Osteoarthrosis of the hands

The mobility of any joints in the body depends on the condition and production of cartilaginous tissue, the metabolism in it. Osteoarthritis of the hands is one of the common diseases among women, which leads to pain, impaired mobility of the fingers and even deformity of the limb.

Why there is a deforming osteoarthritis of the hands?

Causes of pathology:

• violation of supply of tissues with blood;
• trauma, fractures, sprains and sprains;
• operative intervention;
• endocrine diseases;
• age changes;
• professional activity.

There are also idiopathic factors that do not yet have evidence:

• genetic predisposition;
• postmenopausal period;
• excessive body weight.

How does osteoarthritis of small interphalangeal joints and hands appear?

The symptomatology of the disease has a slow progression and is observed gradually, passing through 3 stages:

1. Osteoarthritis of hands of 1 degree. It is characterized by a slight pain in the joints, especially in the evening and after physical exertion, with mobility almost unchanged. There are small seals on the phalanges of the fingers (Geberden and Bushard nodules), clearly visible visually;
2. Osteoarthritis of hands of the 2nd degree. The pain syndrome is present constantly, but not intensively. Bones appear on the bones (osteophytes), slightly hindering the normal mobility and flexibility of the fingers. Over time, muscle atrophy occurs, joints increase in size, crunch when bent;
3. Osteoarthritis of the hands of the third degree. It is accompanied by strong pain sensations and almost complete limitation in movements. The density of bone tissue decreases, multiple osteophytes grow. This cartilaginous tissue is almost absent in the joints, and the muscles are non-functional.

How to treat osteoarthritis of the hands?

Therapy takes a long time, as it involves the restoration of joint function and the development of cartilaginous tissue, which has been normalized for several months.

Conservative approach is a set of activities:

1. Anesthesia and a decrease in the intensity of the inflammatory process. The following systemic drugs are used:

• Ibuprofen;
• Paracetamol;
• Movalis;
• Diclofenac ;
• Colchicine;
• Celecoxib.

It is also recommended to apply local medicines:

• Diklak;
• Voltaren;
• Nimesulide;
• Indomethacin.

2. Use of chondroprotectors, such as:

• Structum;
• Chondroitin;
• Glucosamine.

These drugs help restore the production of cartilaginous tissue, as well as its ability to retain moisture.

.3 Physiotherapy:

• radio wave effect;
• phonophoresis with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• electrophoresis .

4. Massage and self-massage.

5. Special gymnastics.

6. Compliance with a diet with a high content of vitamins and trace elements.

Also, the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hands involves injections directly into the joint cavity of hyaluronic acid. This the technique is also called medical prosthetics. The substance injected into the joint is an analogue of the cartilaginous lubricant, which allows you to quickly restore the mobility of the limb and fingers, ease the pain syndrome, speed up the process of therapy.

In severe forms of osteoarthritis, a surgical operation is shown, during which deformities of bones are corrected, osteophytes are removed.

None of the presented methods provides complete cure of the disease. To date, one can only suspend or slow the progression of pathology and alleviate its clinical manifestations.