comprehensive. Let your attending physician decide what exactly this complex will consist of.
What not to do with arthritis of the fingers
Avoid bruises, poor circulation and stress on your fingers. Do not carry heavy bags with narrow handles that squeeze blood vessels. Be sure to wear warm gloves in autumn and winter to prevent colds in your joints. Avoid working with vibrating tools (such as a hammer drill) as much as possible, and take extra care when handling a hammer. Try not to knock on the door with your knuckles.
When sewing or working at the keyboard for a long time, be sure to break for exercises every hour.
For arthritis of the finger joints, it is better to replace ordinary pens for writing with thick ones with a rubber tip. Ensure healthy hand positioning at night, for example by using orthoses. Do not ignore the treatment prescribed by your doctor for arthritis in your finger joints.
Capsicam
The base of the cream is hot pepper extract. The composition also includes turpentine, dimethyl sulfoxide, nonivamide, benzyl nicotinate. Often used as a warm-up to improve blood circulation. Has an excellent effect on joint pain. When applied, there is an effective heat effect that improves the functioning of muscles and joints.
pros
The exclusively natural ingredients that make up the cream make it environmentally friendly. The cream has a rapid action of therapeutic components after application. The lasting effect of pain relief lasts up to 6 hours after applying the cream. The optimal price is up to 300 rubles.
Minuses
People with sensitive skin should not use the product as it may cause severe burning on the body. Its use is also prohibited during pregnancy and under 14 years of age.
Nutrition for finger arthritis
Proper nutrition for arthritis of the fingers has several goals:
- strengthening joints and saturating them with nutrients;
- improvement of metabolic processes in cartilage tissue;
- reduction of inflammation;
- improvement of collagen production with normal fiber structure;
- strengthening the immune system;
- prevention of allergic reactions;
- recovery for the primary disease, if arthritis is caused by gout, psoriasis, diabetes or another disease;
- achieving optimal body weight.
For example, zinc and selenium, which are essential in the diet of patients with arthritis, are involved in the production of enzymes in the synovium of the joint. Enzymes, in turn, remove decay and oxidation products from the joint. If they are not removed, they settle on the surface of the cartilage, making it uneven, less slippery, and are also absorbed by collagen fibers and disrupt their structure.
Although even a complete and balanced diet for arthritis of the fingers cannot stop the process of destruction of the joint without additional treatment, it should not be underestimated.
Efficiency of local remedies
When you need to provide help quickly, to numb a specific area of inflammation, it is good to use ointment for arthritis, because it delivers the medicine directly to the site of the disease.
These ointments have the following positive results:
- Providing an anti-inflammatory effect, it also relieves pain.
- They improve blood supply to the affected area by regulating blood flow.
- Relieves muscles from spasms.
- Deliver nutrients to the bones and cartilage of affected joints.
Ointments will help relieve inflammation
Ointments for arthritis have several categories regarding their purpose.
Healthy Diet for Finger Arthritis
Nutrition for arthritis of the fingers must include the following products:
- Fatty fish and other sources of omega-3 acids. Fatty acids are one of the most important nutritional components for cartilage diseases. They are found in red fish, tuna, mackerel, cod, nuts, egg yolk, flaxseed, olive oil.
- Natural chondroprotectors. These include chicken and meat cartilage, mussels and other shellfish, pig ears and other sources of collagen, chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates.
- Fruits, berries, vegetables and greens rich in vitamin C. These include spinach, blueberries, carrots, seaweed, cherries, cabbage, citruses, currants, kiwi, green tea. Red fruits (such as strawberries, plums, grapes) are also rich in anthocyanins. Vitamin C and anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue due to stress and oxidative processes. Berries and fruits for arthritis can be consumed frozen.
- Whole grain products. “Green” cereals and whole grain bread, dishes with sprouted wheat - these products should replace your products made from 1st grade flour. Amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa, and oatmeal are especially useful.
- Any nuts, incl. unsalted pistachios. They are rich in protein and calcium, as well as vitamin E and healthy fats that maintain the elasticity of cartilage tissue. It is advisable to eat 10-15 kernels every day.
