What Are The Symptoms Of Trigger Finger?

Introduction: What is trigger finger?

Known as stenosing tenosynovitis in medical terms trigger finger is a condition where the fingers get stuck in a particular position usually in a bent or twisted position.

When the sheath that covers the tendons (band of tissues that connects bones to muscles and helps with muscle movement) gets inflamed, it can restrict the action and make it difficult resulting

 in one having trigger finger.

It can affect any and sometimes all the fingers in the hand. This condition can make the movement of the fingers difficult and in some cases, make it impossible to move the finger. It can affect fingers as well as the thumb.

Who is more likely to get it, and what are the causes?

Although less common in the general population, with about only 2-3% of the population experiencing a case of trigger finger – this condition is more commonly found in people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or people who have undergone hand injury in the past. Guitarist and people with jobs that involve repetitive finger movement are more likely to suffer from trigger finger.

The exact cause of trigger finger is yet unknown – but it is liked to certain medical conditions. Conditions that cause inflation in joints like arthritis is more likely to cause trigger finger.

With respect to gender – trigger finger is more commonly found in women. It is more likely to occur in people over 40.

Understanding the symptoms of having a trigger finger.

If you have witnessed a certain discomfort or a catching sensation when you try to straighten or bend your finger, then you might be experiencing trigger finger. Only a trained orthodontist can diagnose your condition and can inform if you have the said condition or not – but here are a few symptoms that you should look out for –

1. A clicking sensation while you move your fingers – it would feel like something popped.

2. Stiff fingers, especially in the mornings.

3. A bump or tenderness in the palm or at the finger base.

In a more difficult situation following symptoms can be noticed –

1. Discomfort and pain at the bottom finger when moved or pressed on.

2. Fingers and thumbs getting locked in the bent position.

3. Losing the ability to move the finger.

How to treat a trigger finger?

The treatment of trigger finger varies from patient to patient – the orthopaedic recommends the treatment based on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause.

For a less severe condition or trigger finger caused by being involved in long term hobbies that include holding the object and bending of fingers like playing the guitar – the doctor mostly recommends resting the fingers for a span of time.

They can also recommend wearing a splint at night to keep the fingers in the extended position. Over the counter, drugs can be prescribed by the doctors in case of pain to relieve inflammation.

If it’s in a critical stage, the doctor may recommend surgery – it a straightforward and minimal risk surgery that is performed with local anaesthesia.

Conclusion (Why should you get it treated)

Ignoring the symptoms and not getting it treated can lead to critical conditions. It can also hamper your day to day activities. Look for a good orthopaedic surgeon in Adelaide and get the condition of trigger finger taken care of immediately.

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Created on Jan 27th 2021 11:05. Viewed 269 times.

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