Pain in the big toe of the right foot. Pain in the thumb: causes and treatment

Pain in the joints of the fingers is a fairly common phenomenon that at first glance seems harmless.

In most cases, this pathology occurs in people over 40 years old, although there are many diseases that cause similar pain in young people.

The most mobile and smallest of them are in the fingers.

They have a small articular surface and a thin connective membrane, as a result of which they are often exposed to various diseases.

A joint is a joint of bones covered with a composite cavity, which contains synovial fluid, hyaline cartilage, synovial membrane and articular bag.

Each finger is made up of:

  • three bones - proximal phalanx, middle phalanx, distal phalanx.
  • three joints - the proximal phalangeal (in it the bones that form the palm are connected to the proximal phalanx of the finger), the middle phalangeal joint, the third joint of the finger is called the distal interphalangeal joint.

Why do they hurt?

Reasons for the appearance pain in the joints of the fingers can be divided into 2 types: inflammatory (diseases) and traumatic.

Joint diseases

Inflammatory pain can occur as a result of the following diseases:

Arthritis

This is a group of diseases characterized by chronic or acute inflammation of the joints and adjacent tissues.

In the presence of these diseases, pain in the fingers can appear not only during their movement, but also at rest. At the same time, they have a pronounced intensity, accompanied by severe swelling and redness of the skin in the area of ​​inflammation.

Also, the appearance of a crunch in the joint during the load, limitation of its mobility, change in shape and

Rheumatoid arthritis- a connective tissue disease of a combined nature, characterized by damage to small joints.

Signs of the development of the disease:

  • inflammation and swelling of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the middle and index fingers;
  • symmetry of the lesion: if inflammation occurs on one arm, then the pathology will necessarily develop on the other.

With this disease, the risk of involvement in the inflammatory process of larger joints - knee, elbow and ankle - increases.

Pain in rheumatoid arthritis occurs mainly at night (in the second half) and in the morning.

Gouty arthritis (gout) - another type of arthritis.

The disease is caused by the deposition of salts in the tissues of the joints and an increase in uric acid in the blood.

The development of the disease most often occurs in people "meat eaters", since meat is the main source of purines, the violation of the metabolic process of which leads to this pathology.

Signs of the onset of the disease:

  • pain in thumb leg, which gradually spreads to the rest of the joints, including the fingers. Here we can already talk about the appearance of a more complex disease - polyarthritis;
  • redness of the affected area.

Signs of an exacerbation of the disease:

  • severe swelling;
  • severe burning pain (mainly at night) throughout the arm;
  • an increase in local temperature.

The duration of an attack of gout is from 2-3 days to several weeks.

feature this disease is the formation of pathological foci of seals (tophi) over the affected joints.

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of psoriasis.

In addition to skin lesions, inflammation of the joints of the feet and hands occurs.

With this type of violation, all the joints of the finger become inflamed at once, as a result of which it turns red and takes on an elongated shape, the damage to the joints is asymmetrical.

Infectious and septic arthritis arise as a result of the penetration of infection into the tissues of the joints through the blood or damaged areas of the skin.

Both one and many joints can be affected.

Depending on the severity and form of the disease, it manifests itself in different ways.

With neglect and purulent inflammation, the following symptoms are characteristic:

  • severe intoxication of the body;
  • fever;
  • rise in body temperature to critical levels.

The symptoms are more pronounced in children than in the elderly.

Stenosing ligamentitis

This is a disease characterized by inflammation of the annular ligament of the fingers.

Signs of pathology:

  • severe burning;
  • numbness;
  • pain in all (except the little finger) fingers. At the same time, it does not focus on one joint, but spreads along the entire length of the fingers;
  • cyanosis and swelling of the finger;
  • inability to straighten the finger without additional effort.

Gain discomfort occurs mainly at night and in the morning (at 4 - 5 o'clock).

During the day, the pain subsides or disappears altogether.

Osteoarthritis

A disease in which the cartilage tissue of the joints is destroyed.

Elderly women are most susceptible to this pathology.

Causes of osteoarthritis include:

  • hormonal disorders;
  • hereditary factors;
  • the workload associated with the profession;
  • metabolic disease.

Characteristic features diseases:

  • violation of free movement in the joints of the fingers;
  • crunching in the joints during the movement of the hand;
  • stiffness of the hands in the morning;
  • the appearance of painful sensations under the influence of the load and their subsidence during sleep;
  • with venous congestion, dull pains are possible at night.

Figure: Osteoarthritis

At the beginning of the disease, only one joint is affected. Then, very slowly but surely, it “captures” all the others.

In this case, those joints that, during the inflammation of the first, took on all its mechanical load, are subjected to secondary damage.

If the joint of the thumb hurts, then we can assume the presence of one of the types of osteoarthritis - rhizarthrosis.

It is characterized by a lesion of his joint at the base, connecting the metacarpal bone and the radiocarpal joint.

The disease occurs as a result of constant stress on the joint and muscles of the thumb, manifested by pain and deformation of its bones.

Osteomyelitis

Pathology manifested by education in the bones, bone marrow, joints and soft tissues of purulent-necrotic process.

This disease is caused by pus-producing bacteria.

The first signs of the disease may be:

  • a significant increase in temperature;
  • severe intoxication;
  • joint pain;
  • nausea with vomiting;
  • headache;
  • chills;
  • worsening general condition health.

After a few days from the onset of the disease occurs:

  • increased pain in the joints of the fingers and the hands themselves;
  • swelling of the muscles of the hand, a venous pattern may appear on the skin.
  • restriction of both active and passive finger movement.

Alleviation of the listed symptoms (body temperature, joint pain, intoxication), especially without the necessary treatment, does not at all indicate a cure for the disease.

In many cases, this signals its transition to a chronic form.

Very often, so-called fistulas appear on the affected areas, which have purulent discharge of a meager nature, during the merging of which the formation of subcutaneous channels, the curvature of the bones of the fingers and the immobility of the joints occur.

Bursitis

A disease characterized by inflammation of the joint capsules, in this case the fingers, and the accumulation of fluid in their cavity.

Symptoms of this pathology include:

  • the formation of a soft and mobile swelling at the site of the affected joint;
  • sharp pain on palpation;
  • an increase in local temperature;
  • dark red skin tone.

If the occurrence of this disease was an injury to the hand or finger, then there is a risk of developing purulent bursitis, which is accompanied by:

  • severe pain throughout the arm;
  • headache;
  • constant nausea;
  • weakness.

Angiospastic peripheral crisis

Sometimes pain in the fingers occurs as a result of an angiospastic peripheral crisis, accompanied by cyanosis, coldness, and then severe reddening of the skin.

The cause of the disease can be simple cooling.

Ulnar nerve neuropathy

As a result of compression or injury of the wrist joint, the joints of the fingers of the left hand begin to hurt.

If the pain in the fingers of a paroxysmal nature is accompanied by whitening of their tips, then the so-called Raynaud's syndrome is diagnosed.

Photo: type of fingers with Raynaud's syndrome

It can act both as an independent disease, and as one of the symptoms of another disease.

