Stenosing tenosynovitis, or trigger finger, is a condition where one of your fingers gets locked in a bent position causing pain and stiffness. Your finger may bend or straighten with a snap, similar to a trigger being pulled and released. This condition is caused by the inflammation of tissues in the affected finger.
Trigger Finger Treatment
At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our specialised treatment aims to:
What is Trigger Finger?
The fingers can move freely due to a network of muscles, tendons and tissues interacting with each other to generate movement. The force at which this happens is made possible by “pulleys” on each finger. Trigger finger is caused by the inflammation of the A1 pulley, the one closest to the palm of the hand. This condition is multistage, with stages 1 and 2 being treatable with physical therapy, and stages 3 and 4 being treated with surgery.
What are the causes?
Trigger finger occurs when inflammation in the affected finger reduces the space in the sheath that surrounds the tendon. If the condition in the affected finger is severe, the finger will become locked in the bent position.
- Prolonged gripping: jobs and/or hobbies that involve repetitive hand use such as gaming or gardening
However, other issues can also cause Trigger Finger such as:
- Certain health problems, such as diabetes, can increase the likelihood of developing trigger finger
- Sex: trigger finger is 6 times more likely in women
It typically affects men and women between the ages of 50-70 with the average age being 58.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usual develop gradually over a long period of time.
- Stiffness and swelling usually in the morning
- Sporadic finger locking during use
- Tenderness or a bump on the palm of the impacted finger
- Finger locking while bent then popping straight
- Finger unable to be straightened, locked in a bent position
Treatment for Trigger Finger
If you suspect you have a trigger finger and/or related symptoms, it is important to see a physiotherapist or medical professional. Physical therapy is highly beneficial in improving strength and reducing pain. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:
- Soft tissue release
- Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
- Restoring the range of movement
- Shockwave therapy
- Taping
- A unique home exercise program
If the pain and reduced movement are severe, strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend you use supportive braces, splint or straps to minimise movement.
What can I do at home?
One of the best things you can do to aid your treatment of trigger finger is to stop doing any activities that aggravate the injury such as gardening, gaming or other activities that involve repetitive hand use, gripping or vibrating tools. Padded gloves can help.
How to book an appointment?
If you think that you may be suffering from Trigger Finger, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess and diagnose the condition. They will then tailor your treatment plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.
All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.
You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.
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