Trigger finger is a condition where the fingers or thumb get stuck in a bent position. It’s due to inflammation of the flexor tendon sheath. This can make tasks painful or hard to do. Symptoms include pain, a snapping feeling, and stiffness after not moving.
Many things can cause this, like using your fingers a lot, especially in jobs like music or factory work. Conditions like diabetes and arthritis can also play a part. To diagnose, a doctor will look at your finger, checking how it moves. They’ll also feel if there are lumps or swelling.
Treating trigger finger often starts with rest, wearing a splint, and taking anti-inflammatory drugs. Sometimes, doctors suggest steroid shots to help with inflammation and to move your finger better. If these don’t work, surgery might be needed to free up the locked tendon sheath.
But there’s a new treatment that’s becoming more common – stem cell therapy. This involves injecting stem cells into the finger. These cells work to reduce swelling and can help your finger heal. It’s a non-surgical, drug-free way to get rid of trigger finger symptoms.
Key Takeaways:
- Trigger finger is a condition where the fingers or thumb get stuck in a bent position due to inflammation of the flexor tendon sheath.
- Common symptoms include pain, snapping or popping sensation, and finger stiffness.
- Trigger finger can be caused by repetitive finger movements and medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Diagnosis is typically done through a physical examination to assess finger mobility and identify any nodules or swelling.
- Treatment options include rest, splinting, medication, steroid injections, or surgical intervention.
- Stem cell therapy offers a non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical option for trigger finger treatment, promoting pain relief and improved finger mobility.
Causes and Symptoms of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger happens when the flexor tendon sheath in a finger gets inflamed. This makes the finger painful and sometimes stuck when trying to move it. The main causes are doing the same finger motions over and over and some health conditions.
Musicians and people who do work that uses their fingers a lot are at risk. Over time, this constant movement causes the tendon sheath to get inflamed. This leads to pain and stiffness in the finger.
Certain health issues can also bring about trigger finger. Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are two known culprits. They cause swelling in the body, affecting the finger’s tendon sheath too.
The signs of trigger finger are easy to notice. They can really get in the way of daily tasks. These signs include:
- Pain when flexing the affected finger
- A snapping sensation or audible click when moving the finger
- Stiffness in the finger, especially after prolonged periods of inactivity
- In severe cases, the finger may become locked in a bent position, requiring manual straightening
- Swelling and the formation of nodules on the flexor tendon sheath may also be present
Trigger finger can happen in any finger, even the thumb. The symptoms range from mild to severe. They may just be annoying or really limit finger movement.
If you think you have trigger finger, see a doctor. They can diagnose it properly and suggest the right treatment.
| Common Causes of Trigger Finger | Symptoms of Trigger Finger |
|---|---|
| Repetitive finger movements | Pain when flexing the finger |
| Medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis | A snapping sensation or audible click when moving the finger |
| Stiffness in the finger, especially after prolonged periods of inactivity | |
| In severe cases, the finger may become locked in a bent position | |
| Swelling and nodules on the flexor tendon sheath |
Diagnosis and Treatment of Trigger Finger
Diagnosing trigger finger is usually done with a physical exam. Tests like X-rays are often not needed. Your provider checks how well your finger moves, if it is swollen, and how severe the issue is. They also ask about your health and what activities might have caused the trigger finger.
If you have a mild case, rest and staying away from activities that hurt may help. Wearing a trigger finger splint can also stop you from moving your finger and help it heal.
If simple treatments don’t work, your provider might suggest trigger finger exercises. These help make your finger more flexible and strong. The exercises lower stiffness and cut the chance of it coming back. Your provider will show you the best exercises for you.
Sometimes, steroid injections are advised to lessen swelling and pain. A doctor shoots a steroid into the sore spot to calm it directly. These shots can really help for a while, but they’re not a cure.
If nothing else eases the pain, trigger finger surgery could be the answer. The operation makes the tight spot under your finger-looser. This lets the flexor tendon move freely. It’s normally a quick surgery that can improve your finger’s movement and end the pain.
Physical Therapy for Trigger Finger Recovery
After the surgery, your doctor might suggest physical therapy to speed up your healing. This therapy can boost your finger’s use and make the muscles and tendons around it stronger. It includes easy exercises, stretching, and hands-on therapy by a glass. Your therapist will make a plan just for you.
Dealing with trigger finger needs a mix of doctor’s help, learning about the problem, and self-care. By teaming up with your doctor and sticking to the treatment plan, you can handle trigger finger well. The goal is to get your hand working like normal again.
Stem Cell Therapy for Trigger Finger
Stem cell therapy is changing the way we treat trigger finger. It’s a method that doesn’t involve surgery or drugs. Instead, stem cells are injected into the finger needing help. They help reduce swelling and heal the tissue.
This therapy is a big deal for those dealing with hand pain and stiff fingers from trigger finger. It’s quick to recover from and skips the possible downsides of surgery. The treatment is specific to each person, tackling the mains of trigger finger for lasting relief.
The Spine Correction Center is breaking new ground in stem cell therapy for trigger finger. They use ethically sourced amniotic stem cells to get the best results. Adding rehab to the mix, they offer complete care to get fingers working as they should. Thanks to this innovative use of stem cells, people can do things daily without being held back by pain or stiffness.