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What is trigger finger and why does it happen?
Trigger finger is a condition that causes limited movement and pain in the finger. Trigger finger usually occurs as a result of inflammation or thickening of the flexor tendon of the finger. This makes it difficult for the tendon to slide over the finger bone, resulting in a “clicking” or “locking” sensation in the finger.
What causes trigger finger?
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the flexor tendons of the fingers can affect the normal gliding of the tendon. This inflammation often causes pain and limited movement in the finger joint.
- Tendon thickening: Thickening of the tendon can cause compression of the fingers and limited movement. This thickening makes it difficult for the tendon to slide and leads to the finger tearing.
- Overuse: Constant use of the fingers in repetitive movements can cause the tendons to become excessively fatigued and inflamed. Workers, musicians or athletes are particularly at risk.
- Rheumatic diseases: Inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation of the tendon and promote the development of trigger finger.
- Genetic factors: People with a family history of trigger finger may be at a higher risk of developing this condition due to a genetic predisposition.
If left untreated, trigger finger can lead to a loss of functionality in daily life. As MSM clinic, we help our patients regain their comfort and functionality by offering effective solutions for the treatment of trigger finger with our team of experts.
How is trigger finger diagnosed?
Diagnosing trigger finger involves several steps to confirm symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment plan. Here are the general steps of the diagnosis process:
- Physical exam: Your doctor will assess the mobility of your fingers and check for signs of a trigger finger injury. The exam will examine the fingers for pain, swelling, stiffness, or limited movement. It will also observe whether the fingers are triggered by certain movements.
- Medical history: Your doctor will collect information about when and how your fingers hurt, when the limited movement starts, and how you use your fingers at work or in everyday activities. This information plays an important role in the diagnosis.
- Imaging tests: Generally, no special imaging tests are needed to diagnose trigger finger. However, tests such as X-rays or ultrasound may be performed to determine if there are other problems with the joint. These tests can show tendon thickening, inflammation, and other possible structural changes.
- Tendinoscopy: In rarer cases, a tendinoscopy may be performed to look directly at the finger joint. This method can be used to examine the condition of the tendon and other problems.
What are the symptoms and difficulties of trigger finger?
Trigger finger can cause a variety of symptoms and difficulties in the finger. Here are the main symptoms that define this condition and the difficulties that can arise:
Symptoms:
- Pain: Trigger finger causes pain in the finger, usually in the thumb, middle finger or ring finger. This pain may increase with movements of the finger or in certain positions.
- Clicking or locking: The finger may make clicking noises when moved or feel as if it is “locking”. This condition occurs when the tendon girdle over the finger bone is blocked.
- Swelling and stiffness: As a result of inflammation of the trigger finger, swelling and stiffness in the finger may occur. This swelling may be visible around the joint.
- Limitation of movement: The finger may be limited in certain movements, making daily activities difficult. In particular, there may be difficulty bending or straightening the fingers.
Challenges:
- Difficulty with everyday activities: Trigger finger can make it difficult to perform simple tasks in daily life. In particular, movements such as writing, talking on the phone, fastening buttons, or holding objects can become difficult.
- Pain and discomfort: Constant pain and discomfort can affect a person’s quality of life and limit their functionality. This can cause difficulties in both business and personal life.
- Psychological impact: Chronic pain and limited movement can also affect the psyche. It can lead to emotional problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Long-term loss of function: If left untreated or not treated effectively, trigger finger can lead to long-term loss of function. Thickening and inflammation of the tendons can lead to more complex problems over time.
How is trigger finger treated?
Treatment of trigger finger involves several methods to relieve symptoms and restore normal function to the tendon. Treatment options may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s overall health. Here are the main methods used to treat trigger finger:
- 1. Conservative (non-drug) treatment:
- Rest: Resting the finger and wrist reduces pressure on the tendon and aids the healing process. It is recommended to avoid activities that trigger pain.
- Ice application: To reduce swelling and pain, ice can be applied regularly to the finger area. Applying ice helps reduce inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. These medications should be used under the recommendation of a doctor.
- Use of a splint or brace: The finger is immobilized using a cast or splint. This gives the tendon rest and aids the healing process.
- 2. Physical therapy:
- Exercises and stretches: Specific exercises are performed to increase the mobility of the finger and improve the flexibility of the tendon. Exercises recommended by a physical therapist can help the finger regain its function.
- Therapeutic massage: Therapeutic massage can be used to relax the tendon and surrounding tissues and aid in the healing process.
- Medical intervention:
- Corticosteroid injections: If pain and inflammation are severe, corticosteroid injections can be used. These injections relieve pain by quickly reducing inflammation.
- Tendon injections: Injections into the tendon can relieve symptoms by reducing inflammation and thickening.
- Surgical intervention:
- Tendon surgery: In cases where other treatment methods do not respond, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery removes thickened tendon tissue or realigns severed tendons. The post-operative recovery process and physical therapy recommendations are determined by the doctor.
As an MSM clinic, we offer an individual treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs in the treatment of trigger finger. Our team of experts aims to improve the health and quality of life of our patients with effective and safe solutions.
