Suspect A

Finger Injury?

Trigger finger is an overuse condition that affects the tendon of the thumbs and finger. Day to day repetitive activities such as typing, doing housework and manual task can place a lot of stress to the tendon of the fingers.

It is a condition where there is an inflammation of the tendons of the thumb or fingers. It usually starts with swelling and stiffness of the fingers in the morning. After that, it may progress to clicking and locking of the thumb or fingers when they are actively straightened or bent. It may be associated with pain. The tendon develops a nodule at the area of inflammation, or the tendon’s lining thickens around it. This forms a “lump” that can be felt at the palm or fingers.

Trigger Finger Physiotherapy

Splinting
A splint may be prescribed for a period of time to allow the affected fingers or thumb to rest (Figure 2). It will help the swelling of the tendon to go down as well as prevent worsening of the symptoms. Your Occupational Therapist will educate you more on appropriate activity modification for your daily activities.

Activity modification
Activity modification can help to prevent or minimize symptoms at home and at work. Here are a few methods you can adopt in your daily activities.

  • Minimizing repetition: Avoid repetitive movements over extended periods of time.
  • Pacing your activities: Give your hands a break by resting in between tasks. You may do this by alternating between easy and hard tasks, switch hands or, if possible, to rotate work activities.
  • Watching your grip: Modify the handles of your utensils or tools to reduce the force of your grip.

Exercises
After using the splint, your occupational therapist or physiotherapist will advise you to start thumb or finger exercises and slowly return to daily activities. Symptoms should gradually disappear after 3 – 4 weeks. If your symptoms are severe or persist after trying non-surgical therapy, injection or surgery may be the most appropriate option.

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Does the condition described above match what you are experiencing? If not try viewing these other conditions

General Hand Pain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis Tennis Elbow

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