The symptoms of the syndrome are:

  • severe burning pain that occurs after hypothermia, injury or stress;
  • white fingertips.

The disease has serious complication in the form of a violation of the process of delivering oxygen to the tissues, which can cause necrosis of the fingertips.

Polycythemia

Pain in the joints of the fingers, their numbness, itching skin, headache and insomnia may indicate the presence of this disease.

It is characterized by an increase in the number of red blood cells in the human body and is divided into three forms:

  • in the primary, there is an increased production of platelets, white and blood cells;
  • reactive (secondary) polycythemia is the result of diseases that are not associated with blood;
  • pseudopolycythemia is characterized by a decrease in the amount of blood plasma.

All symptoms of pathology are directly related to the violation of the microcirculation of blood vessels and their filling with blood.

Cervical osteochondrosis

If cutting and sharp pains appear, which are accompanied by a sensation of electric current passing through the joints of the forearm, passing into the fingertips, one can also suspect a pinched root.

At the same time, increased pain, as well as the appearance of a feeling of freezing, numbness and crawling can intensify even with slight loads on the spine.

The mobility of the department where the injury occurred is impaired.

The pain may be aggravated by tilting the head in the opposite direction from the sick side, coughing or sneezing.

De Quervain's disease

This is an inflammation of the ligament of the thumb.

It is characterized by the appearance of pain in the wrist joint, which increases with the movements of the hand.

It can be given to the entire hand, to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe forearm, neck and shoulder.

During palpation, there is swelling and pain in the affected side.

tendovaginitis

A disease characterized by a chronic or acute inflammatory process of the connective tissue sheaths of the tendons.

hallmarks pathologies are:

  • crunching during joint movement;
  • pain during flexion and extension;
  • swelling in the affected area of ​​the tendon sheath.

Mechanical causes

Injury

The most common causes of joint pain include dislocation of the fingers.

The main signs of this trouble will be:

  • sharp and piercing pain of the injured finger;
  • his unnatural position;
  • protrusion from the joint;
  • redness of the skin;
  • an increase in local temperature.

The thumb is most commonly dislocated.

vibration sickness

Very often, pain in the joints of the fingers occurs when working with a vibration mechanism.

There are 4 stages of this disease:

  • the first is characterized by the periodic appearance of pain in the fingers, their numbness and paresthesia (tingling, tingling sensation);
  • in the second stage, there is a decrease in vibration sensitivity. Changes in vascular tone, pain and paresthesia become permanent. Perhaps the first signs of vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • in the last stage (III), paresthesia, numbness and pain in the fingers become paroxysmal. Signs of vasomotor disturbances intensify, and the so-called vasospasm syndrome appears, which is characterized by a disorder of sensitivity and whitening of the fingers.

tunnel syndrome

The so-called tunnel syndrome, which is most often diagnosed in young people, can lead to painful sensations.

It appears when you work at the computer for a long time.

Almost all professionals whose activities are related to such an occupation, sooner or later may experience similar symptoms.

The cause of such pain is a pinched nerve in the metacarpal canal, which occurs as a result of prolonged static load, incorrect positioning of the hands, or lack of interarticular fluid.

What other reasons could there be?

In the morning

There is only one reason for pain in the fingers that occurs in the morning - joint diseases.

To clarify the exact diagnosis, you must consult a doctor.

During pregnancy

Pregnancy is a special condition.

If the joints of the fingers on the hands are swollen and sore during the bearing of a child, then the following pathologies can be suspected:

  • an increase in the amount of the hormone responsible for softening the ligaments of the joints (relaxin);
  • lack of calcium in the body;
  • joint diseases;
  • pinching of the median nerve;
  • Fibromyalgia is a disease caused by depression.

After childbirth

After the birth of a child, a woman, just as during her bearing, may feel pain in her wrist.

The causes of this pathology are the same:

  • lack of calcium;
  • the presence of diseases of the joints.

After sleep

Pain in the fingers after sleep indicates joint diseases of a different nature.

Also, such a pathology often occurs as a result of morning swelling of the hands.

After exercise

The appearance of this disease after work and physical activity is also a sign of vascular disease.

In this case, pain is accompanied by cramps, numbness and fatigue of the fingers.

The skin becomes cold and pale, the hairline of the hands thins out, and the nails become thicker.

After a certain time, the pathology can become chronic, as a result, it becomes impossible to feel the pulse on the radial arteries, the blood flow of the limbs is disturbed and the lumen of their upper arteries narrows.

Pain becomes constant or appears with little exertion.

When flexed

Pain during flexion may indicate the presence of the following diseases:

  • pinching of the vertebral nerves;
  • stenosing ligamentitis;
  • arthrosis of the joints;
  • tunnel syndrome;
  • osteoarthritis;
  • tendovaginitis.

Risk factors

The following factors may contribute to the onset of pain:

  • infections that cause inflammation in the joints;
  • autoimmune diseases;
  • joint wear;
  • fractures and injuries;
  • lack of vitamins;
  • metabolic disease;
  • floor. In women, the development of joint diseases is observed several times more often than in men;
  • age (most susceptible this disease people from 40 to 60 years old);
  • smoking;
  • genetic predisposition;
  • hormonal disorders (malfunction thyroid gland, diabetes);
  • hypothermia;
  • constant contact with sources of vibration;
  • monotonous movements of the hands and fingers (working on a computer, playing musical instruments, playing certain sports, knitting, etc.).

Diagnostic methods

You can diagnose the causes of pain in the fingers using the following procedures:

Radiography

This is one of the most popular methods for diagnosing possible hand injuries, tumors and lesions caused by infections.

This procedure allows you to study the structure of bones and bone tissue. The x-ray is completely painless.

The results will be reflected on a special film or paper in three projections.

Ultrasound procedure

It is used quite rarely, as this procedure does not give a clear image (due to bone density) of the contrast of the structures of the hand.

CT scan

A bit like radiography (performed using X-rays), but the data is processed on a computer, resulting in a series of images with cross sections.

If it is necessary to detect the presence of changes in the bone tissue this method research is the most informative.

Electrospondylography

A computer diagnostic method that allows you to identify the presence of pathologies in that part of the vertebra that is responsible for the work of the hands.

It is possible to recognize diseases using this procedure at the earliest stages of their development.

Magnetic resonance imaging

Modern and absolutely safe method diagnostics of the state of tissues and organs using electromagnetic waves.

Finished images are images of longitudinal and transverse sections of structures.

Contrasting discography

A research technique in which a special substance is introduced into the bone tissue, which helps to see the presence of deviations from the norm.

Analyzes

The following tests are prescribed for the diagnosis of joint diseases:

  • general analysis urine (helps identify severe forms of arthritis);
  • complete blood count (shows the severity of inflammation, the presence of leukocytosis and anemia);
  • biochemical analysis blood (reveals an increase in fibrinogen, sialic acids, haptoglobin, medium molecular weight peptides).

Additional studies are also assigned to determine:

  • uric acid level;
  • antinuclear factor;
  • the presence of lupus cells;
  • complement level;
  • antigens;
  • rheumatoid factor.