- Legumes and other foods rich in vitamin B6. Scientists have found that vitamin B6 helps prolong remission and reduce inflammatory symptoms of arthritis. Eat pomegranate, sea buckthorn, beans, horseradish, garlic, bell pepper. Add 1 tbsp to your daily diet. fiber (for example, wheat bran).
- Milk and dairy products. Cow's and goat's milk help curb inflammation with essential amino acids.
- Ginger, red pepper, turmeric. These products not only reduce pain, but also relieve inflammation.
What should you exclude from your diet if you have arthritis of the fingers?
The following should be excluded from the diet for arthritis of the fingers:
- Saturated fats and oils, trans fats. They are found in fast food, factory-made cakes and ice cream, sausages, and palm oil-based products.
- Sweets and other high-carbohydrate foods. Consume potatoes and dark chocolate, honey, stevia, cane sugar and dried fruits in moderation. It is better to avoid cookies and sweets altogether.
- Food allergens. If you are allergic to milk, seafood, melon, chocolate or other foods, exclude them from your diet, especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
Contrary to stereotypes, drinking coffee for arthritis of the fingers is possible - it contains antioxidants. But no more than 1-2 cups per day, otherwise it can remove calcium and dehydrate the body. Avoid decaffeinated coffee - increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in the fingers.
Now you know how to treat arthritis of the fingers - do not neglect the advice of doctors and be healthy!
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Ortofen
The basis of the cream is diclofenac sodium. It has a good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. When applied, the cream helps reduce joint pain at rest and during movement. Relieves morning joint stiffness. It fights well against osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and back pain. Useful for heavy physical activity.
pros
Quickly relieves pain and swelling. Fights swelling. Low cost. Available in tubes of various sizes at prices ranging from 40 to 100 rubles.
Minuses
Do not use during pregnancy or children under 12 years of age. A large number of contraindications for people with hypersensitivity to the elements specified in the instructions. Increased blood pressure, allergies, dizziness, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
Amelotex
Amelotex ointment is based on the drug meloxicam, which effectively affects inflammatory processes in the joints. The ointment relieves pain well, and its effect is immediate, almost after rubbing. Fights symptoms such as osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis, arthritis.
pros
The ointment penetrates well into the tissues, reducing pain and increasing joint mobility. It works quickly. Does not have a negative effect on the cartilaginous area, as well as on the nervous system. There is no addiction to the drug. Excellent for relieving night pain. Price about 250 rub.
Minuses
Contraindications in the form of allergies - itching, irritation. It is not recommended for pregnant women and children under 18 years of age.
Nimesulide
Nimesulide ointment contains anti-inflammatory sulfonamides. The cream contains alcohol and thimerosal. Indications for use: radiculitis, lumbago, osteochondrosis.
pros
Reasonable price - around 200 rubles. Eliminates pain from myositis, osteochondrosis, bruises.
Minuses
Effective for mild pain, practically does not reduce swelling. May cause itching even after short periods of use. The cream has a very large number of contraindications, especially for persons sensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances.
Dolgit
The main medicine of the cream is ibuprofen. Additional ingredients - glycerol, propylene glycol, sodium methyl, neroli, lavender oils. It has an excellent anti-inflammatory effect and reduces swelling. The cream resolves hematomas. Used for osteochondrosis, rheumatism, gout, radiculitis.
pros
The cream can be used as a warming agent before physical activity. Relieves heat, inflammation and soft tissues. The pain syndrome, in the presence of the warming effect of the cream, disappears within 15 minutes and lasts up to 6 hours. The cost is optimal - 150 rubles.
Minuses
Allergic reactions to ibuprofen and aspirin in the form of rash, fever, swelling. Headache and sleep disturbance may also occur. Use with caution during pregnancy, during exacerbations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Chondroxide
The ointment is made from the drug chondroitin sulfate. Works great for pain in the arms, back, knees. Regenerates cartilage tissue and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Not only treats, but also prevents osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis.
pros
No side effects. Contraindications are minimal. Does an excellent job of reducing pain and stiffness when moving. Heals joints by increasing mobility.
Minuses
Average cost - up to 400 rubles. The ointment is quite greasy, which can cause some discomfort. Treats only mild to moderate pain. Allergies may develop.
