In most cases, trigger finger is a nuisance rather than a serious condition. However, if it is not treated,
the affected finger or thumb may become permanently stuck in a bent position or, less commonly, in a straightened position
. This can make carrying out everyday tasks difficult.
Can trigger finger heal on its own?
Trigger finger can recur but the condition generally corrects itself after a short while
. More severe cases may become locked in the bent position and require surgery to correct it.
What is the best way to treat trigger finger?
The quickest and most effective treatment is a
local cortisone injection into the tendon sheath around the affected tendon
. Most patients will respond well to the steroid injection (corticosteroid injection such as kenalog, depomedrol, and others). Trigger finger can recur after a period of normal function.
When should you see a doctor for trigger finger?
Seek immediate medical care if your finger joint is hot and inflamed, as these signs may indicate an infection. If you have
any stiffness, catching, numbness or pain in a finger joint
, or if you can’t straighten or bend a finger, make an appointment with your doctor.
How do you fix a trigger finger without surgery?
Resting your hands if possible,
wearing a splint at night, stretching exercises and a steroid injection
all can alleviate trigger finger without surgery. Severity of trigger finger can be as simple as an annoying pop or sensation of the joint being stuck when you extend the finger.
Is hot or cold better for trigger finger?
Heat or ice: Heat or
ice can be applied to reduce swelling
. Placing your hand in warm water several times throughout the day can also relax the tendons and muscles in your fingers and hand. Exercise: Gentle exercises may help decrease stiffness and improve range of motion.
How long does a trigger finger last?
Full recovery may take a few weeks
, but swelling and stiffness may linger for 6 months. If your finger was very stiff before surgery, your doctor will probably suggest physical therapy to teach you exercises to help loosen it.
Is massage good for trigger finger?
Don’t forget about
self-massage
!
It’s also recommended that you practice self-massage to help treat trigger finger. This can be done for a few minutes at a time throughout the day. It’s especially beneficial for you to massage the affected finger before and after these exercises.
Is trigger finger a form of arthritis?
The short answer is,
No
! In addition, A trigger finger is also not a dislocating finger or a knuckle being ‘cracked’.
What food is good for trigger finger?
- Fatty fish. …
- Cherries. …
- Green tea. …
- Avocados. …
- Dark leafy greens. …
- Orange root vegetables. …
- Flaxseed. …
- Walnuts.
Does squeezing a ball help trigger finger?
Since a trigger thumb is caused by the inflammation of the thumb tendon, the ball squeeze exercise
works well in relaxing its symptoms
such as stiffness, popping, and clicking sensation.
Why does trigger finger get worse at night?
TRIGGER FINGER AND TRIGGER THUMB
“Triggering” commonly happens at night or in the morning after sleeping with the hand in a fisted position for a long period of time. Triggering can also happen with activities that require
repeated gripping or
pinching, such as holding a pen.
What is the best brace for trigger finger?
- Best Overall: 3-Point Products Oval-8 Finger Splints. …
- Best Budget: BodyMoves 2 Finger Splints. …
- Best for Trigger Finger: Vive Trigger Finger Splint. …
- Best Thumb Brace: Mueller Reversible Thumb Stabilizer. …
- Best Hand Brace: Mueller Fitted Wrist Brace. …
- Best for Index Fingers: Arrow Splints Finger Splint.
How do you unlock a trigger finger at home?
- Rub the base of the affected finger in a circular motion, gently applying pressure.
- Massage the area for a few minutes.
- Consider massaging the entire area connected to the affected finger, such as your hand, wrist and forearm.
Do they put you to sleep for trigger finger surgery?
and you will be given medication in the operating room by the anesthesia team to make you sleepy.
Generally they do not put you completely asleep
, but rather you will drift off to sleep and can be completely unaware of the surgery, if you want.
Is Cold good for trigger finger?
Ice therapy
for the affected finger can decrease inflammation and dull pain. An ice or cold pack can be applied for 5 to 10 minutes every few hours. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be able to treat the underlying inflammation that causes trigger finger.