Joint puncture

This procedure consists in piercing the diseased joint, after which the fluid in it is taken for examination.

This measure is used to establish the exact causes of inflammation or infection.

Skin biopsy

This analysis is performed very rarely.

It consists in taking a piece of skin tissue, which is sent for microscopic examination.

A biopsy helps to identify rare types of arthritis (lupus erythematosus, scleroderma).

What to do?

Which doctor should I contact?

Treatment is done by:

  • traumatologist;
  • neuropathologist;
  • rheumatologist;
  • surgeon;
  • hematologist.

In extreme cases, if the patient does not know who exactly he needs to contact, you need to visit the local therapist, who will prescribe the necessary tests and, if necessary, refer him to the appropriate specialist.

Medical treatment

The main type of treatment for almost all diseases is medication.

The main focus of drug treatment is to relieve inflammation and relieve the patient of pain.

AT modern medicine for this apply nonsteroidal drugs anti-inflammatory selective action, scientifically - inhibitors of cycloroxygenase.

When compared with previous generation drugs, their intake has less effect on the kidneys, intestines and liver.

These drugs include:

  • Celecoxib;
  • Nimesil.

If the pain syndrome is caused by an autoimmune disease, then the main method of its treatment is the intake of glucocorticosteroid hormones, which have good anti-inflammatory properties.

Drugs of this type:

  • Prednisolone;
  • Dexamethasone;
  • Metipred.

If observed severe pain and the patient cannot withstand such a pain syndrome, the use of narcotic drugs is possible.

To eliminate the pain of minor inflammation, a variety of gels, creams and ointments are used, either with a warming and analgesic effect (Finalgon), or with anti-inflammatory properties ().

In some diseases, it is advisable to use the so-called chondoprotective drugs.

Their main purpose is the correction and regeneration of articular cartilage.

These include:

  • Teraflex;
  • Don;
  • Structum.

Folk remedies

In addition to receiving medicines, especially during periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases, the use of folk remedies for the treatment of joint pain is allowed.

But you can resort to any of them only after consulting with your doctor about a particular prescription.

  1. Compress of vodka, honey and aloe. Apply to the sore spot. The procedure time is 2-3 hours.
  2. Oil balm. To prepare it, you need to take sesame and olive oil, add vitamin A to the mixture and mix everything well. Rub the resulting balm into the affected areas.
  3. Potato sprout tincture. Pour 200 - 300 grams of sprouted potato sprouts with 0.5 liters of vodka. Insist 2-3 weeks. Rub into sore joints once a day.
  4. Tincture of common lilac flowers. Pour the flowers with alcohol and also insist in a dark bowl for 2 weeks. Rub this tincture on sore joints before going to bed.
  5. Infusion of berries and lingonberry leaves. It is prepared as follows: a spoonful of the dried mixture is infused in a glass of boiled water. It helps to cope with pain during an exacerbation of arthrosis. Drink it like tea, 2 times a day, 200 ml.
  6. Multicomponent ointment. Take 20 grams of honey and hellebore grass (dried), 5 grams of dry mustard and 10 grams of vegetable oil. All ingredients are mixed and melted in a water bath. The resulting mixture is cooled, transferred to a dark glass container for storage. The ointment is smeared with the affected area once a day until the pain syndrome disappears completely.
  7. Propolis ointment. A small piece of bee propolis is mixed with corn or sunflower oil. Rubbed into the affected joint once a day.
  8. Herbal decoction. In equal proportions are taken: nettle leaves, rosemary and lilac flowers. A decoction is prepared from them, which is used to apply compresses to a sore joint. Perform the procedure before going to bed.

If joint pain is a consequence of an injury, then ice is the first life-saving remedy.

The affected area is wrapped with a thick cloth or bandage and an ice pack is applied on top.

Diet

If any pathology associated with joint dysfunction is detected, especially during periods of exacerbation, it is necessary to adhere to a special diet.

Products, the use of which should be limited or eliminated completely:

  • pastries from flour of the highest grade;
  • sweet;
  • high fat dairy products. You can replace them with low fat ones. fermented milk products and cottage cheese. This will help restore calcium metabolism;
  • mayonnaise. It should be replaced with vegetable oil with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice;
  • salt. Its excess in many diseases (for example, arthrosis) provokes a violation mineral metabolism, which leads to the replacement of articular cartilage with mineral salts and the loss of its elasticity. In the phase of exacerbation of pathologies, salt should be completely excluded;
  • foods containing oxalic acid (spinach, sorrel, rhubarb);
  • smoked meats;
  • meat products (limit to 100 grams per week);
  • strong tea and coffee;
  • citrus;
  • spicy dishes.

Foods that help with joint pain:

  • fish and other seafood. The calcium, iron and phosphorus contained in them contribute to the normalization of mineral metabolism;
  • low-fat natural cheeses;
  • salad;
  • radish;
  • egg yolks;
  • currant;
  • nuts;
  • fruits and juice of pomegranate;
  • figs;
  • cauliflower;
  • olive oil;
  • ginger;
  • linseed oil or fish fat. The omega-3s in these foods fatty acid improve the condition of blood vessels and help restore fat metabolism;
  • apple cider vinegar promotes the process of alkalization of the blood and the removal of salts.

In diseases of the joints, it is necessary to observe the water-salt balance, and increase water consumption to 2 liters per day. This amount includes green and herbal teas.

Gymnastics

During an exacerbation of joint diseases, complete rest, which many strive for, can do more harm than excessive activity.

There is only one way out of this situation - to alternate the rest of the joints with the performance of special gymnastics.

Exercises for joint diseases

There is only one starting position: sitting, the arm in a half-bent elbow, is on the thigh or pillow, the palm looks down.

  • simultaneous or alternate mixing and spreading of the fingers;
  • elbow on a support, fingers in a half-bent state. Raising up the hand;
  • the palm is pressed against the support. Abduction of the thumb with alternate or simultaneous adduction of the remaining fingers to it;
  • the elbows are on the support, the fingers are connected with the palms and are placed on the table with the thumbs up. Raising the brushes;
  • palms are pressed to the support. Raising and bending the fingertips with the immobility of the main phalanges;
  • sitting, the location of the palm - little finger down. Extension of the fingers with half-bent interphalangeal joints;
  • abduction of the thumb from all the others and its subsequent lowering down;
  • the palm looks up, the fingers are bent. Simple flexion and extension of the fingers.

Repeat all exercises 5 times.

It is advisable to start gymnastics with a non-sick hand (or less sore).

If it is impossible to overcome resistance on your own, you can ask for outside help or help with the other hand.

Video: gymnastics for the joints of the hand

Physiotherapy

To ease pain and relieve inflammation in the joints of the fingers, the following physiotherapy procedures are used:

  • electrophoresis with medicines. It is prescribed for severe pain syndromes. Helps improve metabolism in the joints, eliminates inflammation and pain;
  • ultrasound therapy. Performed with frequent pain in the joint. Contraindicated in severe types of arthrosis (synovitis) and heart disease;
  • microwave therapy. It consists in the penetration of microwaves into the deep layers of tissues. Virtually no contraindications;
  • heat therapy. It is based on an increase in temperature in a diseased joint, as a result of which there is an increase in tissue metabolism, cartilage restoration and an improvement in metabolism;
  • barotherapy. It is used in situations where medical treatment does not help. Promotes restoration of blood circulation in the joints.

