Why do My Fingers Hurt – 23 Tips for Arthritis

Are your knuckles in pain?

Do you notice stiffness in your joints and sometimes feel numbness in your fingertips?

Chances are you have a taste of osteoarthritis of the fingers.

When we notice that our hands gradually seem to change, weaken and become painful, our mood is sapped.

In the head, deformed fingers are linked to old age.

But osteoarthritis, arthritis, and rheumatism is ageless.

They can be imposed on everyone without differentiation.

We must not despair, it is not a fatal illness.

But you shouldn’t ignore affection and do nothing either.

In order not to allow osteoarthritis to develop and be devastating, you have to understand it to treat it.

This is what we will see in this article by specifying the causes of rheumatoid arthritis, the classic treatments offered, the most interesting alternative treatments, and the most effective tips to counter pain, stiffness, and discomfort.

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Early signs of arthritis in fingers

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Osteoarthritis can occur in any part of the body but is most often localized to the joints of the fingers.

There are four kinds of osteoarthritis:

– osteoarthritis
– psoriatic arthritis
– gouty arthritis
– rheumatoid arthritis

 

• Osteoarthritis often produces hard nodules at the distal interphalangeal joints

Osteoarthritis of the fingers is characterized by Heberden’s nodes which are hard and bony in appearance, with swelling that may develop in the distal interphalangeal joints (fingertip) and may be painful.

Heberden nodes are caused by the formation of osteophytes (bone growth) caused by repeated trauma to the joint.

• Proximal digital interphalangeal osteoarthritis

Bouchard’s nodes are bone growths that form in the proximal interphalangeal (middle of the finger) joints.

Like Heberden’s nodes, Bouchard’s nodes may or may not be painful.

Their main difference lies in the fact that Bouchard’s nodes limit the movement of the affected joints.

• Mucoid cyst

Small, fluid-filled pockets form on the side between the last knuckle of the finger and the bottom of the nail.

The best treatment for this type of mucoid cyst is surgical excision to remove the underlying osteophyte to reduce the risk of recurrence. 

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Psoriatic arthritis

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This is an inflammatory form often confused with common osteoarthritis.

 

• Dactylitis

Dactylitis or “sausage finger” is inflammation of the entire finger.

“Sausage fingers” are the major sign of psoriatic arthritis.

 

• The nail prick

Toenail pits are small depressions in the nail that are very common in people with psoriasis.

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Gouty arthritis

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A gout is an inflammatory form of osteoarthritis sometimes referred to as gouty osteoarthritis.

It mimics infection and usually develops in people with high levels of uric acid in the blood.

Uric acid can create sharp crystals in the joint that cause pain, tenderness, swelling, and tenosynovitis (inflammation of the synovial sheath).

Periarticular erosions are visible on x-rays.

They are usually multiple and bilateral, with an irregular border.

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Rheumatoid arthritis in children

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• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

The ANA (anti-nuclear antibody) test is positive in 30% of cases.

Rheumatoid factor is negative in children but may later turn positive.

The child has short fingers.

 

• Polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis

This is a form of juvenile arthritis that affects at least 5 joints.

In 30% of cases, it is polyarticular.

 

• Chronic pauciarticular arthritis

This is a form of juvenile arthritis that affects fewer than 5 joints.

In 50% of cases, it is pauciarticular.

The onset of this condition results in iridocyclitis, an eye inflammation of the iris.

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Rheumatoid arthritis in adults

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• Rheumatoid arthritis of the hand

It mainly affects women and presents spontaneous remissions and exacerbations.

The origin of this disease may be systemic.

Rheumatoid arthritis is typically polyarticular, bilateral, and symmetrical.

It mainly affects the hands and feet.

The patient experiences pain and stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning.

X-rays show periarticular erosions at diagnosis.

Osteopenia (moderate bone demineralization), as well as the formation of osteocytes (bone growths), point to a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

 

• What are the stages of rheumatoid arthritis in hands?
  

– In stage 1 early rheumatoid arthritis in hands, the hand has swollen, hot and tender joints. The affected areas are the base of the fingers and the wrists.

– At the complicated stage, the disease gets worse and digital vasculitis, bruises, skin atrophy, and nodules are present.

– In the advanced stage, the wrist joint is swollen, lateral tendon slippage occurs, and sometimes even ruptures of tendons and ulnar deviation of the fingers appear.
X-rays show destruction of the wrist joint.

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Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the fingers

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Although pain is the major symptom of hand involvement, you may also note:

– swelling of the fingers or the whole hand
– temporary redness
– an increase in the temperature of the zone

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The diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the hands

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The most obvious test for arthritis in the hands is the puncture of joint fluid.

