Is Your Finger Locking Up? Discover more on Trigger Finger!
Will my finger get stuck forever?
Trigger finger (medically known as Stenosing Tenosynovitis) is a condition where the tendon sheath (a protective layer over the tendon) of the fingers or thumb gets thicken. This condition causes a locking or catching sensation during bending and straightening of the finger.
We have a few pulleys on our finger (this structure holds the tendon against and along the finger bone), and A1 pulley is most commonly involved in the trigger finger. When the tendon sheath gets thickened (bulb shape), it gets ‘stuck’ sliding back and forth the pulley. In some cases, this stiffness may be accompanied by pain.
The most common digits affected are the ring finger and the thumb, sometimes it may affect the neighbouring fingers as well. Women over 50 have a higher risk of trigger finger, as well as conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Oftentimes the main cause is the repetitive bending of the finger and gripping.
The most asked question about trigger finger is:
Can it ever get better?
Answer is YES, it can. With good management.
To know how long it takes for a trigger finger to get better, we must first know the grading.
Grade 1: Uneven movement
Grade 2: Catching of the finger after active extension (actively correctable)
Grade 3: Locking of the finger (passively corrective)
Grace 4: Locked in flexion (contracture)
Consult a physiotherapist or a specialist to determine if you have a trigger finger.
Other common misdiagnosed conditions are Dupuytren contracture (thickening of the fascia) and Dequervains Synovitis.
Benphysio does provide this service in all our outlets in Oval Damansara, Bangsar, Puchong, KL Ampang, Cheras and Giza KD. We specialized in hands-on physiotherapy to treat the problem.
Treatment:
Invasive options:
Of course, with this advice, it is recommended to consult a physiotherapist first to see if surgery is necessary. Do not ignore the signs and symptoms of a trigger finger, if you’re unsure about the condition, seek professional help.
We understand how back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, arthritis, or sports injuries like tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and hamstring strains can take a toll on your life. These pains can make even the simplest daily activities feel like a struggle and rob you of the joy in your favourite hobbies. At Benphysio, we’re dedicated to changing that.
Imagine living without constant pain. Imagine getting back to the things you love without hesitation. Our expert physiotherapists at Benphysio combine manual therapy, exercise, and education to address the root causes of your pain and prevent it from coming back.
Don’t let the pain control your life. At Benphysio, we’re here to help you overcome pain and reclaim your health, so you can live life to the fullest.
Again, we at Benphysio do provide this service in all our outlets in Oval Damansara, Bangsar, Puchong, KL Ampang, Cheras and Giza KD. We specialized in hands-on physiotherapy to treat the problem. Feel free to call us to make an appointment to get your problem diagnosed by our physiotherapists and fixed via hands on physiotherapy. We are available at Oval Damansara, Bangsar, Puchong, KL Ampang, Cheras and Giza KD.
Created by: Aria
Trigger finger (medically known as Stenosing Tenosynovitis) is a condition where the tendon sheath (a protective layer over the tendon) of the fingers or thumb gets thicken. This condition causes a locking or catching sensation during bending and straightening of the finger.
We have a few pulleys on our finger (this structure holds the tendon against and along the finger bone), and A1 pulley is most commonly involved in the trigger finger. When the tendon sheath gets thickened (bulb shape), it gets ‘stuck’ sliding back and forth the pulley. In some cases, this stiffness may be accompanied by pain.
The most common digits affected are the ring finger and the thumb, sometimes it may affect the neighbouring fingers as well. Women over 50 have a higher risk of trigger finger, as well as conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Oftentimes the main cause is the repetitive bending of the finger and gripping.
The most asked question about trigger finger is:
Can it ever get better?
Answer is YES, it can. With good management.
To know how long it takes for a trigger finger to get better, we must first know the grading.
Grade 1: Uneven movement
Grade 2: Catching of the finger after active extension (actively correctable)
Grade 3: Locking of the finger (passively corrective)
Grace 4: Locked in flexion (contracture)
Consult a physiotherapist or a specialist to determine if you have a trigger finger.
Other common misdiagnosed conditions are Dupuytren contracture (thickening of the fascia) and Dequervains Synovitis.
Benphysio does provide this service in all our outlets in Oval Damansara, Bangsar, Puchong, KL Ampang, Cheras and Giza KD. We specialized in hands-on physiotherapy to treat the problem.
Treatment:
- Splinting - Splinting at the Proximal Interphalangeal joint can ease the symptoms and prevent the finger from moving/bending too much)
- Massage - Massaging over the thicken tendon can help to loosen up the tendon. The common flexors on the forearm are often tight as well
- Exercise/stretching - Gentle stretching and simple hand exercises can reduce the stiffness and improve the movement
- Medication - NSIADs can help relieve inflammation and pain
- Relative rest - Over-exercising the finger may cause a bigger problem to these conditions. Sometimes resting from gripping or bending the finger can prove to be of good use to the fingers. Avoid repetitive movement of the finger.
Invasive options:
- Steroid injections - Steroids have anti-inflammatory agents. However, if after 2 injections and the stiffness does not go away, other methods should be considered
- Percutaneous Surgery (needle) - This procedure is quick and proves to be effective. A needle is inserted into the affected tendon to break the thicken tissues. The surgeon will need to numb the palm first.
- Open release surgery - Surgeons will cut a small incision to where the tendon is thickened and ‘release’ the tendon sheath.
Of course, with this advice, it is recommended to consult a physiotherapist first to see if surgery is necessary. Do not ignore the signs and symptoms of a trigger finger, if you’re unsure about the condition, seek professional help.
We understand how back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, arthritis, or sports injuries like tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and hamstring strains can take a toll on your life. These pains can make even the simplest daily activities feel like a struggle and rob you of the joy in your favourite hobbies. At Benphysio, we’re dedicated to changing that.
Imagine living without constant pain. Imagine getting back to the things you love without hesitation. Our expert physiotherapists at Benphysio combine manual therapy, exercise, and education to address the root causes of your pain and prevent it from coming back.
Don’t let the pain control your life. At Benphysio, we’re here to help you overcome pain and reclaim your health, so you can live life to the fullest.
Again, we at Benphysio do provide this service in all our outlets in Oval Damansara, Bangsar, Puchong, KL Ampang, Cheras and Giza KD. We specialized in hands-on physiotherapy to treat the problem. Feel free to call us to make an appointment to get your problem diagnosed by our physiotherapists and fixed via hands on physiotherapy. We are available at Oval Damansara, Bangsar, Puchong, KL Ampang, Cheras and Giza KD.
Created by: Aria
18 Oct 2024
