Twelve exercises for trigger finger aimed at reducing discomfort and rigidity
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a common condition affecting the hands. This ailment typically causes discomfort at the point where a finger or thumb meets the palm, sensitivity to pressure, pain, a popping sensation, a catching feeling, and limited movement in the affected finger or thumb.
The flexor tendons, which connect the forearm muscles to the bones of the thumb and fingers, are involved in this condition. Inside the tendon sheath, which extends from the wrist to the digits, there are special "pulleys" that hold the tendons close to the thumb bone and finger bones. When either the tendon or its pulley becomes inflamed, the affected thumb or finger can lock in position, a characteristic symptom of trigger finger.
To alleviate the symptoms of trigger finger, doctors and physical therapists may recommend a variety of exercises. These exercises can help improve tendon flexibility and reduce inflammation. Here are some exercises you can try:
1. **Wrist and Finger Stretches**: Start with your fingers straight, then bend them down toward your palm. Hold for a few seconds and release. Repeat 10 times. Another stretch involves spreading your fingers apart as far as you can. Repeat this motion 10 times. Wrist extensions, where you hold your arm straight out in front of you with your palm down and gently pull your hand back, can also be beneficial.
2. **Manual Techniques**: Using a ball to apply pressure on the flexor tendons in your forearm can help. Place the ball on the middle of your forearm, add pressure by applying your other hand on top, extend your wrist and fingers up towards the ceiling, then slowly lower them back down. Repeat this motion several times.
3. **Soft Tissue Release**: Applying gentle pressure to the palmar surface of your hand can help release tension in the tendons. This can be done with your fingers or using a tool like a foam roller.
4. **Fist Exercises** (post-operative): Making different types of fists starting from a straight position and repeating each type 10 times can help improve finger mobility and reduce stiffness after surgery.
In addition to exercises, a doctor may recommend steroid injections to reduce swelling and inflammation in and around the affected tendon. If these measures do not work, surgery may be necessary to free up the tendon.
Prevention measures include avoiding repetitive grasping or gripping motions, avoiding the use of vibrating hand-held machinery, and avoiding any activity that worsens symptoms of trigger finger. The condition is more common among people with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes.
If the pain is severe or the symptoms do not go away following treatment, it is recommended to see a doctor. In some cases, trigger finger goes away on its own within a few weeks. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery called tenolysis, or trigger finger release. Recovery from surgery may involve temporary tenderness, discomfort, and swelling that may last up to 6 months. Following surgery, some people may require hand therapy to regain full use of their thumb and fingers.
- Science in the field of health-and-wellness suggests that predictive methods could help in determining the risk of developing conditions like diabetes, COPD, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and even trigger finger, requiring proper preventive measures and therapies-and-treatments.
- Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, including managing conditions like diabetes and maintaining the flexibility of the tendons affected by trigger finger.
- While fitness-and-exercise are crucial for mental health, activities that aggravate trigger finger symptoms should be avoided.
- When dealing with conditions like trigger finger, incorporating practices such as wrist and finger stretches, manual techniques, soft tissue release, and fist exercises into your personal fitness-and-exercise routine can help alleviate symptoms and improve flexibility.
- If the symptoms of trigger finger, such as pain, limited movement, and a popping sensation, do not improve with exercises or steroid injections, medical attention may be necessary to consider surgical options like tenolysis or trigger finger release.
- Post-operative care may involve physical therapy for the regaining of full use of the affected thumb and fingers, as well as managing potential side effects like tenderness, discomfort, and swelling.
- Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding repetitive grasping or gripping motions, can help prevent or reduce the severity of conditions like trigger finger, especially in individuals with underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.