It can detect an inflammatory liquid with the presence of crystals in the case of gout or an inflammatory liquid devoid of bacteria or crystals in the case of inflammatory rheumatism.

However, this test being particularly painful on joints as small and sensitive as those of the fingers, it is rarely prescribed.

The rheumatologist, therefore, performs a visual examination allowing him to determine the condition in question according to the formation of nodules and cysts and the affected area.

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What treatment for osteoarthritis of the fingers?

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Treatment differs depending on the cause diagnosed.

When it comes to gouty arthritis, joint rest is recommended and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.

A background treatment can be started to lower uric acid levels.

In the event of rheumatoid arthritis, anti-inflammatory treatment is prescribed at the time of the attacks then a specific treatment is initiated to relieve the pain and slow down the deformities.

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Rheumatoid arthritis, what foods to avoid?

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• Omega 6 and osteoarthritis
  

Like omega 3s, omega 6s are fatty acids that are essential for the body to function properly.

However, if you suffer from osteoarthritis, you absolutely must minimize the intake of omega 6.

Indeed, these fatty acids have a pro-inflammatory action that maintains chronic inflammation and therefore worsens osteoarthritis.

Be sure to avoid consuming corn, soybeans, sunflower oil, nuts, seeds, moderate meat, fish, poultry, and eggs.

 

• Sugar and osteoarthritis
  

Like omega 6s, sugar is a major inflammatory food.

Consumption of sugary foods generates a sudden rise in blood sugar associated with insulin production.

Too much insulin causes the production of inflammatory substances that are very damaging to osteoarthritis.

You maintain your pain in this way.

So avoid all fast sugars like sweets, cakes, sugary drinks and sodas, desserts, and gourmet coffees.

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Arthritis of the fingers home remedies

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Most of the time, rheumatism functions as an autoimmune disease.

Your immune system malfunctions and attacks joints by mistake, triggering severe inflammatory flares.

Certain herbs may be beneficial in reducing the inflammatory condition that causes joint damage.

You can also strengthen the immune system to help fight possible chronic infections.

 

• Ginger

Ginger has the particularity of decreasing leukotrienes (the mediators of inflammation) which the immune system uses to destroy pathogens.

It is also antibacterial and is shown to be an excellent antioxidant.

 

• Cinnamon

This spice reduces the c-reactive protein that is released by the liver due to chronic inflammation.

It is very interesting to introduce it into your desserts or even to compose a combination of honey and cinnamon to consume on an empty stomach in the morning.

Give preference to Ceylon cinnamon which does not present any toxicity to the organism.

 

• Garlic

Garlic is hands down the best natural antibacterial and antiviral.

It is also an excellent antioxidant that helps fight inflammation effectively.

If the smell bothers you, there are deodorized garlic supplements.

 

• Black pepper

Black pepper has a major impact on the cytokines that are the basis of the inflammatory reaction.

It is therefore a perfect anti-inflammatory to treat rheumatism.

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Natural treatment for finger arthritis

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• Potassium

It is important to increase your potassium level.

Some studies show that increasing potassium levels by providing 5 or 6000mg per day significantly reduces symptoms.

As a general rule, food intake varies between 2 and 6 grams per day.

WHO recommends at least 3,5 grams per day.

If you want to increase your potassium level, talk to your doctor so that you can set up specific monitoring.

 

• Vitamin D

This sun hormone has very interesting anti-inflammatory properties.

It is involved in all forms of inflammatory reactions and is essential in the fight against rheumatism.

You can supplement yourself with a daily dose ranging from 2000 to 5000IU to reap its benefits.

I use a 5000UI vitamin D supplement which you can find here (#ad).

 

• Magnesium

We all know that magnesium helps relax muscles, but it also has a major impact on the joints.

Combined with vitamin D, it is recommended to take 300mg per day to significantly reduce pain.

Prefer a magnesium bisglycinate like this one (#ad) because it is better absorbed by the body and has far fewer side effects.

 

• Turmeric

Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug that works well in your arthritis treatment.

A dosage of 1000mg per day is recommended for your pain relief.

 

• Bromelain

This digestive enzyme from pineapple is as essential as turmeric for immediate pain relief.

It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties as effective as common anti-inflammatories prescribed by medicine.

Prefer a bromelain supplement (#ad) to moderate your attacks.

 

• Glucosamine

Glucosamine and chondroitin are very effective in providing your body with the nutrients needed for good joint health.

However, it has a drag, it does not work as effectively for everyone.

So you can give it a try by choosing a glucosamine-chondroitin supplement and determining its impact on your joints.

 

• MSM

MSM or methyl sulfonyl methane is a compound naturally present in the body.

