Osteoarthritis of the finger is much more common than you might think, especially in women over 50. Yet it is often underestimated, despite its impact on everyday gestures. Have you ever experienced persistent pain when trying to open a jar, or noticed that your fingers seem less agile when you wake up in the morning? If this sounds like you, it’s time to gain a better understanding of this disease so you can learn to manage it and preserve your quality of life.
What is arthrosis of the finger?
Osteoarthritis of the finger, also known as digital osteoarthritis, is a chronic disease that affects the finger joints. Over time, or as a result of repetitive movements, the cartilage that protects these joints gradually wears away. This cartilage acts like a cushion between the bones: when it is damaged, the bones rub directly against each other. This causes pain, stiffness and sometimes even visible deformity.
Unlike arthritis, which is an inflammatory disease often accompanied by severe redness and swelling, osteoarthritis is primarily mechanical. Imagine trying to turn a key in a rusty lock: that’s how your joints feel when they lack natural lubrication.
What are the symptoms?
At first, osteoarthritis may go unnoticed. You may simply feel a slight discomfort after using your hands for a long time. But over time, certain signs become more obvious:
- Pain in the fingers after exertion (such as writing or gardening).
- Morning stiffness that disappears after a few movements.
- The appearance of small bumps near the joints (Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodosities).
- Progressive loss of mobility, making certain gestures such as buttoning a shirt difficult.
- Sometimes swelling or redness during painful flare-ups.
Take the example of Sophie, 55: “I started to notice that my fingers were less supple when I was knitting. Then I saw these little bumps appearing on my joints. That’s when I knew I had to seek medical advice.”
Why does this disease appear?
Several factors may explain the onset of digital osteoarthritis:
- Natural aging: As we age, our joints simply wear out.
- Repetitive gestures: Typing on a keyboard all day or knitting for hours on end can accelerate this wear and tear.
- Genetics: If your parents have suffered from digital osteoarthritis, you’re probably more predisposed.
- Hormones: in menopausal women, the drop in estrogen makes joints more fragile.
- Past traumas: an old fracture or poorly treated injury can favour the early onset of this pathology.
Other factors, such as excess weight or a sedentary lifestyle, can also play an aggravating role.
How is osteoarthritis of the finger diagnosed?
If you think you’re suffering from digital osteoarthritis, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Here’s how the diagnosis usually works:
- Clinical examination: The doctor observes your fingers, checks their mobility and looks for visible signs such as nodules.
- X-rays: confirm the diagnosis by showing characteristic signs such as reduced joint space or bony outgrowths.
- Additional tests: In rare cases, MRI or blood tests may be required to rule out other diseases such as arthritis.
An early diagnosis not only helps to prevent a worsening of the condition, but also to rapidly adopt appropriate solutions.
What are the options for pain relief?
While there is as yet no definitive cure for osteoarthritis of the finger, there are a number of approaches to alleviating its effects:
Medicinal approaches
- Analgesics such as paracetamol provide effective relief from mild pain.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are useful for painful flare-ups.
- Local infiltrations (injections) can temporarily calm inflammation in severe cases.
Natural treatments and exercises
- Physiotherapy offers simple exercises to maintain joint mobility.
- Applying a hot water bottle to your hands can soothe chronic pain.
- Massaging your fingers with an anti-inflammatory essential oil (such as wintergreen) can also do a lot of good.
Surgery
In advanced cases where pain becomes incapacitating:
- Arthrodesis is used to permanently lock a painful joint.
- Joint prostheses replace certain damaged joints, but are not suitable for everyone.
Preventing and slowing progression
Adopting a few simple habits can make all the difference:
- As far as possible, avoid prolonged repetitive movements without pause.
- Regularly engage in gentle physical activity such as swimming or yoga.
- Eat a diet rich in omega-3s (oily fish) and antioxidants (red fruit), while limiting pro-inflammatory foods such as refined sugars.
- Learn to listen to your body: if your hands are tired or sore after strenuous activity, give them a rest.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis of the finger may seem restrictive at first, but it’s not insurmountable. With an early diagnosis and a few adjustments to your daily routine, it’s perfectly possible to continue enjoying your favourite activities without letting this pathology take over your life! Don’t hesitate to consult a professional to find the best solution for your personal situation.
This humanized version incorporates a warm, engaging tone while retaining its wealth of information. It includes more concrete examples and favors a fluid narrative to captivate readers while answering their practical questions.