Consultation with a doctor before using any method of physiotherapy is required!

Massage

In diseases of the joints, one of the most effective methods their treatment is massage.

Thanks to this procedure, peripheral blood circulation is improved, as a result of which the tissues of the diseased joint and the limbs themselves are supplied with many nutrients, and most importantly, oxygen.

Finger massage is performed towards the knuckles from the tips, each finger is massaged separately.

The whole procedure is divided into three stages:

  • stroking;
  • rubbing and kneading;
  • shaking.

Stroking is performed with a relaxed hand of a healthy hand, easily, without tension.

Rubbing is carried out various methods in a certain sequence:

  • rectilinear forceps movements;
  • forceps zigzag;
  • rectilinear, thumb;
  • spiral, thumb;
  • spiral, four fingers;
  • spiral, index finger;
  • spiral, lateral surface of the palm;
  • spiral, base of the palm.

Explanation:

  • Rectilinear rubbing - sliding the brush forward with your fingers.
  • Zigzag - the brush glides in a zigzag pattern with a diagonal palm.
  • Forcep-shaped - the grip of the index and thumb of the tendons and skin.
  • Spiral - circular motions palm or finger.

Shaking the brush is performed at the end of the massage session.

Spa treatment

In the treatment of joint diseases, procedures performed in the sanatorium play a significant role.

These include:

  • baths (hydrogen sulfide, radon, salt, iodine, bromine). Contribute to the reduction or complete disappearance of pain and inflammatory processes;
  • mud treatment (peloid therapy). For this, sea mud, lake silt, volcanic mud, peat are used. Helps to get rid of inflammatory processes;
  • physiotherapy;
  • increased immunity;
  • diet therapy;
  • massage;
  • physical education in water;
  • reflexology;
  • if necessary - traction of the spine, manual therapy.

For irreversible joint damage, severe forms bone disorders or loss of self-care ability, many procedures are contraindicated.

Pain prevention

To prevent the occurrence of pain, you must adhere to some rules:

  • keep your hands warm and not expose them to hypothermia;
  • avoid the same type of movements for a long time;
  • when working with a vibrating tool, use gloves and support the hand;
  • when working at a computer to organize comfortable spot for hands, knead and shake them every half hour;
  • when carrying a load, distribute it evenly on both hands;
  • observe the correct diet with a high content of calcium and omega-3 acids;
  • give up bad habits.

Joint diseases are quite dangerous pathologies that can lead to irreversible consequences (up to the loss of motor skills in a sick hand).

When the first signs of this type of disease appear, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

At any age, a person may experience discomfort in the small joints of the hand. There are several factors that cause pain in the joint of the thumb on the hand. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the underlying cause, identified during the diagnosis, and eliminating the consequences of the pathological process.

Often, discomfort occurs due to uneven distribution of physical activity, hypothermia, prolonged monotonous brush movements during work, active rest, workouts.

Why does my thumb hurt? The most common are the following reasons:

  • trauma - fracture, dislocation, sprain or rupture of ligaments, tendons;
  • arthritis - rheumatoid, gouty, psoriatic, infectious;
  • Raynaud's syndrome;
  • tunnel syndrome;
  • bursitis;
  • de Quervain's tenosynovitis;
  • stenosing ligamentitis;
  • diseases of the endocrine system;
  • metabolic disorders.

In addition to various diseases, a provocative factor can be a genetic predisposition to joint lesions, bad habits, malnutrition and deficiency of minerals or vitamins in the body.

How to Diagnose Causes of Thumb Pain

For help, they turn to a therapist, surgeon, rheumatologist or arthrologist, neuropathologist. X-ray, ultrasound and/or computed tomography brushes, take a clinical and biochemical blood test, a general urine test.

If a finger or another area of ​​the body hurts due to a fall, bruise / impact, then you should immediately visit a traumatologist. He will diagnose and prescribe treatment.

During the diagnostic process, additional biomaterial tests may be required to detect the level of uric acid and complement, the presence of antinuclear, rheumatoid factor, lupus cells, and antigens. It may be necessary to perform electrospondylography, contrast discography, puncture for sampling synovial fluid, skin biopsy.

Treatment Methods

The patient must receive complex therapy, eliminate factors that provoke the disease, for example, get rid of smoking, eat well, avoid hypothermia. Doctors during work recommend doing gymnastics for fingers, palms, and wrists every 30-45 minutes.

For traumatic injuries

Immediately after the incident, the victim should be given first aid. medical care. First of all, the arm is fixed or with a splint so that the forearm and hand are on the same line. Movement in them should be excluded. Then cold is applied to the damaged area, the patient is given an analgesic (tablet or injection), the person is taken to the emergency room or the 03 service is called. Treatment begins after a doctor's examination, X-ray, ultrasound, assessment of the degree of damage.


For bruises:

  • a gauze bandage is applied to the injured arm;
  • cold compresses are prescribed for 15 minutes;
  • provide upper limb peace;
  • prescribed painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

If there is an open injury to the skin and/or nail, the person needs a course of antibiotics. AT rehabilitation period it is necessary to do special gymnastic exercises to normalize mobility in.

When sprained tendons and / or ligaments:

  • 7 days wear a tight bandage on the arm, periodically making a slight kneading of the fingers;
  • when dressing, the brush is massaged using a warming ointment;
  • before going to bed, the brush is dipped for 15 minutes in a bath with a decoction of wild rosemary or a vodka compress is applied at night.

In case of rupture or tear of ligaments, tendons, complex fractures, surgery is necessary. During rehabilitation, drug therapy, exercise therapy, physiotherapy. The dislocations are reduced immediately, the articulation is fixed, then the recovery period using UHF, physiotherapy exercises with gradually increasing loads on the brush.

If the diagnosis is rhizarthrosis

The disease is a subspecies of arthrosis. With this pathology, the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue occurs at the joint of the base of the thumb on the hand. Therapeutic methods depend on the stage and degree of damage.

Required for rhizarthrosis complex treatment which includes the following activities:

  • taking chondroprotectors, vitamins, minerals;
  • the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • a diet with an increased number of dishes with gelatin (jelly, jelly);
  • brush massage using olive or linseed oil and the addition of aromatic oils (lavender, pine or sage);
  • special gymnastics for hands;
  • the use of physiotherapy (mud, black wax applications, UHF, electrophoresis);
  • local use of ointments (Nicoflex-cream, Espola, Diclofenac).

In the second or third degrees of the disease, surgical intervention is possible, the appointment of intra-articular injections of glucocorticosteroid hormones. With rhizarthrosis, with the permission of the doctor, methods are used traditional medicine- baths with sea salt, compresses using gelatin with honey, drinking herbal teas with chamomile, lapacho, sage.