Widely used to reduce pain related to osteoarthritis and arthritis, it has a very powerful anti-inflammatory activity.

It may therefore be wise to increase your natural production by taking an MSM supplement (#ad).

You will thus be able to reduce pain, reduce any swelling, and moderate joint stiffness.

The recommended dosage ranges between 1 and 3 grams per day in divided doses.

Start with a moderate dose and then adjust it according to the observed results.

Proceed in cures, no more than 30 days.

 

• Fish oil

Omega 3s are essential in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Of course, you can find them in the diet but if you are having trouble staying the course of meals rich in omega-3, it is a good idea to introduce a supplement.

A dose of 1000mg per day is recommended.

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Manage bumps on fingers

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• Splints for arthritis fingers

Every pain you feel is an arthritis flare.

During these attacks, the deformities of the phalanges accelerate.

It is therefore wise to bring dedicated splints to both relieve and prevent progression.

I use this model (#ad) which is by far the most efficient and comfortable for stopping pain during attacks.

You can also wear this type of ring #ad (preferably copper) to immobilize a more sensitive joint discreetly.

• Orthosis to support the thumb

The thumb orthosis is essential to ensure greater immobilization of the thumb.

It thus preserves the joints from the development of rheumatoid arthritis while providing invaluable help for all the gestures of daily life.

 

• Hot-cold gel mittens
  

These mittens (#ad) can diffuse both heat and cold and bring immediate pain relief.

You just need to place it in the freezer to calm the congestion of the hands by the icy effect or a few seconds in the microwave to relieve the inflammation by the softness of the heat.

You can even alternate the two extremes for a deep treatment.

 

• The copper bracelet to temper the pain 

Copper has invaluable anti-inflammatory properties and can be absorbed through the dermis.

Wearing a bracelet made of this material prevents pain while changing your copper level in the blood.

In a few days, it inhibits the activity of pro-inflammatory molecules and the pain subsides.

I am wearing a bracelet like this (#ad) every year from fall through spring.

• Hemp pain relief gel

CBD (cannabidiol) has been on the rise in recent years.

But its effectiveness for pain is beyond dispute.

Massage your hands twice a day with this hemp pain relief gel (#ad) and you will notice a real difference in joint stiffness.

 

• The rehabilitation ball

It is wrong to say that you should not use your fingers too much when you have osteoarthritis.

Mobility must be continuous so that the joints do not come together to stiffen the finger.

It is, therefore, crucial to maintain constant mobility by exercising regularly.

A rehab ball (#ad) allows you to perform precision movements while maintaining muscle strength.

This step is essential so that the disease does not escalate further.

 

• The hand massager

The hand massager diffuses heat while providing a soothing overall massage.

With 3 degrees of pressure, it allows you to choose the program that will bring you the most relief.

This portable and wireless massager (#ad) fights crises with amazing efficiency.

Note that it is not recommended in cases of osteoporosis or diabetes.

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Essential oils for Heberden’s nodes

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• Wintergreen osteoarthritis
  

Number one essential oil effective for pain, wintergreen is most indicated for osteoarthritis.

Mix ten drops with 10ml of vegetable oil and enjoy its powerful anti-inflammatory effect and gentle soothing heat.

 

• Lemon eucalyptus oil

It is the most suitable essential oil after wintergreen, with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

It acts on joint pain with a few drops diluted in vegetable oil.

 

• Oregano essential oil

Oregano can reduce immune attacks while having antibacterial properties.

Dilute a few drops in 10ml of any vegetable oil then massage your hands carefully.

 

• Peppermint benefits
  

If you are looking for an anesthetic icy high, peppermint is for you.

It is an excellent analgesic and is very effective for all types of rheumatism.

Again, dilute a few drops in 10ml of vegetable oil then massage your hands for a long time.

It is also possible to create an even more powerful synergy by associating wintergreen, oregano, and lemon eucalyptus with vegetable oil.

You will thus benefit from their anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits by performing a massage three times a day.

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How to get rid of arthritis in fingers?

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It is not easy to manage osteoarthritis … and osteoarthritis of the hands is painful and disabling.

The aesthetics of the hands are not only the only black point.

The pains generated are intense, the stiffness is annoying, and the nodes are hopeless.

Unfortunately, there is little hope that they will go away because in all cases the inflammation is chronic.

However, it can be managed to contain it and slow its progression by providing regular care and taking supplements with high anti-inflammatory effects.

By combining the wearing of orthoses at night or at the time of attacks, it is also possible to prevent or at least significantly slow down deformities.

With increased vigilance and constant mobility, we manage to minimize the impact of osteoarthritis on the hands-on quality of life.

But you have to be proactive and not let it win.

Related:  Cervical spondylosis natural treatment

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