Description

Trigger finger does a finger get stuck in a bent position. Can be straightened with a sudden snap. The toes most often affected is the ring finger and the thumb, but the condition can affect any finger.

Trigger finger occurs when the tendon that controls the finger can slide smoothly into the sheath that surrounds it. This can happen if a part of the tendon sheath becomes inflamed or if a small lump forms in the tendon.

The condition is most common in women over 50 years of age. You may be at increased risk of trigger finger if you have diabetes, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The treatment of trigger finger can include splinting, steroid injections or surgery.

Symptoms

The symptoms of trigger finger may progress from mild to severe and include:

  • Finger stiffness, especially in the morning.
  • A popping or clicking sensation as the finger moves.
  • Tenderness or a bump on the palm at the base of the affected finger.
  • The finger locks in a bent position, which suddenly pops straight.
  • Finger locked in a bent position.

Trigger finger can affect any finger, including the thumb. More than one finger may be affected at a time, and both hands might be involved. Shooting is usually worse in the morning.

Causes

Tendons are tough cords that connect muscle to bone. Each tendon is surrounded by a protective sheath. Trigger finger occurs when the affected finger of the sheath of the tendon becomes irritated and inflamed. This makes it more difficult for the tendon to glide through the sheath.

In most people, there is no explanation of why this irritation and inflammation begins.

The constant back and forth to the irritation can cause a small mass of tissue that form in the tendon. This bulge is called a nodule. The nodule can make it even more difficult for the tendon to slide.

Risk factors

The factors that put you at risk of developing trigger finger include:

  • Repeats grip. Occupations and hobbies repetitive that involve the use of hand and extended grip can increase the risk of trigger finger.
  • Certain health problems. People who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of developing trigger finger.
  • Your sex. Trigger finger is more common in women.

Complications

Trigger finger can make it more difficult for the type of the button of a shirt or insert a key in a lock. It can also affect your ability to grip a steering wheel or grab tools.

Diagnosis

During the examination, the doctor may ask you to open and close your hand, checking for areas of pain, smoothness of motion and evidence of locking.

Treatment

Trigger finger treatment varies depending on its severity and duration.

Drugs

Consider taking an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). Some types of these medications may be delivered by creams or patches through the skin to the right, where the problem is happening.

Therapy

Conservative non-invasive treatments may include:

  • Rest. Avoid activities that require repetitive gripping, repeats the understanding or the prolonged use of vibrating hand-held machinery until your symptoms improve. If you can't avoid these activities together, padded gloves may offer some protection.
  • A splint. The use of a brace can help rest the tendon.
  • Stretching exercises. Gentle exercise can help to maintain mobility in your finger.

Surgical and other procedures

If your symptoms are severe or if the conservative treatments have not helped, your doctor may suggest:

  • Injection of steroids. An injection of steroids near or into the tendon sheath can reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to glide freely again. An injection is often effective for more than a year. Some people need more than one injection.
  • Needle procedure. After numbing the palm of his hand, a member of your care team inserted a robust of the needle in the tissue around your affected tendon. Move the needle and the finger helps to break up the tissue that blocks the smooth movement of the tendon. The use of ultrasound guidance during the procedure may improve outcomes.
  • Surgery. Working through a small incision near the base of the affected finger, a surgeon can cut the narrowing of the section of the tendon sheath.

Preparing for your appointment

You'll probably have to start by seeing your primary care doctor to determine what might be causing your symptoms.

What you can do

Be sure to bring a list of all the medications and supplements you take regularly. You can also write some questions in advance. Examples may include:

  • What is the cause of my symptoms?
  • Is this condition temporary or long-term?
  • What treatments are available?
  • Are there any complications associated with this disease or its treatments?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask a series of questions. Be ready to answer them may reserve time to go through important information for a second time.

Questions your doctor may ask include:

  • What symptoms do you have?
  • How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?
  • Do your symptoms seem to come and go, or do not always have?
  • Nothing seems to improve the symptoms?
  • Does anything seem to make your symptoms worse?
  • Are your symptoms worse in the morning or any time of the day?
  • Do you perform repetitive tasks at work or for leisure?
  • Has recently suffered an injury in his hand?
Symptoms and treatment of Trigger finger