Trigger Finger and Rheumatoid Arthritis
trig·ger fin·ger
noun
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 popping 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.
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.
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
Massaging of hand or inflamed finger
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.
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.
trig·ger fin·ger
noun
- 1.
- 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 popping 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.
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.
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
Massaging of hand or inflamed finger
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.
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.
Either of these work great as a night or day splint.