Do you sometimes find your finger stuck in a bent position without your prompting? Sometime your finger may straighten with a snap.This is referred to as trigger finger. Trigger finger is caused by an inflammation within the affected finger and can be very painful. This inflammation prevents the finger from bending and straightening as smoothly as it usually does. Sometimes the trigger may be severe resulting in the finger getting locked in a bent position. This condition is especially common in women and people suffering from diabetes. Symptoms of trigger finger vary from one person to another.
Symptoms of trigger finger
- Stiffness of the finger or thumb. This is especially so in the morning when it is colder.
- As you move your fingers, you will feel a popping and sometimes a clicking sound.
- You may feel tenderness or bump at the base of the affected finger on your palm.
- Your finger will lock in a bent position and suddenly pop straight without prompting from you.
Causes of trigger finger
Certain conditions lead to trigger finger. These include and are not limited to;
- People between the age of 40 and 60 are more prone to trigger finger.
- Those suffering from diabetes are more prone to trigger finishing.
- Patients of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis eats at your bones and if not treated this can affect some parts of your body including the fingers.
- People suffering from tuberculosis. This may result in inflammations that will affect the hands and specifically the finger.
- People performing repetitive actions that strain your fingers such playing musical instruments such as guitars and the piano.
Treatment of trigger finger
- If you participate in constant repetitive activities like playing the piano and guitar, it is important to take a break and allow your fingers to relax and stretch the muscles.
- Wearing a brace to restrict movement. This will give the hand the chance to rest.
- Apply heat or ice to reduce the inflammation.
- Place your hand in warm water regularly to relax the muscles.
- Stretch your fingers to enhance its ability to move.
Trigger finger sometimes requires medical care especially if the pain is excruciating. These treatments include rest, use of ice, anti-inflammatory medication and use of splints. In other cases, the trigger finger is severe enough to warrant surgery. This is why it is important to visit your doctor early enough so you can get adequate treatment in time. Sometimes the medical practitioner may recommend use of steroids to see if there is any infection so it is dealt with accordingly. Whatever the choice of treatment, it is important to give trigger finger the right attention early enough.
