The finger on the hand cannot bend: what to do, treatment with folk remedies

There can be many reasons why a finger on the hand does not bend: from injury to Dupuytren's contracture. The clinical picture differs depending on the pathology. Often difficulty bending a finger is accompanied by pain and numbness. If timely treatment is not carried out, the functionality of the hand is impaired.

Diagnostics consists of instrumental and laboratory studies. After identifying the cause of the pathology, comprehensive treatment is carried out. The program consists of taking medications, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, and the use of folk remedies. In severe cases, surgery cannot be avoided. Timely therapy will help restore the functions of the damaged finger and the entire hand.

Causes

One of the main reasons why a finger does not fully straighten is a hand injury. After a fall on the hand, a blow, or a sharp muscle contraction, the extensor tendons are damaged. Then the functionality of the finger is impaired. This problem can occur after a cut or long-term arthritis of the hand.

The second common reason why a finger does not bend is vibration disease. This is an occupational pathology caused by long-term (3-5 years) exposure to vibration at work. The risk of disease is high among drillers, drivers, asphalt layers, etc.

Other causes of impaired finger functionality include:

A fracture after improper treatment leads to loss of hand mobility. The index finger is most often injured.
Polyarthritis is an inflammation of the joints of the fingers, which impairs their mobility. The disease often occurs against the background of another pathology. More often, doctors diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
Knott's disease is characterized by damage to the tendon-ligamentous apparatus of the hand. Then one or more fingers are fixed in one position when bending them into a fist. At an early stage, it is possible to straighten the finger, but with force, a specific click is heard. As the pathology develops, extension becomes impossible.
Dupuytren's contracture is a non-inflammatory disease in which the palmar flexor tendons are replaced by dense fibrous tissue. As a result, the palmar fascia becomes denser and stiffer. More often the ring and little fingers stop extending, but the entire hand may be affected. If left untreated, ankylosis (immobility) of the affected fingers is possible.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is characterized by inflammation of the two tendons at the base of the big toe. The risk group includes people whose activities involve constant tension and fixation of the first finger of the hand or its repetitive movements (for example, grinders, pianists, seamstresses). Lesions of the left and right hands are more often diagnosed. In rare cases, de Quervain's tenosynovitis spreads to both limbs.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (tunnel syndrome) is a neurological pathology that is accompanied by prolonged pain, sensory disturbances, and incomplete flexion and extension of the fingers. The disease occurs due to pinching of the median nerve between the bones, transverse ligament of the hand and muscle tendons. It is more often diagnosed in women 40–60 years old, cashiers, musicians, and office workers.
Hygroma is a benign formation that is localized in the joint of the hand. Essentially, it is a cavity made of synovial membrane filled with fluid. It is not life-threatening, but leads to cosmetic defects, limited finger mobility and pain.

Reference. The appearance of hygroma can be triggered by injuries and physical activity, but more often it forms for no apparent reason.

If the fingers do not bend, then you need to check the limb for swelling and redness. In the absence of these symptoms, osteoarthritis, arthritis, and gout can be excluded. With ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatism and some other systemic diseases, the intervertebral joints are more affected and only then the fingers. In such cases, careful laboratory tests cannot be avoided.

It often happens that a finger does not bend due to cervical osteochondrosis. This is due to damage to the nerve fibers in this area of the spine.

De Quervain's disease of the hand

It happens that the fingers do not bend completely due to impaired blood circulation in the brain, diabetic neuropathy, or alcohol intoxication. Unilateral numbness and impaired mobility of the arm are observed during stroke (ischemic, hemorrhagic). Although with carpal tunnel syndrome, it is also possible to affect the fingers only on the right hand or left limb.

Fingers cannot bend in the morning due to gout (joint damage due to high concentrations of uric acid). Both hands are affected simultaneously.

Also, morning impairment of finger mobility may be associated with displacement of the cervical vertebrae. They compress the nerve fiber at night and disrupt the innervation of one of the limbs, and symptoms appear in the morning.

If your fingers do not bend into a fist, then this is a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs after injury to the joints and ligaments. The bone joints are deformed, the innervation of the tissues of the hand is disrupted, a lack of strength occurs, and the patient cannot squeeze his hand.

It is not possible to fully straighten the finger due to subluxations, deformation of bone joints, or impaired fine motor skills. This is often associated with the habit of “crunching” the joints of the hand. Then the joint cavity is stretched, the ligamentous apparatus becomes unstable, and the tendons are overstretched. Due to excessive tension in the tendon system, it is impossible to straighten the finger.

With long-term tunnel syndrome, the little finger is fixed in an extended state. Pathology occurs during prolonged monotonous work of one of the hands, in which the hand is in the wrong position.

