Main symptoms and treatment of trigger finger

The trigger finger is a problem that can significantly affect hand movement. Therefore, in order to improve the prognosis, it is best to consult a doctor when symptoms first appear.

In this article, let’s learn about the main symptoms and treatment of trigger fingers. The trigger finger is a condition that limits the movement of the fingers and prevents the hand from flexing. In fact, in this case, the hand is normally subjected to friction, and to stretch or flex, it must move with a ‘click’ sound, as a spring does when it stretches and releases.

Problems with long tendons, also called flexors, cause these problems. This tendon slides through a kind of tunnel (tendon sheath) that surrounds it. When the sheath becomes irritated and inflamed, the tunnel narrows, and movement becomes difficult.

In the worst case, the trigger finger is locked in a bent position and cannot move. Another name for this condition is tendonitis stenosis, which is more common in women and people with diabetes.

Symptoms of trigger finger

The trigger finger can occur on any finger of the hand, including the thumb. In fact, it almost always affects more than one finger, including both hands. And this condition is gradual and usually begins with persistent pain in the base of the fingers.

Early symptoms of trigger finger are usually:

• A lump appears around the base of the finger and toward the palm of the hand.
• The muscles at the base of the fingers are soft and sensitive to touch.
• The fingers feel hard , especially in the morning hours .
• When moving, there is a clicking sound of the fingers.

As the trigger finger progresses, it locks in a bent position and suddenly unfolds. In a more severe stage, the fingers do not release and cannot be extended again. 

One treatment option is steroid injections, but injections are not always effective.

Diagnosis

The basis of a trigger finger diagnosis is a physical examination by a physician. A clicking sound is characteristic of this phenomenon when the patient moves the affected part.

The doctor completes the physical examination by asking the patient to open and close the hand. The specialist will also check the palms and lower fingers, asking for signs of pain and blockages. The diagnosis can then be confirmed.

trigger finger treatment

Treatment of trigger finger depends on the condition and disease of the finger and the amount of time that elapses between visits to the doctor. In general, there are three ways to solve this problem: drugs, physical therapy, and surgery.

drug

Drug use relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and promotes movement. Typically, doctors prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and other similar drugs. These measures will help improve symptoms, but will not solve the problem. 

physiotherapy

Trigger finger can also be treated with physical therapy, such as:

• Rest : Avoid activities that involve grabbing, holding, or vibrating machinery for 4-6 weeks. Padded gloves should be used when rest is not possible.
• Splint : Can only be worn at night with the fingers stretched out. It should usually be worn for a month and a half.
• Cold : Alternating between heat and ice reduces swelling and pain.
• Soaking in warm water : Soaking your hands in warm water several times a day will relax the tendons and relieve symptoms.

trigger finger surgery

If medications and therapies do not work, surgery is required. Sometimes the following procedure is attempted before surgery.

• Steroid injections : Apply to the tendon sheath to help reduce inflammation. It can be effective for more than a year, but sometimes you need to apply it in multiple sessions.
• Percutaneous release : This consists of administering an anesthetic and then inserting a thick needle into the inflamed tendon to release the pressure blocking the tendon.

If this procedure does not work, the patient may need surgery. This is an outpatient procedure that cuts the tendon sheath by making an incision at the compression site. The greatest risk of surgery is an infection or the futility of surgery.

Diabetes is a trigger finger risk factor. Because it occurs more often in diabetic patients.

Risk factors for trigger finger

Some people tend to develop trigger fingers more easily. Known risk factors include:

• Age : 40 years old or older and less than 60 years old
• Diseases : diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis
• If you have had carpal tunnel syndrome surgery
• Repetitive Activity : Performing tasks that require repeated grasping.

Conditions requiring various treatments

The trigger finger is a condition that can significantly change the quality of life. Therefore, the best recommendation in these cases is to adapt to the new condition while avoiding grasping movements. It is important to evaluate effective protective measures when these movements cannot be avoided.

It should be noted that the available treatments are not 100% effective. However, a high percentage of patients improve after corticosteroid injection, and there is a successful solution through surgery. So, the outlook is generally good.