Stenosing tenosynovitis, another name for trigger finger, is a disorder that affects the fingers and produces discomfort, stiffness, and a locking or clicking feeling.
It happens when the finger tendons become infected, which makes it harder for them to move freely inside their protective sheath.
Any finger, including the thumb, can be impacted by trigger finger. Both hands and many fingers might be impacted at the same time. Typically, morning triggers are more intense.
For people who are suffering the symptoms of this disease, which mostly affects the fingers and thumbs, recognising the reasons and available treatments is very important!
What Is Trigger Finger?
The disorder known as “trigger finger” is defined by inflammation of the tendons in the fingers or thumbs, making it difficult for them to slide smoothly inside their protective sheath. A number of symptoms, including discomfort and soreness as well as a discernible clicking or locking feeling while moving the fingers, can be brought on by this inflammation.
Because of the way the affected finger may appear to “catch” or “trigger” before straightening, the disorder got its nickname informally. Though trigger finger can affect any finger, it usually affects the thumb the most.
Women over 50 are most likely to have the illness. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or poor thyroid function, you may be more susceptible to trigger finger.
What Are The Causes For Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger is caused by certain activities or characteristics, such as:
Repeated and Hard Gripping
Trigger finger can develop as a result of repetitive, strong grabbing or gripping actions, which are frequent in tasks like typing, using tools, and playing musical instruments.
Developed From Existing Health Problems
Rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, for example, raise the chance of getting trigger finger. In certain situations, the tendons may be impacted by internal inflammation.
Your Age or Sex
Women are more prone than males to acquire trigger finger, and it is more frequent in those between the ages of 40 and 60.
What Are The Symptoms Experienced?
- Pain In Finger: The base of the afflicted finger or thumb can often be sensitive and painful for those with trigger finger.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: It may be apparent to hear a clicking or popping sound when the afflicted digit is bent or straightened.
- Stiffness From Finger Movements: Trigger finger frequently manifests as stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Finger Being Locked In Bent Position: In extreme circumstances, the afflicted finger could get momentarily trapped in a bent posture that needs to be manually straightened.
What Are The Treatments Available?
Use Trigger Finger Splints
Reducing tension on the tendon and accelerating recovery can be achieved by using a splint to keep the injured finger straight. One of the best trigger finger splints on the market is Arthroeze Trigger Finger Splint which helps to correct your finger posture.
Usually, at night, body fluids tend to accumulate in the legs due to gravity. However, laying down means that the fluids are even distributed, causing the fingers to become swollen in the morning. Wearing trigger finger splints at night prevents your fingers from getting locked in a bent position, but the stiffness and swollen sensation will still persist in the morning.
Medications
Ibuprofen is one example of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) that can help control trigger finger discomfort and inflammation. Always consult with your doctor before getting over-the-counter medications.
Take Proper Rest
Sometimes, treatments are as simple as taking a rest! Symptoms can be reduced by resting the afflicted hand and avoiding activities that exacerbate the disease. Using ergonomic tools or modifying methods may also be helpful.
Physical Treatments
A physical therapist can offer exercises and strategies that help increase the afflicted finger’s strength and range of motion.
Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical approaches are not working, surgical treatment is the last resort.
You might want to think about surgery if nonsurgical therapy fails to improve your trigger finger. The degree of discomfort or loss of function in your finger usually determines whether or not you should undergo surgery.
However, your doctor could advise surgery to avoid chronic stiffness if your finger or thumb is trapped in a flexed or bending posture and cannot be straightened with mild treatment.
Conclusion
The first step to successful care of trigger finger is knowing the cause, whether it is brought on by age and gender characteristics, underlying medical disorders, or repeated activities.
Thankfully, there are a number of treatments that can provide comfort and increased mobility, ranging from rest and splinting to drugs and surgery. It is crucial to speak with a medical practitioner for a customised treatment plan in order to help people with trigger finger restore comfort and function in their hands.
To get more information, visit the NHS website for more information.