Symptoms

The clinical picture for different pathologies, during which the patient cannot bend/extend his fingers, is different. For example, with Dupuytren's contracture, nodules (5 - 10 mm) appear on the palm, which resemble calluses. It is these formations that impair the mobility of 1 or 2 fingers. As a rule, the patient cannot extend the ring and little fingers. At an early stage, the formations do not manifest themselves in any way, but over time they turn into scars that increase in size and spread to new areas. They lead to hand deformation and limited finger mobility.

With Knott's disease, the finger on the hand cannot straighten, a click is heard during movement, and a round formation forms at the base of the finger.

With Knott's disease, a clicking sound is heard when moving the affected finger, and a round formation appears at its base

The severity of symptoms depends on the stage of the pathology:

Stage 1 – the mobility of the finger is slightly limited, a clicking sound is heard.
Stage 2 – the finger extends with the patient’s effort.
Stage 3 – individual parts of the hand cannot be straightened;
Stage 4 – irreversible limitation of mobility is observed.

Hygroma manifests itself as a round subcutaneous formation on the hand, which resembles a pea or cherry. It does not cause discomfort for a long time, but after a while discomfort and pain may linger. Education can disappear and reappear. This is due to the fact that fluid from the hygroma flows into the joint cavity.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis affects the styloid process of the radius and the thumb. The affected area hurts, especially when moving the first finger. Discomfort often occurs at night; in advanced cases, the pain becomes constant. Swelling is also observed at the site of inflammation.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by numbness, pain, and problems with flexion/extension. The patient cannot hold a pen, needle or other small objects in his hands.

With polyarthritis, the fingers do not straighten completely, pain, numbness, swelling, and redness occur. Nodules also form on the affected area.

After a fracture or cut in the arm, there is a risk of injury to the extensor tendon. You should consult a doctor if, after an injury, your finger is bent and you cannot straighten it. The pathology is often accompanied by pain and numbness. In most cases, the thumb is damaged, a little less often - the index, middle, ring or little finger.

Diagnostic measures

In any case, if you notice that your finger does not bend in one direction or the other, then you need to visit a doctor. There are many factors that interfere with the motor activity of the hand, so first you need to consult a therapist. He will conduct the necessary research, after which he will refer the patient to specialized specialists. A rheumatologist will help cure connective tissue diseases, a neurologist will help with pathologies caused by pinched nerves. You cannot do without the help of a surgeon in advanced cases when there is a question about surgery.

Diagnosis begins with collecting anamnesis, then instrumental studies are prescribed:

X-rays performed in 3 projections allow you to assess the condition of the hand joints.
An ultrasound shows how the condition of the soft tissues that surround the diseased joint has changed.
MRI and CT are highly informative diagnostic methods. The first type is aimed at assessing the condition of soft tissues, and the second - bones.
Electrospondylography is a modern computer study that allows you to identify the cause of impaired finger functionality. This technique is used to assess the condition of the cervical spine
Arthrocentesis (joint puncture) – puncture of the joint cavity with a needle and collection of biomaterial. The resulting intra-articular fluid is subjected to laboratory testing.

In some cases, in order to establish a diagnosis, a biopsy (intravital sampling of tissue fragments) is prescribed.

Instrumental studies are supplemented by blood and urine tests.

Careful timely diagnosis will help to identify the pathology that provoked impaired hand mobility at an early stage and assess the extent of the damage. Research allows you to monitor the course of the disease and monitor the dynamics of treatment.

Diagnostics

To diagnose the reasons why your finger cannot bend, you need to contact a surgeon or traumatologist. In cases where there is no surgical pathology, such patients are treated by a therapist or rheumatologist.

Read also: Bruised heel: symptoms and treatment

Basic diagnostic methods:

x-ray examination,
MRI diagnostics,
Ultrasound diagnostics,
general clinical tests (blood, urine),
determination of antibodies to cartilage tissue,
endoscopic examinations,
biopsy of cartilage or tendons with aponeuroses.

Diagnosis should be aimed at identifying the cause and consequences. Based on diagnostic data, the doctor chooses a treatment method. Making a diagnosis is not difficult if you have the necessary equipment.

Treatment methods

Not all patients know what to do if it is impossible to bend or straighten their fingers. All such diseases are treated under the supervision of a doctor. It is important to carry out complex therapy to act on the cause of the pathology, eliminate symptoms, restore the functionality of the hand and prevent complications.

The basis of treatment in most cases is medications. They will help relieve inflammation, pain, swelling, and improve blood supply to tissues. For a bacterial infection, you cannot do without antibiotics. And vitamin-mineral complexes have a general strengthening effect.

Gymnastics will restore the functionality of the hand and strengthen the muscles

Special gymnastics will help restore the functionality of the sore finger and strengthen the hand. A doctor will create a set of exercises for each patient.

