Arthritis in fingers can affect any patient's day-to-day routines at a huge extent. After all, they are one of the most functional parts of the body.
Arthritis is generally caused by the inflammation of the joints in various parts of the body. The disease usually affects the fingers, which can lead to swelling, pain and even finger deformities.
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Fortunately, detecting the early signs of arthritis can be done without the initial help of a medical professional. Patients who suspect themselves of having
arthritis in their fingers only need to be aware of certain signs and symptoms. The most common symptoms of arthritis are pain, swelling and redness in the joints - which usually appear in both hands. The pain can be worse during the morning and sometimes, the joints can become stiff and rigid. This is a very common sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, another kind of arthritis, can produce a grating sound around the joints. The sound is brought about by two articulating bones rubbing against each other and may occur in one or both hands. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease which means that the symptoms (such as pain, swelling and deformities), its frequency and its duration can get worse over time. The grating sound can only be heard when the joints are moved so be very observant for this kind of sign.
One good thing that you can do to help your doctor in diagnosing your condition would be to take note of every symptom that you feel. Arthritis in hands and fingers can be caused by different forms of the disease and these symptoms can hold the key to proper diagnosis. Take note of the kind of pain that you are feeling, the time of the day it normally occurs and the duration of the symptom.
Once in your doctor's clinic, he may also require you to undergo definitive tests to determine just what kind of arthritis you are experiencing.
Tests can range from :
- blood exams
- X-rays
- antibody tests
- among many others.
Treatment for arthritis in fingers can vary depending on the specific type of arthritis you have. One of the most common types of treatment is the anti-inflammatory drugs that help fight infection around the joints.
These kinds of medications can help alleviate the pain and lessen the swelling and redness. This can also help stop further joint destruction and deformities. The most common anti-inflammatory drugs used for treating arthritis are the NSAIDs or the Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs.
Another very popular form of treatment for arthritis is the joint supplements. Joint supplements are generally made out of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are considered to be the building blocks of joints and cartilages. The more these substances are available in the body, the more capable the entire system is in repairing damaged joints and cartilages.
Treatments for
arthritis in fingers will not totally cure
patients of the disease. Rather, it will only help in alleviating the symptoms of the disease, give patients relief from all the pain and discomfort and prevent or delay further damage.