Therapy for arthritis and bursitis

With these diseases, an inflammatory process develops in the joints. When bursitis affects the periarticular bag - bursa. With arthritis of the thumb, the tissues of the joint become inflamed, covering other joints of the hand. It is necessary to treat these processes in a complex way - with the help of exercise therapy, diet, medicines, physiotherapy.

Drugs are always prescribed to relieve inflammation and pain - Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Indomethacin, Meloxicam, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Colchicine is additionally included in the treatment regimen for gouty arthritis, a purine-free diet and agents that reduce the level of uric acid in the body are prescribed. In the psoriatic type of pathology, it is prescribed locally and inside hormonal agents, antipsoriatic drugs. In the case of an infectious type of disease, fungicides, antiviral drugs, hormones and antibiotics are also used.

In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the following medicinal substances are additionally used:

  • selective immunosuppressants;
  • cytostatics;
  • glucocorticosteroid hormones in the form of intra-articular injections.

For all types of illness, you can use herbal teas, traditional medicine methods for local therapy- compresses, baths, self-made ointments containing mustard, salt, oatmeal, mumiyo, blue clay, burdock juice and other medicinal ingredients.

Physical therapy for arthritis or bursitis includes the following procedures:

  • electrophoresis using solutions of anti-inflammatory, analgesic or vascular drugs;
  • mud, paraffin, wax applications;
  • nitrogen-thermal, oxygen baths;
  • exposure to laser beams;


In the diet for arthritis limit the intake of salt, carbohydrates, animal fats. It is recommended to use fresh fruits, vegetables, berries and drink freshly squeezed juices, rosehip broth.

Ways to treat carpal tunnel syndrome

Pathology occurs as a result of infringement of the median nerve in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe wrist. With carpal tunnel syndrome, pain, loss of sensation, weakness is localized not in the joints of the hand, but in the muscles, especially the thumb.

Therapeutic methods:

  • splinting on the wrist;
  • therapeutic gymnastics, hand massage;
  • the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and injections of corticosteroid hormones;
  • taking vitamin B6 orally or intramuscularly.

With the ineffectiveness of these methods, an operation is performed. During the recovery period, special gymnastics is used and massotherapy brushes, apply physiotherapy, including ultrasound therapy.

How to treat de Quervain's tenosynovitis

Pathology develops due to systematic compression, pinching of the tendon, inflammation of the ligament of the thumb due to injury or the performance of monotonous monotonous movements.

During treatment, the provoking factor is eliminated, physical stress on the hand is reduced. Then the wrist and thumb are fixed for two weeks with a splint, plaster or tight bandage. During therapy, novocaine blockades, glucocorticosteroid hormones, and physiotherapy are prescribed. If the methods are ineffective, they perform an operation under local anesthesia.

Treatment of stenosing ligamentitis

This disease, in which the ligaments become inflamed, is also called "springy/trigger finger". There are acute, subacute and chronic form pathology.
Therapy for stenosing ligamentitis:

  • the use of medications - glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • the use of physiotherapy methods - baths, compresses with Ronidase, phono- and electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory drugs, mud applications;
  • injections of hyaluronidase-active drugs.

At frequent relapses excision of the affected ligament. After the operation, the functionality of the hand is restored within 30–40 days.

Treatments for Raynaud's syndrome

Pathology develops against the background of a spasm or a sharp narrowing of blood vessels in the region of the peripheral parts of the extremities, including the thumbs on the hands. The pain is localized in the extra-articular region. There is also numbness, discoloration of the skin of the hands.

The following medications are used in the treatment:

  • antispasmodics (Nifedipine);
  • blood circulation-improving drugs (Vazaprostan, Trental);
  • dilating vessels and reducing the tone of their walls means (Xanthinol nicotinate, Nicardipine, Verapamil, Fentolamine);
  • local anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments and gels (Reopirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac).

In 85-90% of cases, Raynaud's syndrome is a symptom of other diseases: vibration disease, endocrine and metabolic disorders, neurogenic or vascular disorders. In this case, therapy should be aimed at eliminating the underlying pathology.

Conclusion

If the joint of the thumb on the hand hurts, the methods and duration of the course of treatment are selected according to the identified causes. During therapy and the entire subsequent period of rehabilitation, you must carefully adhere to medical recommendations. This will prevent relapses, speed up recovery, help to completely get rid of the disease.

Finding out on your own the reason why the thumb hurts is not always an easy task. Pain in and of itself is not a disease.

The nature of the pathology is investigated by additional clinical, laboratory and instrumental signs. Although in some situations anamnesis is enough to make a diagnosis. The treatment of soreness that significantly impairs the patient's daily life will depend on the etiological factor. Moreover, in some situations, any minimal therapeutic measures are sufficient, and sometimes serious complex treatment is required.

traumatic injury

The most common cause of pain in the left or right phalanges of the thumb is trauma.

Since the hand is constantly used by a person in everyday life, damage to the finger, which is the main fine motor skills, will present a big problem.

Most often, patients experience household injuries, among which the most common are:

  • cuts;
  • burns;
  • frostbite;
  • scratches;
  • damage to the nail plate;
  • bruises;
  • dislocations;
  • subluxations;
  • fractures.

Almost always, with pain in the thumbs on the hands of a traumatic nature, swelling, redness, hemorrhages in the form of hematomas and open skin damage will be noted. Also, if the rules of antiseptics are not followed, infection with the development of inflammation is possible.

Felon

Panaritium is a purulent-inflammatory disease of the soft tissues of the finger. In most cases develops on the extreme phalanges where microtraumas constantly occur in the form of scratches, small cuts, injections, and so on. The infection is caused by a bacterial flora of staphylococcal, streptococcal or mixed nature. During the development of the disease on the thumb, the following are affected: skin, subcutaneous fat, joints, tendons. Depending on the form of the inflammatory process (serous or purulent), the severity of the disease will be determined. The clinical picture of the disease consists of common signs of inflammation: subfebrile temperature, weakness, loss of appetite, and local symptoms.

Patients complain of pain in the affected finger, redness, swelling and impaired movement in the joint.

Pathology is always preceded by minor mechanical damage. Pain in the thumb with panaritium has a jerking and pulsating character. Treatment of the disease should be immediate and most often surgical.. In the absence of adequate therapy, the pathology will develop into an abscess, which is also accompanied by intense pain, and then into a phlegmon. With each transformation of inflammation, the traumatism of surgical intervention becomes higher, and the probability of quickly getting rid of the problem and the absence of consequences decreases.

Paronychia

The disease is a form of panaritium, however, the nail plate and the area around it are affected. The most common causes of an inflammatory process in the finger:

  • permanent minor or moderate injury to the nail plate, cuticle or surrounding tissues;
  • chronic exposure to chemicals;
  • constant elevated temperature;
  • some occupational hazards;
  • candida infection (in debilitated and immunodeficient patients).

The clinical picture of the disease is the same as with the usual panaritium.

The periungual roller is affected, where a large number of receptors are located.