Exercise therapy is complemented by physiotherapy, which will allow you to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect without excessive stress. Physiotherapeutic procedures improve the motor activity of the injured hand, relieve pain, normalize blood circulation and tissue trophism, and accelerate recovery.

Diet is necessary to normalize metabolism. It is especially important if the finger does not move normally due to gout, arthritis and other diseases associated with metabolic disorders.

The basic methods are supplemented by folk remedies approved by the doctor. Tinctures, compresses, decoctions, and baths will help relieve pain, increase blood circulation, increase hand mobility, and strengthen the immune system.

In severe cases, when conservative methods are ineffective, surgery is performed. It may be needed for trauma, Dupuytren's contracture, severe polyarthritis, Knott's disease, hygroma, de Quervain's syndrome.

Drug treatment

Treatment of pathologies that are accompanied by impaired finger mobility is carried out using the following groups of drugs:

NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Ketoprofen, Meloxicam, Piroxicam, Indomtacin, Nimesulide, etc. They have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic effects.
COX-2 inhibitors: Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine. These drugs reduce the harmful effects of NSAIDs on the gastric and intestinal mucosa.
Proton pump inhibitors: Pantoprazole, Omeprazole, Esomeprazole. These medications are also prescribed for long-term use of NSAIDs to protect the stomach.
Vasodilators: Teonicol, Actovegin, Pentoxifylline, Eufillin, Trental. They improve peripheral blood circulation, normalize vascular tone, and improve nutrition of damaged tissues.
Muscle relaxants: Baclofen, Mydocalm, Sirdalud. They relax muscles, improve blood circulation, increase the analgesic effect of NSAIDs, and speed up recovery.
Chondroprotectors: Teraflex, Chondroxide, Artra, Dona. Stop or slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue, restore mobility of the damaged joint.
Corticosteroids: Prednisolone, Cortisone, Dexamethasone. A doctor may give an intra-articular injection of the medications described above to relieve severe pain that cannot be relieved with NSAIDs.
Antibacterial agents from the group of penicillins and macrolides: Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Azithromycin. Used for infectious arthritis.

Drug therapy is supplemented with vitamin-mineral complexes based on B vitamins, calcium, etc.

Additional conservative techniques

Complex therapy includes physiotherapy, which improves blood supply to the diseased joint, warms up the hand, and reduces pain. Regular procedures will help reduce swelling and speed up recovery of the damaged area.

The following physiotherapeutic procedures are used to treat a sore finger:

Magnetic therapy stimulates blood flow, then the joints of the hand receive more nutrients. The procedure cleanses the blood of toxins, inhibits autoimmune reactions, relieves pain, swelling, and stops the destruction of cartilage. Also, after the session, the permeability of the vascular walls increases, and medications are absorbed faster.
UVR (ultraviolet irradiation) reduces sensitivity in the affected area and relieves pain. Stimulates the synthesis of D3, which facilitates the absorption of calcium and normalizes metabolic processes.
Electrophoresis is the percutaneous administration of medications under the influence of electric current. Accelerates blood circulation, relieves symptoms of the inflammatory process, relieves cramps, relaxes spasmodic muscles.
Phonophoresis is the administration of drugs through a sound wave. The procedure enhances the therapeutic effect of drugs and activates the restoration of damaged tissues.
Laser therapy relieves inflammation and pain, accelerates regeneration.
UHF therapy relieves pain and swelling.

Reflexology is also used to restore finger mobility. Thin needles are inserted into bioactive points, which helps relieve pain and normalize muscle tone.

As part of complex therapy, ultrasound therapy, therapeutic baths (radon, hydrogen sulfide, iodine-bromine), mud therapy, and paraffin wraps are used. All these procedures improve blood circulation in damaged joints, relieve pain, and speed up recovery.

Massage will help increase finger mobility, strengthen muscles, relax muscles, disperse blood, and reduce pain. During the session, the following techniques are used: stroking, rubbing, vibration, tapping. The procedures are combined with gymnastics.

Treatment when a finger cannot straighten

After seeking medical help when the thumb does not straighten , it is worth considering that if it is impossible to straighten the fingers on the hand, complex therapy is used for treatment.

To relieve pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used : Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Otrofen, Diclogen and others.

For complex inflammations, corticosteroid substances are used: Diprospana, Prednisolone, etc. If required, the doctor administers novocaine.

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Important : the effect of medications is most often aimed at reducing symptoms: relieving inflammation, removing pain, improving mobility. They are rarely used as primary treatment.

Physiotherapy to improve finger mobility

Physiotherapeutic methods for lack of finger mobility can be very different. The main task is to improve blood flow to the affected joint, warming up the limb to reduce pain. The procedures will help eliminate swelling, reduce swelling, and increase the regenerative function of cartilage tissue. Laser therapy, magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, wax or paraffin baths, massage, and physical therapy can be used.

