Trigger Finger and Rheumatoid Arthritis
trig·ger fin·ger
noun1. the forefinger of the hand, as that with which the trigger of a gun is typically pulled.
2.a defect in a tendon causing a finger to jerk or snap straight when the hand is extended.
Trigger finger is a condition known as Stenosing Tenosynovitis (stuh-NO-sing ten-o-sin-o-VIE-tis). It occurs when inflammation thickens and narrows the passageway within the sheath that surrounds the tendon of affected finger/thumb. This condition is common in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout and Diabetes. It tends to affect more women than men, and people with diabetes.
How is trigger finger diagnosed?
Trigger finger is diagnosed with a physical exam by a doctor. Lab tests and xrays are not needed to diagnose trigger finger. It usually affects thumb, middle, ring or index fingers.
Symptoms:
Swelling, inflammation, pain
A tender or painful lump in the palm of your hand
A tenderness around the base of your finger.
Stiffness in your finger.
A clicking, popping noise or catching sensation when you bend finger or thumb.
In severe cases finger/thumb will freeze in place, to where you cannot straighten it.
One or more fingers can be affected.
Treating Trigger Finger
Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Mobic.
Steroid Injection: Will help reduce inflammation allowing the tendon to move freely within its sheaths. A corticosteroid is injected into the tendon sheath. If more than two injections are needed, surgery should be considered. Steroid injections are the most common treatment.
AT HOME TREATMENTS INCLUDE:
Diet: Juicing, Fasting, Green Smoothies, Avoid inflammatory foods.
Change activity of inflamed finger: repeated movements or repetitive gripping actions whether in work or hobbies, computer, or phone use. Take a break from repetitive motions, rest hand.
Night/Day splints: Splints worn during the night will prevent your finger from triggering into a locked position. A splint will help rest the tendon.
Rest
Stretching Exercises
Ice and Cold Therapy to reduce swelling.
Place hand in warm water to relax tendons and muscles.
Massaging of hand or inflamed finger and stretching of fingers to increase range of motion.
Surgery:
Most physicians will recommend surgery after two corticosteroid injections have failed.
It is a simple surgical procedure, usually outpatient. The surgeon will cut the sheath that is restricting the tendon.
Surgery recovery can take a few weeks to months. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy exercises to relieve post surgery stiffness.
Recovery after Surgery:
Can take a couple weeks to fully recover. Swelling and stiffness can take months. Physical therapy and finger exercises will help speed recovery time.
ARTICLES:
- Natural Remedies for Trigger Finger: https://authorityremedies.com/home-remedies-for-trigger-finger/
- Carpal Tunnel vs Trigger Finger: https://www.arksurgicalhospital.com/carpal-tunnel-vs-trigger-finger-compare-the-symptoms-and-corrective-procedures/
- Trigger finger: etiology, evaluation, and treatment: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684207/
- Trigger Finger: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/trigger-finger
Either of these work great as a night or day splint.
The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Healing Naturally - Website:
https: //www.rheumatoidarthritishealingnaturally.com/
Please also do your own research.
We like to keep the files up to date. Please let us know if any of the links in this file are not working. If you have a link you would like to add to this file please leave it in the comments.
All of the product links are used and recommended by myself or people in the RA Healing Naturally support group. Any products links listed, are products that have worked well for group members and support our healing journey. Article links are also here to offer more information on healing Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA Healing Naturally is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which help support maintaining my website. I have no ads on this website, so this allows me a way to pay the monthly fees of maintaining it. The information on this website is intended to help people on their healing journey!
Rheumatoid Arthritis Healing Naturally - Website:
https: //www.rheumatoidarthritishealingnaturally.com/
Please also do your own research.
We like to keep the files up to date. Please let us know if any of the links in this file are not working. If you have a link you would like to add to this file please leave it in the comments.
All of the product links are used and recommended by myself or people in the RA Healing Naturally support group. Any products links listed, are products that have worked well for group members and support our healing journey. Article links are also here to offer more information on healing Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA Healing Naturally is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which help support maintaining my website. I have no ads on this website, so this allows me a way to pay the monthly fees of maintaining it. The information on this website is intended to help people on their healing journey!