Understanding Trigger Finger: Causes, Diagnosis, and Home Remedies

Trigger finger is a condition where a finger or thumb makes a popping or clicking sound when you try to bend or straighten it. It was first described in 1850 and happens because the tube that the tendon moves through becomes thick and narrow. This causes the tendon to get stuck and makes it hard to move the finger smoothly. Although it's sometimes called stenosing tenosynovitis, studies have shown that the problem is actually in the tube (tendon sheath) and not the tissue around it. Some experts suggest calling it tenovaginitis instead to describe it more accurately. As it is a temporary condition, which means you can treat it with home remedies for trigger thumb. Before jumping onto that let’s learn how to diagnosis it.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing trigger finger is usually based on the classic symptoms of a popping or locking sensation in the finger. However, in cases where symptoms develop suddenly, patients may experience pain, swelling, and avoid moving the affected finger. In such cases, it's important to differentiate trigger finger from infections or other injuries. One way to confirm the diagnosis is by injecting lidocaine, a local anesthetic, into the flexor sheath. If the pain associated with triggering is relieved and the finger can be extended, it supports the diagnosis of trigger finger. Imaging, such as x-rays, is generally not necessary unless there is a history of inflammatory disease or trauma.

Home Remedies for Trigger Finger

When it comes to managing trigger finger, the initial approach is usually non-surgical and focuses on home remedies for trigger finger. Here are some simple explanations of the common remedies:

- Activity Modification: Making changes to your daily activities to avoid movements that worsen the condition can help alleviate symptoms.

- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These medications can be used to control pain and reduce inflammation in the affected area.

- MCP Joint Immobilization: Immobilizing the joint affected by trigger finger, often using a splint, can help prevent further friction and allow the inflammation to subside.

- Splinting: Wearing a splint is an effective treatment option for patients who prefer not to have a corticosteroid injection. It helps reduce friction by limiting the movement of the finger or thumb. Splinting can be done in different ways depending on the specific joint involved.

- Corticosteroid Injection: Injections of corticosteroids into the affected area can provide significant relief, especially for patients with recent onset symptoms and a palpable nodule. However, their effectiveness may be reduced in patients with long-standing disease, diabetes, or multiple affected fingers. The injection can be given directly into the sheath or alternatively, outside the sheath, which may minimize the risk of tendon damage.

To Conclude:

Trigger finger is a condition characterized by a popping or clicking sound when attempting to bend or straighten a finger or thumb. The initial management approach involves home remedies, such as activity modification, NSAIDs for pain control, MCP joint immobilization, splinting, and corticosteroid injections. These methods aim to alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and provide relief. By understanding trigger finger and implementing appropriate remedies, individuals can effectively manage this condition.