The rehabilitation program, when the finger does not straighten in the joint, is structured in such a way that there is no getting used to the treatment method used. When using the same methods, the body adapts and the effectiveness of treatment decreases. Activities must be combined, replaced, supplemented.

Additional information: therapeutic massage is used to increase finger mobility. The following techniques are used: stroking, rubbing, vibration, effleurage. Procedures are carried out up to 3 times a day before gymnastics and sessions. The course of treatment does not exceed 12 days.

If the finger is difficult to straighten, if physical and chemical effects on the tissue are necessary, electrophoresis is used together with medicinal drugs. The purpose of the procedure is to normalize the growth of connective tissue, which is especially appropriate for the treatment of arthrosis. The method is complemented by thermal and electrical influences. The course of treatment is up to 25 procedures.

If a finger on your hand is bent and cannot be straightened, in combination with other methods, it is recommended to use special gymnastics to increase the mobility of the joint. Tapping on the table with sore joints, twisting any small objects in your hands, flexion-extension, and stretching your fingers in different directions are effective.

Before starting gymnastics, it is recommended to keep sore fingers in warm water. The activities increase joint mobility, activate metabolic processes in the required areas, and restore motor function.

ethnoscience

The following list of traditional medicine will help improve finger mobility and reduce swelling. The given recipes are not the main therapy; they serve as an addition to the main treatment prepared by the doctor.

List of traditional medicine recipes for increasing the mobility of sore fingers:

Caucasian hellebore herb is crushed and filled with liquid honey. For 30 g of the resulting composition, add 10 ml of vegetable oil and 0.5 tsp. mustard. The ingredients are mixed and poured into a container, put on fire until a homogeneous composition is obtained. Apply ointment to the damaged area 2 times a day to reduce pain.
Propolis oil is mixed with vegetable oil in equal quantities . Apply the product to the affected area 3 times a day.
Green potatoes relieve pain. Potatoes are peeled and chopped. Heat the pulp to 40 degrees, transfer it to a gauze bag. The product is applied to the sore finger to reduce pain before going to bed.
Ammonia is combined with gum turpentine in equal quantities. Add 2 raw chicken eggs to 40 ml of the composition. The mixture is whipped until a homogeneous mass is formed. The affected area is treated 3 times a day.
Aloe oil has a calming effect. You can lubricate the affected area up to 3 times a day, which will help reduce swelling and cure inflammation.

Recipes for healing baths to increase finger mobility:

bath with pine needles. Add chopped pine needles and branches to the container and fill with water. The mixture is boiled and simmered for at least 30 minutes. You should strain the liquid from the pine tree and put your hands there for 15 minutes to relieve pain. The procedure is carried out every day in the morning;
salt bath. For 1 liter of boiling water add 1 tbsp. l. crushed sea salt. 1 tbsp is added there. l. pine oil, mixed. The hands are kept in the composition for 20 minutes every morning to soothe the pain.

Essential oil recipe: 20 g of dried lavender flowers mixed with 100 g of vegetable oil. The liquid is placed in a water bath for 30 minutes and cools. Store in the refrigerator and rub the affected finger that does not bend daily. Another recipe: fir and lavender oils are mixed in equal quantities. Rub the mixture onto the affected area several times a day.

Important : Vitamin B6 is needed to strengthen finger joints. It is found in liver, fish, garlic, and hazelnuts. To increase the effectiveness of therapy, nutritional supplements should be used in combination with other methods.

Prevention

Preventive measures will help prevent the development of many diseases associated with stiff fingers. The following recommendations must be followed:

cure infectious diseases in a timely manner;
if a cold develops, stay indoors until recovery;
harden to increase the body's endurance;
eat foods containing calcium;
Avoid hypothermia of joints and their injuries.

The most important

There are many pathologies in which the finger does not bend or straighten: injury causing rupture of the extensor tendons of the hand, Dupuytren's contracture, tunnel syndrome, polyarthritis, Knott's disease, etc. If the mobility of the finger is limited, you should immediately visit a therapist, who will find out the probable causes of the disorder and will refer you to specialists of a narrower profile: rheumatologist, neurologist, surgeon. After an accurate diagnosis, complex therapy is carried out: medication, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massage, etc. Effective folk remedies will increase the effectiveness of the main treatment.

Useful video

A fragment of a popular program talks about the problem of stiff fingers:

Do not forget that stiff fingers can only be cured with complex therapy . Plant-based preparations complement the main treatment with physiotherapeutic methods and medications.

Self-medication is excluded - if done incorrectly, limb amputation and fiber atrophy are possible.

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