Trigger Finger Treatment - #3 WILL SHOCK YOU!

Because you use your hands more than any other part of your body, you can see how hand, finger, and thumb injuries can negatively interfere with your life. Daily tasks become difficult and cause pain. In understanding this, we respect that a trigger finger injury can be just as serious as any other fracture or injury you experience. If you are struggling with day-to-day tasks due to a trigger finger complaint, this guide will help you understand your condition and provide steps to ensure your recovery is as smooth and fast as possible. 

WHAT IS TRIGGER FINGER?

Trigger finger, or trigger thumb, is a common and very painful condition that can affect one or more of the tendons that attach muscle to the bones of your fingers. What causes trigger finger? These tendons are covered by a sheath, which becomes inflamed, and, as a result, your finger or thumb may lock after they have been bent. If left untreated, the tendon sheaths may scar and thicken and may in turn impede your hand’s range of motion. 

This condition is most commonly seen in women between the ages of 40 to 60, and can be caused by many different circumstances. 

Those with diabetes have been shown to have an increased chance of developing trigger finger, as are those with rheumatoid arthritis. Trigger finger is oftentimes seen alongside Dupuytren’s Contracture and carpal tunnel syndrome; having all three at once, can be called the ‘triad’ of syndromes. Jobs that involve repeated and prolonged gripping such as musicians, industrial workers, and farmers also have been linked to an increased chance of trigger finger. Trigger thumb is also expected to increase due to the increased use of the thumb on our mobile devices. 

SYMPTOMS OF TRIGGER FINGER

You should be aware that trigger finger symptoms vary from patient to patient and may progress over time in their level of severity. If you have any finger pain that is causing you concern, you should consult a medical professional, as the slow progression of this condition can make it difficult to self-diagnose. Below is a list of trigger finger symptoms you may experience:

• Finger or thumb stiffness – this is most common in the morning
• Warmth and swelling
• Tenderness or a lump/nodule where your palm and the base of your finger meets
• A painful clicking, popping, or locking sensation when you attempt to bend or move your fingers or thumb - can be followed by a sudden snapping open of the joint
• Inability to straighten the finger or thumb
• Limited hand mobility

Trigger finger can occur in any or all of your fingers and thumb, but is most commonly seen in your thumb (often called trigger thumb), your ring finger, and your middle finger. The condition is more commonly seen in the right hand – likely due to the greater number of right-handed people. It is possible to experience trigger finger with more than one finger and on more than one hand at the same time.

TIPS TO HEAL TRIGGER FINGER

Thankfully, you can treat the pain and discomfort your trigger finger has caused.  Rest, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, prescription drugs, self-massage, and hot and cold therapy can help to alleviate pain and promote recovery. Exercises, acupuncture, and physical therapy are slightly more aggressive steps you can take, and, finally, as a last resort, surgery can be performed. Thankfully, surgery is not necessary for approximately 85% of trigger finger cases because of the success of home treatments. 

Wearing a splint is a great way to begin your treatment plan; it can ease pain immediately and begin to assist your healing.  Most people recommend using a splint at night to avoid impeding your daily activities, but many braces can be worn comfortably all day and night. 

FIVE EFFECTIVE FINGER SPLINTS FOR TRIGGER FINGER 

Here we have sourced out five effective splints for trigger finger or thumb. They come from Arrow Splints, a reputable online store specially designed to bring you the best quality splints in the market today. There are many imitations out there, but none match Arrow Splints in comfort and design. 

1. A mallet finger splint  can be designed to fit your pinky finger, ring finger, middle finger, or index finger and is designed from high-grade neoprene.  The neoprene allows for maximum air flow to keep your hand and fingers dry throughout the day and night. It is a discreet version, offering extra support from the palm of the hand.  This reduces range of movement and is great for sport injuries, post-surgery sensitivity, and trigger finger popping and pain. It also comes with a comfortable finger sleeve.
2. This trigger finger splint can be designed to fit your pinky finger, ring finger, middle finger or index finger and, like all Arrow Splints, it’s made from high quality neoprene. This version is simple, yet very effective in reducing range of finger movement and finger pain.  It is one-size-fits-all for adolescent children, women, and men. 
3. A trigger finger extension splint is a great option when you need to immobilize your finger during rehabilitation. It does not limit your everyday tasks, but its wrist support is designed to freeze any range of motion that you might have at the base of your finger. This is great post-surgery or when the pain you experience is located at the base of your finger where your finger meets your palm. 

1. This thumb splint wrist brace completely limits the range of motion of your thumb, allowing for a speedy recovery of trigger thumb. You will find immediate pain relief when comforted and cushioned within the high-grade neoprene brace. With an additional thumb exerciser to add to recovery, what’s not to lose?
2. The trigger finger rehab kit is a value combination kit, providing you with the extension splint which is great for nighttime wear and the smaller finger brace which is more suitable for daily use on the go. You also receive a bonus compression sleeve to help you maintain that healthy active lifestyle.