This explains why the big toe hurts. Moreover, irradiation of pain to the entire hand is noted. Also pronounced swelling of the finger develops, which, despite the small affected area, captures almost the entire finger. Treatment will depend on the stage of development of the pathological process. Before the onset of suppuration are limited conservative treatment, however, in advanced cases, one has to do a rather traumatic operation, during which the nail is seriously damaged.

Inflammatory processes in the joints

Pain in the thumb area may be associated with articular problems. There are many reasons for the inflammatory process in the joint, and each disease has its own characteristics. However, the overall clinical picture about the same. The following symptoms are noted:

  • soreness of the fingers (may be temporary or permanent and have a different character);
  • swelling of the joints (may depend on the time of day);
  • deformation (does not always happen);
  • symmetry (less often, its absence is noted, which is an important diagnostic feature);
  • limitation of active and passive movements.

Some pathologies are of the type acute inflammation, for example, rheumatic fever. More often noted chronic course disease, which sometimes exacerbate.

The most common pathologies affecting the thumb and other fingers are systemic connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis.

Also, the above symptoms are characteristic of the articular form of psoriasis, which is considered the most severe variant of the course of the disease. The thumbs also hurt with congenital anomalies in the structure of the phalanges, which are characteristic of some genetic diseases.

Gout

Gout is a genetically determined metabolic disorder. Due to enzymatic deficiency, uric acid accumulates in the body, which has a tropism for the joints. Salts of this substance settle in the joint bag and disrupt the motor activity of the finger. Periodically, a gouty crisis is noted in the affected area, which is characterized by intense (unbearable) pain in the joint of the thumb, more often than the legs, but sometimes the hands. Pathology can be provoked by excessive consumption of red meat, alcohol, smoked foods. The disease is incurable, so if the base of the thumb hurts very badly, then you should immediately be examined in the hospital in order to start treatment and minimize the exacerbation of the disease.

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The human finger skeleton consists of short tubular bones- phalanx. Each finger consists of three phalanges, and only the big one has two. You can see this if you bend your finger. because of anatomical features the joints in the fingers are the smallest and most mobile, which causes pain in the phalanges of the fingers.

Basically, people after 40 years of age complain that the phalanges of the fingers hurt. However, there are a number of reasons for the appearance of pain in the phalanges of the fingers that occur in young people. Our article discusses in detail the answers to the questions "why the phalanx of the finger hurts" and "what to do if the phalanges of the fingers hurt."

There are several factors that affect the condition of the bones of the fingers and cause discomfort. For example, the phalanges of the fingers on the hands often hurt during pregnancy, the fingers can also swell. This is due to an increase in relaxin, a hormone that helps soften the ligaments of the joints. In addition, the body of a pregnant woman often lacks calcium, which causes discomfort in the bones and joints. Another reason that the phalanges of the fingers hurt during pregnancy is possible depression, worsening of the nervous state.

The risk group of people who have pain in the joint of the phalanx of the finger, in general, includes women and men after 40 years. Note that in the fairer sex, this symptom is observed more often.

Pain in the phalanges of the hands is often experienced by smokers, people who have suffered fractures and other injuries of the fingers, office workers, musicians due to monotonous hand movements, as well as people suffering from diabetes, thyroid diseases. Often the cause of discomfort is a malfunction in metabolism, constant exposure to environmental factors (vibration, cold or hot water), chronic foci of infection, inflammatory infections, the presence of autoimmune diseases, genetic predisposition.

Causes of pain in the joints of the fingers

Pain in the phalanges of the fingers can occur with various joint lesions. The most common causes of pain in the joints of the fingers:

  • Arthritis;
  • Bursitis;
  • Osteomyelitis;
  • Osteoarthritis / polyosteoarthrosis;
  • Stenosing ligamentitis;
  • Gout
  • Rhizarthrosis;
  • Tenosynovitis de Quervain;

Arthritis- a disease characterized by inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. Because of this, the phalanx of the thumb often hurts, as movements become very limited and painful. There are several types of arthritis: rheumatoid, gouty and psoriatic. Rheumatoid arthritis develops due to infections, hypothermia, viruses, bacterial diseases, and stress. The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are swelling, redness, and pain in the knuckles of the hands.

Gouty arthritis characterized by pain at the base of the phalanx of the middle, index, ring, thumb. The phalanges of the little fingers also hurt, the body temperature rises. It develops due to poor metabolism, increased levels of uric acid, and the deposition of salts in the joints of the fingers. Most often, a person experiences pain in the phalanges of the fingers at night. At risk are men and meat lovers. So-called gouty arthritis may appear between the ages of 20 and 50. With the disease, pain often appears in the phalanx of the thumb, but inflammation can also cover other fingers.

Psoriatic arthritis begins with psoriasis - a disease when dry, flaky spots appear on the skin. The next stage is swelling of the hands, the appearance of discomfort, the skin becomes purple. This disease rarely causes pain in the phalanges of the fingers, but this is not excluded. With this problem, patients from 20 to 50 years old turn to doctors, and most often they are people with skin psoriatic lesions in the form of scaly dry reddish spots. All fingers, without exception, can undergo axial inflammation, but the disease is asymmetrical, that is, the phalanges can only hurt on the left or right hand.

Rheumatoid arthritis. Pain in the phalanges of the fingers on the hand causes rheumatoid arthritis in about 7% of cases. The disease affects people at any age, but mostly develops after 30 years. Women are five times more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis. The development of the disease can be triggered by severe stress, the flu or a bad cold, hypothermia, or infectious diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins with inflammation and swelling of the phalanges of the middle and index fingers. The metacarpophalangeal joints can become inflamed at the same time as the wrist joints.

The phalanges of the fingers in rheumatoid arthritis become inflamed symmetrically, that is, if the joints on the right hand are affected, the same joints of the left hand will almost certainly suffer. Increased pain in this disease can occur in the middle of the night or closer to the morning. In the afternoon and in the evening the syndrome weakens. The above symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis are accompanied by an increase in body temperature, chills and a decrease in body weight, that is, the disease causes a general deterioration in well-being.

Gout. The next cause of pain in the phalanges is gout. Many people mistakenly believe that gout is a deformity of the big toe that develops most often in women. In fact, this disease is called arthrosis of the big toe, and real gout mainly affects the stronger sex and it affects the fingers.

The phalanges of the fingers with gout become inflamed paroxysmal. The disease develops suddenly and most often at night. The pains can be sharp and accompanied by redness of the skin, and it also becomes hot to the touch.

In some patients, especially the fairer sex, the attacks are less pronounced, that is, the pain in the phalanges of the fingers is not acute and the redness is not strong. Be that as it may, gout causes soreness in the joints of the fingers, which persists for a period of 3 to 10 days, and then disappears without leaving any symptoms. After a while, the attack may recur and you need to be prepared for this.

Tenosynovitis de Quervain. In rare cases, pain in the phalanges of the fingers is due to de Quervain's tenosynovitis, which is an inflammation of the small muscles and ligaments of the thumb. Other joints are not affected by this disease.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis can develop in people of any age, and it can be diagnosed by sudden pains at the base of the thumb and under it at the point of contact with the wrist joint. The pain syndrome is exacerbated when the patient tries to grab something with this finger.

