Trigger finger: symptoms, causes, and treatment

Definition of trigger finger

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis is a condition that causes the fingers to become stiff in certain positions. The possibility of the finger flexing or straightening in an instant, like a trigger being pulled and released. That's why this disturbance in the motion system is also called trigger finger.

Trigger fingers mainly affect the layers of tissue around the fingers called tendons, which are part of the structure of bones and joints. Tendons are a thick network of fibers that connect to the skeletal muscles.

Inflammation of the tendons or tenditinis causes the tendons to not move freely so that the fingers lock in one place.

Trigger finger is a condition that tends to be experienced by people whose work or hobbies include repeated gripping activities. The treatment of this one health problem varies widely, depending on its severity.

How common is this condition?

This tendon disorder affects people of all ages, but it usually affects people over 45 and more women than men. This disease is said to be a risk to the profession of dentists, tailors, and leather craftsmen.

Trigger finger signs & symptoms

Symptoms that may appear when you experience one of these joint and tendon disorders, namely the fingers often stay in a fixed position or lock in a certain position when folding or stretching. There must be someone who can straighten or change positions.

Pain appears in the tendon and is often more painful on movement, and is also swollen. Adults often have pain in the middle finger while children often have the thumb.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, the signs and symptoms of trigger finger are:

• Fingers feel stiff, especially in the morning.
• There is a "click" sensation when moving your finger.
• Lump on the palm at the base of the affected finger.
• The finger is locked in a bent position, which suddenly straightens.
• The finger is locked in a bent position, which cannot be straightened.

Trigger finger is a condition that can occur on any finger, including the thumb. This condition can affect one or more fingers and can occur on both hands at once.

There may be other symptoms not listed above. If you have questions about this sign, consult your doctor.

When to see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Symptoms do not improve.
• Fever after surgery or discharge from the incision wound.

Seek immediate medical care if your finger joints feel hot and inflamed. These symptoms can indicate infection.

If you experience stiffness, numbness or pain in your finger joints, or if you are unable to straighten or bend your fingers, contact your doctor immediately.

Cause of trigger finger

This joint problem is a condition that occurs when the tendon lining of the fingers becomes irritated and inflamed. Tendons are a network of fibers that connect muscles and bones.

Each tendon is surrounded by a protective layer that affects normal tendon movement. Also, stimulating the lining will create scar tissue in the tendon and the lining will thicken, causing fibrosis, which makes movement of the tendon more difficult.

Risk factors for trigger finger

Risk factors for trigger finger are:

• The same movement over and over again: Jobs and hobbies that require the same hand movements and holding for long periods of time increase the risk.
• Certain diseases: diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis.
• Specific gender: women are more susceptible to influence.
• Profession: This one health problem is a condition common to farmers, industrial workers, and musicians.
• Operation: Especially after carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger is a very common condition, six months after your surgery.

Even if you don't have risk factors, that doesn't mean you can't get this disease. These symptoms are for reference only. You will need to consult an orthopedic specialist for more details.

Trigger finger diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Doctors usually diagnose based on physical examination and symptoms, no need for tests. During the exam, your doctor will ask you to hold, open your hand, to examine the area of ​​the hand, as well as evidence of movement and joint stiffness.

The doctor may also touch the palm of your hand to see if there is a tumor. If the tumor is associated with the trigger finger, it will move along with the movement of the finger, because the tumor attaches to the tendons of the finger.

Doctors sometimes use blood tests and X-rays to rule out other possible causes such as gout, diabetes, cracks, thyroid disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the treatment options for trigger finger?

The goal of treatment for this condition is to reduce inflammation and restore the gliding motion of the tendons in the tendon lining to normal. In mild cases, symptoms may improve by avoiding the cause.

Trigger finger treatment options are:

1. Medicines

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve), can relieve pain, but are unlikely to relieve the swelling that limits the tendon sheath or traps the tendon.

2. Therapy

Therapeutic treatments for trigger finger are:

• Break: Avoid activities that require repeated gripping.
• Splint: lm switch categories & change slugs Your doctor may ask you to wear a splint at night to keep the sore finger in position for up to six weeks.
• Stretching exercises: Your doctor may also suggest simple exercises to help maintain mobility in your fingers.

3. Operations

You may also have a steroid (cortisone) injected into the tendon through the palm of your hand. You may need the injection more than once if the disease recurs. The injection will relieve symptoms in 65% of patients.

Symptoms usually disappear within 3-5 days and the fingers can move again in 2-3 weeks. If the problem persists, the doctor may suggest surgery under anesthesia. Then, the doctor will make small incisions on the surface of the palms and around the tendon tissue.

Sometimes the surgery is performed using a needle without the need for incisions.

Home remedies for trigger finger

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help with trigger finger?

Lifestyle and home remedies that may help with trigger finger include:

• Follow the doctor's instructions.
• Understand that trigger finger can affect any finger. If it occurs on more than one finger, the doctor will rule out other types of diabetes before starting treatment.
• Get plenty of rest and avoid various activities that can worsen your health condition.

If you have questions related to this one health problem, consult an orthopedic doctor to find the best solution for you.