2006-06-29 14:02:29 · 8 answers · asked by joseph c 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger (medically termed stenosing tenosynovitis) is a "snapping" of any of the digits of the hand when opened or closed. Typically, trigger finger is noted when either the ring, middle, or index finger attempts to flex closed while gripping. Instead of a smooth, continual closure, the digit stutters, then snaps closed. The closure is frequently associated with pain at the base of the digit on the palm of the hand. Trigger finger can affect the thumb.
What causes trigger finger?
Trigger finger is caused by local swelling from inflammation or scarring around the tendons that normally pull the affected digit inward toward the palm (flexion). Usually trigger finger occurs as an isolated condition. Sometimes trigger finger is an associated condition resulting from an underlying illness that causes inflammation of tissues of the hand, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, data presented at the 2005 American College of Rheumatology national meeting suggests that a majority of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have inflammation around the tendons of the palm of the hand that could develop into trigger finger.
What is treatment for trigger finger?
Stretching, ice, and antiinflammation treatments can be helpful. Medications that have been used include naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac and others.
The most rapidly effective treatment is a local cortisone injection around the affected tendon. Most patients will respond to the cortisone injection. When trigger fingers persist after two injections and are not responsive to the above treatments, surgical procedures to remove the inflamed or scarred tissue can be beneficial.
2006-06-29 14:08:40 · answer #1 · answered by Jen 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
an irritation of the digital sheath that surrounds the flexor tendons of the finger. When the tendon sheath becomes thickened or swollen it pinches the tendon and prevents it from gliding smoothly. In some cases, the tendon catches and then suddenly releases as though a trigger were released
Treatment Options
What can be done for the condition?
Unfortunately, very little can be done, short of surgery, once a finger or the thumb has developed triggering. A cortisone injection into the tendon sheath may decrease the inflammation and shrink the nodule to relieve the triggering, but the results will probably be short lived. If your problem just started and the tendon isn't triggering, a splint may be used after the injection. The splint is used to rest the tendon and attempt to get the inflammation and nodule to shrink.
2006-06-29 14:10:22 · answer #2 · answered by Gray Matter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know its really bad when it gets itchy...
Trigger finger generally results from swelling within a tendon sheath, restricting tendon motion. A bump (nodule) also may form. The enlargened tendon gets caught at the tendon sheath. The result is you can flex you finger but it gets stuck and you can not extend it back. It may suddenly "give" and snap back in place - as the enlargened spot of the tendon feeds through the sheath. Surgery is sometimes done to repair the problem. See link below.
2006-06-29 14:13:13 · answer #3 · answered by c_schumacker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is something that is caused by repetative use of normally the index fingers, police officers sometimes get it from frequent target practice....your finger actually locks down towards the psalm of your hand and locks, you have to literally pry it back up and it is painful in advanced stages, I'am sure they can do surgery on it to correct the problem.
2006-06-29 14:10:36 · answer #4 · answered by judy_derr38565 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got cortisone injections for it and that helped. If after two cortisone shots the finger keeps locking up then you are suppose to get a tendon release surgery which is done under local anesthesia.
2006-07-05 08:49:34 · answer #5 · answered by wtptoo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a trigger finger is an infection that can be cured by seeking medical assistance every day
2006-06-29 14:06:39 · answer #6 · answered by terri 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-17 20:25:40 · answer #7 · answered by Kimberly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=168&topcategory=Hand
i hope this help you. Come to think of this, my mom has it. She is in her early 50s. Her last finger is affected and still going on treatment.The condition been awhile i guess.
swollen,the finger bended as if no ligament/joint is currently supporting the bone, mild pain.....
2006-06-29 14:10:06 · answer #8 · answered by froggy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