Rhizarthrosis is a disease that affects the joint at the base of the thumb, which connects the metacarpal bone to the wrist joint. When rhizarthrosis acts as a sign of polyosteoarthritis, the doctor easily establishes the diagnosis, but in rare cases, rhiathrosis develops separately. In this case, it can be difficult to distinguish the disease from de Quervain's tenosynovitis, since the symptoms are almost completely identical. Experienced specialists distinguish diseases from each other by the deformation of the bones of the diseased phalanx, which is noticeable during examination and visible on an x-ray. With de Quervain's tenosynovitis, only soft tissues, and then in rare cases.

Bursitis characterized by inflammation of the articular bags of the fingers. Because of this, fluid accumulates in the cavity. The main symptoms of bursitis are swelling, redness, mild swelling in the joint area of ​​the phalanx of the finger. Moves very quickly to chronic stage. Bursitis can appear after an injury, in which case pus accumulates, a person feels pain in the head, and body temperature rises.

Osteomyelitis- a purulent disease that affects the joints of the phalanx of the fingers and soft tissues. The main reason for the appearance is purulent bacteria. Symptoms of osteomyelitis - a sharp increase in body temperature, rapid deterioration, intoxication of the body, vomiting, chills, pain in the joints in the fingers, limited mobility of the fingers.

Stenosing ligamentitis- inflammation of the annular ligament of the fingers, causing pain in the phalanx of the fingers in the morning, after sleep, and also at night. Symptoms of this disease: blue color of the skin of the affected area, swelling, burning, limited mobility. Note that with this disease, the phalanges of the little fingers do not hurt.

Osteoarthritis / polyosteoarthritis- not inflammatory diseases. The so-called knotty finger syndrome is quite common cause pain in the phalanges of the fingers. The disease overcomes people aged at least 40 years, but mainly develops after 50-55 years. Men get sick less often than women. With a disease, peculiar nodules appear on the fingers - mainly on the lateral and back surfaces of the phalanges near the nails. Nodules can appear symmetrically, that is, simultaneously on both hands. As a result of their appearance, the phalanges of the fingers are deformed, thickened, and lose their mobility. This is due to the destruction of cartilage tissue.

With the development of polyosteoarthritis, burning and soreness appear in the joints, and in some cases, the joints turn red and swelling appears. In some patients, nodules form without any symptoms, and the pain is not accompanied by burning.

In addition to Heberden's nodules, painless nodules in the middle of the fingers sometimes appear with the disease. They are called Bouchard's nodules and they are spindle-shaped, grow slowly and cause almost no discomfort.

If the phalanx of the thumb on your hand hurts when you bend (or any other finger) - this is a sign of arthrosis, osteoarthritis, stenosing ligamentitis, and pinching of the vertebral nerves is also possible.

Sore knuckles after workout

If your phalanges of your fingers hurt after physical exertion, then this may indicate an injury. Most often it is a dislocation or fracture. This can happen in a normal household situation, for example, when moving things. Athletes, especially basketball and volleyball players, often face hand injuries.

Joint diseases are the second reason why the phalanges of the fingers hurt during exercise. Pain in the joints of the fingers during exercise is a classic symptom of osteoarthritis, arthritis, rhizarthrosis.

With prolonged static load, lack of interarticular fluid, or improper positioning of the hands, a pinched nerve occurs in the metacarpal canal.

Finger joints hurt: which doctor to contact

Most people do not know which doctor treats the joints of the fingers, so they do not even know who to contact if this problem occurs. As a rule, the diagnosis and therapy of the disease occurs under the supervision of a rheumatologist.

You can also contact a traumatologist, surgeon, neurologist or hematologist, depending on the cause of the discomfort. As a last resort, you can always contact a therapist who will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

What to do when the phalanges of the fingers hurt

To begin with, you should consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Do not think on your own about how to treat pain in the phalanges of the fingers. All manipulations should be carried out only as directed by a doctor.

If the pain is unbearable, then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, Ketanov, Ortofen, are used to relieve pain. You can also use ointments with anesthetic components in the composition, for example, Fastum-gul.

Pain in the phalanges of the fingers: treatment

Treatment can be therapeutic and surgical, depending on the diagnosis. However, any treatment for pain in the joints of the finger comes down to getting rid of the disease, relieving the pain syndrome, and restoring functions.

Chondroprotectors are most effective in the treatment of arthrosis with pain in the phalanx of the finger. They relieve the main symptom and promote the regeneration of the cartilage of the affected joints, and also produce a fluid to lubricate the joint. With the transition of rhizarthrosis to the last stage of development, causing the destruction of the joint, the effectiveness of the drugs decreases.

For therapy for pain in the phalanges, doctors also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and anesthetics:

  • paracetamol;
  • salicylates;
  • indomethacin.

Painkillers have an effect local application, namely ointments with anesthesin, novocaine or menthol.

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Another effective drug in the treatment of pain in the phalanges of the fingers is indomethacin in tablets, capsules or injections. The daily dose is 100-150 mg of the drug, divided into several doses.

To fight sharp pains, especially for gout, indomethacin is prescribed 0.05 g three times a day, and in acute conditions and exacerbations a couple of times a day, the drug is administered intramuscularly at 60 mg. The course of treatment lasts from one to two weeks.

If the disease develops due to autoimmune ailments, then treatment is carried out with glucocorticosteroid hormones.

Often drug treatment combined with massage and special gymnastic exercises. If the pain in the phalanx of the finger is caused by an injury, then it is necessary to provide first aid for an injury to the finger and hand.

In rare cases, if the disease that causes pain in the phalanges is very advanced, you have to resort to surgical operation under local anesthesia. Correct and effective treatment prescribed by doctors after the diagnosis and all examinations.

To prevent pain in the phalanges of the fingers, it is necessary not to make movements that can cause them with a certain disease. Stretching, bending the fingers and performing elementary exercises, such as clenching and unclenching fists, allows you to improve the condition of blood vessels and joints.

Folk remedies for the treatment of pain in the phalanges of the fingers

Good also help folk remedies if you have pain in the phalanges of your fingers. Here are some popular recipes:

  • Mix in equal proportions propolis and sunflower and corn oil. Melt the propolis first. Apply the resulting mixture as an ointment 2-3 times a day;
  • Make baths by taking equal proportions of sage, string, burdock, cinquefoil and horsetail. Steam them and insist for several hours. Then dilute 2 liters of ordinary hot water with a liter of infusion and take a hand bath;
  • Do alcohol tincture from the comfrey. Take 500 mils of vodka and 100 grams of comfrey leaves. Grind them and insist on vodka for a week. Then use as a compress.

When the big toe hurts, wearing shoes becomes painful, discomfort appears, to eliminate which you need to urgently consult a doctor, because this symptom may indicate the development of a dangerous disease.

The disease, the symptoms of which are soreness and swelling, may be mechanical or infectious. The most common causes of pain include the following: ingrown toenail, arthritis and arthrosis, gout. Let's analyze these reasons in more detail.

Gout - chronic illness, which is a consequence of the deposition of uric acid salts in the joints. The thumb of the lower limb is most often involved in the lesion.

