Dactylitis, commonly referred to as “sausage digits,” is characterized by the swelling of the fingers or toes, giving them a resemblance to small sausages. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections and different types of arthritis. It is important to understand the various mechanisms that can lead to this swelling.
Symptoms and Effects
Dactylitis, characterized by swelling of the hands and fingers, presents several other accompanying effects. Typically, the joints affected by inflammation feel warm. In addition, the swelling can lead to difficulties in movement. Pain originating from the affected areas is a common symptom as well. Depending on the specific cause, various other symptoms may also manifest. It is important to note that without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen, increasing the likelihood of loss of function.
Causes: Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis is a group of inflammatory diseases that can cause dactylitis, a condition characterized by swelling of the fingers or toes. The most common type of spondyloarthritis associated with dactylitis is psoriatic arthritis. In fact, psoriatic arthritis and dactylitis often occur together, making dactylitis an important indicator for doctors to consider. Psoriatic arthritis-related dactylitis primarily affects the feet.
Reactive arthritis, another type of spondyloarthritis, can also lead to dactylitis. However, the cause of dactylitis in reactive arthritis is an infection that results in synovial swelling. Various infections, such as those affecting the genital, urinary tract, and intestines, can be responsible for triggering reactive arthritis-related dactylitis.