Many people are currently facing a state of "drying fingertips" - feeling stiff, painful or hearing a group of throbbing sounds when moving the fingertips. According to MSc. Dr. Tran Hong Thuy - Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, this is not an official medical term but a folk name for many conditions related to degeneration or arthritis.
Signs that should not be ignored
Patients often describe symptoms as pain when holding a hand, morning stiffness, or strange sounding joints during exercise. If mild, these symptoms can be temporary and do not greatly affect daily activities. However, when the disease progresses severely, the patient may lose mobility, deformed joints, greatly affecting the quality of life and psychology.
Causes come from age and lifestyle
According to Dr. Thuy, joint degeneration is a common cause of this "dry joint" condition. As we age, cartilage and joints are eroded, and joint fluid is reduced, causing joint activities to be less smooth.
High-intensity workers who use their hands regularly, such as office workers, craftsmen or athletes, are also at high risk of disease.
A diet lacking in nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D, also contributes to rapid joint weakness.
Do not let the disease progress silently
Treatment of finger disease does not stop at using painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe topical corticosteroid injections or use cartilage- supporting drugs such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
In addition to drugs, patients need to adjust their lifestyle such as resting reasonably, exercising gently, and eating well. In particular, it is necessary to maintain a reasonable weight to reduce the load on the joints.
Prevention is still key
Although age is an uncontrollable factor, most of the risk factors leading to joint degeneration are completely predictable.
Dr. Thuy recommends: Reduce repetitive hand activities for a long time, pay attention to rest between work hours and supplement enough calcium, vitamin D from food or according to medical instructions; practice simple hand exercises every day also helps increase joint flexibility and range of motion.