The deposition of salts occurs due to a decrease in their excretion through the kidneys, which, in turn, occurs when metabolic processes in the body are disturbed. Metabolic disorders may be the result of: genetic failure; malnutrition; bad habits; diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiac ischemia; suffered injuries.

An important place in determining the cause of the development of gout is occupied by psychosomatics. It is worth noting that psychosomatics in such a disease is expressed in the need to dominate, impatience, anger. All these qualities of a person are poured out through the symptoms and signs of gout.

In addition to the fact that the joint of the big toe hurts, there are other symptoms of gout:

  • the finger is swollen and sore, and the whole foot swells;
  • the finger turned red;
  • body temperature increases.

To clarify such a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an X-ray, a blood test and synovial fluid of the joint, an ultrasound scan. Treatment of pain in the joint of the big toe and other manifestations of the disease is based on conservative methods, diet, physiotherapy, which is prescribed only by a doctor.

AT Chinese medicine There is such a common method of eliminating the disease as acupuncture with a heated needle. In our medicine, few people know it, but it is quite effective in its homeland. The method is as follows:

  1. Select several points located near the site of inflammation.
  2. Heat the needle until a bright red color is obtained from its end.
  3. Prick the selected points with a hot needle, releasing blood from them up to 60 ml.
  4. The procedure is carried out twice a week.

Basically, three sessions will be enough to return the limb to its natural functioning and eliminate the symptoms of gout.

An ingrown toenail mainly appears on the big toe, but standing next to it is no exception. An ingrown nail can be for the following reasons:

carrying out poor-quality or incorrect manicure (cutting the nail too deep);

wearing uncomfortable shoes (when the big toe, including the nail, is strongly squeezed by shoes);

if the nail is of a specific shape (may have a genetic predisposition);

with existing flat feet;

if the tip of the nail ingrows from the side with sharp increase person's weight;

if the leg is injured;

the presence of a fungal disease of the feet.

The psychosomatics of the disease determines that the tip of the nail can grow into the skin when a person is worried about moving forward towards his goals.

The skin under the ingrown nail may become red and swollen. A concomitant symptom is severe aching pain at the base of the thumb both when walking and at rest. The later stages of the course of the pathology are accompanied by suppuration of the wound.

When the tip of the nail grows into the skin, the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment. If treatment with conservative methods is impossible or ineffective, surgical intervention is resorted to. How to treat the disease at home, the attending physician will also tell.

If the bone at the base of the thumb hurts

The bone near the thumb, or rather, at its base, often occurs with flat feet. You can also note reasons such as wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes, malnutrition, hereditary and other diseases. At the same time, the bone that abducts the big toe begins to inflame, change and protrude. Appearance bones resembles a large subcutaneous bump. Often people believe that a protruding bone at the base of the thumb is a symptom of gout. To determine the correct diagnosis, you need to contact a specialist.

Big toe deformity develops in 4 stages:

1 stage- There is no pain syndrome, the bone bulges noticeably.

2 stage- The pain is mild and transient and gets worse when the leg moves.

3 stage- The phalanx of the thumb suffers a displacement of 30 - 50 degrees. The bone and finger hurt a lot when a person stands for a long time.

4 stage– There is a displacement of the thumb by more than 50 degrees. The bone and finger hurt constantly.

If the bone at the base of the thumb hurts, the treatment is as follows: diet; drinking enough fluids; wearing comfortable shoes made of quality materials; massage and physical education; physiotherapy.

With the ineffectiveness of all methods, an operation is prescribed to remove the bone. Contraindications for the operation are the diseases that a person has: diabetes mellitus, "varicose leg", heart disease, thrombophlebitis.

Arthritis of the big toe

Arthritis of the big toe, for the most part, is a consequence of reactive or psoriatic arthritis and gout. The psychosomatics of the disease says that arthritis develops in those people who are too strict with themselves, cannot relax and express their desires.

Most people have had this disease for many years. Exacerbation of arthritis occurs at the time of changes in weather conditions, seasons or climatic conditions. Symptoms of the disease are:

the big toe hurts when bending, as well as when a person moves;

limitation of finger mobility;

unpleasant stiffness at the site of injury;

increased body temperature;

redness and swelling of the skin over the site of the lesion.

Treatment, first of all, consists in following a diet, the regimen of which is prescribed by the doctor. He also prescribes a different treatment, which will differ in each case, depending on the cause of the disease.

Bursitis

The deformity of the big toe and the appearance of a bump on its side is called "bursitis", which occurs for the following reasons: uncomfortable shoes worn by a person; genetic predisposition; rheumatic and metabolic pathologies that a person has.

The psychosomatics of such a disease lies in the lack of joy in a person for surrounding things and life in general.

Symptoms of bursitis are clearly expressed:

  • the metatarsophalangeal synovial sac swells and becomes inflamed;
  • pain syndrome that occurs when walking;
  • reddening of the skin at the site of the lesion;
  • burning sensation in the affected area;
  • restriction of finger movement.

With a large progression of the disease, swelling and pain syndrome may spread to the lower leg. On the inside calluses may occur. In the case when a person eliminates it with the help of pumice, nail files and creams, there is an increase in the traumatization of the inflammation zone, and the foot is even more deformed.

If the infection enters the synovial sac, signs of intoxication develop. These include malaise and weakness, as well as elevated temperature body.

Treatment of the initial stage of the disease is as follows: wearing comfortable shoes; limitation of loads on the foot; to eliminate swelling and pain, it is recommended to give the leg an elevated position; physiotherapy.

Advanced cases require a different treatment: taking painkillers, antibiotics, wearing special insoles in shoes.

Muscle pain

The thumb muscle, like all other muscles of the foot, can hurt after a load on it. The pain will be aching, but not severe, which occurs when moving.

Muscles (muscle) also hurt after a long stay of the limbs in one position. This includes flying in an airplane, sitting or standing for a long time. This occurs when blood stagnates in the veins in the case of a uniform position of the limbs. In this case, the accumulation of endotoxins occurs, and the muscles (muscle), or rather, their cells, are amenable to oxygen starvation. As a result of such processes, the pain receptor is activated and the muscles (muscle) begin to hurt.

You can eliminate such pain with the help of a short rest, and stagnation of blood in the limbs - by giving them an elevated position.

The next reason that the muscles (muscle of the big toe) of the feet can get sick is walking in shoes with high heels. This applies, as a rule, to women. It is possible to confuse joint pain with muscle pain in diseases such as deforming osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

How to prevent diseases of the fingers of the limb?

In order not to waste time, effort and money on the treatment of a manifested disease of the toe, it is better to take care of prevention. Let's highlight the following rules of prevention:

  1. Foot hygiene.
  2. Wearing comfortable shoes.
  3. Taking foot baths with herbs.
  4. Hygiene of pedicure tools.
  5. Avoid hypothermia of extremities.

Why the big toe hurts can only be determined by a doctor based on the results of the diagnosis. You should not delay contacting a doctor, as pain can indicate a serious illness. Otherwise, you can come to irreversible consequences.