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Millions of people in the United States have chronic pain in their hand, wrist, or thumb. Arthritis is actually the most common cause of disability in the country! If you are living with hand pain, you know how difficult basic daily tasks can get. Trigger finger and trigger thumb are common conditions that can cause discomfort and pain in the hands. They are technically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, and they affect the tendons that control the movement of the fingers and thumb. If you've ever felt a "locking" or "clicking" sensation when moving your fingers, you may be familiar with these conditions. What exactly is trigger finger, how is it caused, and what can you do to manage it? Here is a guide from PatientsLikeMe.
Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb
Trigger finger and trigger thumb are one and the same. They happen when the tendons that help bend your fingers or thumb become inflamed. Normally, these tendons move smoothly through a protective covering called a tendon sheath. When the sheath is inflamed or thickened, it makes it harder for the tendons to move smoothly. This causes the locking or catching sensation when you try to bend or straighten your finger or thumb. In severe cases, the finger may get stuck in a bent position. You might even have to use your other hand to straighten it back out. In the worst situations, the finger or thumb might not straighten at all without medical help. Trigger finger can affect any of the fingers, but the ring finger and thumb are most commonly involved. When the thumb is affected, the condition is specifically called trigger thumb.
Why Do Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb Happen?
There isn’t always a clear reason why someone gets trigger finger or trigger thumb. However, several risk factors can make it more likely:
- Age: Trigger finger is more common in people aged 40 to 60.
- Repetitive Hand Use: Jobs or hobbies that involve repeated gripping, such as farming, playing instruments, or using tools, can increase the risk.
- Medical Conditions: People with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions are more likely to develop trigger finger.
- Gender: Women are more commonly affected than men.
Common Symptoms
Trigger finger typically begins without any obvious injury. Common symptoms include:
- A tender lump at the base of the finger or thumb
- Pain or discomfort when bending or straightening the affected digit
- A clicking, popping, or locking sensation in the finger
- Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity, like when you wake up in the morning
These symptoms may get worse over time, especially if not treated. In severe cases, the finger or thumb may become locked in a bent position.
A Source of Chronic Pain
If untreated, trigger finger and trigger thumb can be a source of chronic pain. Constant inflammation in the tendon sheath can cause long-term damage and irritation. Every time you use your hand for gripping or fine motor tasks, you are likely putting pressure on the affected tendon. Over time, this constant irritation causes discomfort and can interfere with daily activities like writing, cooking, or even getting dressed. In some cases, people experience pain that lasts for months or even years if the condition isn’t properly treated.
How Is Trigger Finger Diagnosed?
If you notice symptoms of trigger finger, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider. They will usually be able to diagnose the condition by examining your hand and discussing your symptoms. You usually do not need to get X-rays and other imaging tests.
Managing Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb
Fortunately, trigger finger and trigger thumb can often be treated without surgery. It does depend on how severe the condition is, and how long you have had it for. Some common treatments include:
- Rest: Try to avoid activities that make the condition worse can help reduce inflammation.
- Splinting: Wearing a splint at night can keep the affected finger or thumb straight, helping reduce stiffness.
- Stretching Exercises: Gentle exercises can improve movement and reduce stiffness.
- Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, can relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Steroid Injections: In more severe cases, a cortisone injection directly into the tendon sheath can reduce inflammation. This is often effective but may not be as helpful for people with diabetes.
If these treatments don’t work, a doctor may recommend surgery to release the tendon so it can move more freely. Surgery is usually straightforward. The doctor will cut open the section of the tendon sheath that has narrowed so it can slide more easily.
The Power of Digital Therapy
Recently, digital therapy has emerged as a way to help manage chronic pain conditions, including trigger finger. Digital therapy is the use of mobile apps and virtual platforms that guide patients through treatment. They offer exercises, provide pain management strategies, and track progress. One of the benefits of digital therapy is that it allows patients to engage in physical therapy from the comfort of their homes. For trigger finger, these solutions can guide users through exercises designed to reduce stiffness and improve flexibility in the fingers and thumb. They offer:
- Convenience: Patients can follow exercises at their own pace, without needing to see a physical therapist in person.
- Personalization: Digital therapy apps often adapt exercises based on the user’s progress, and give personalized recommendations.
- Tracking: Many digital therapy platforms include progress tracking. This can help patients and doctors see how well the treatment is working.
- Education: Apps often include educational materials to help patients better understand their condition. They will also learn how to manage it effectively.
Companies like Kaia Health are at the forefront of developing these kinds of digital platforms. By focusing on mobility exercises and pain management strategies, they make it easier for people to manage conditions like trigger finger without having to rely on medications or regular doctor visits.
Trigger finger and trigger thumb can cause significant pain and interfere with everyday life. Thankfully, there are ways to manage the condition! These range from simple home remedies like rest and exercises to more advanced treatments like digital therapy and surgery. With the availability of digital tools, people suffering from trigger finger have more options than ever. Take steps today to get control of your symptoms and improve your quality of life! Be sure to create a free PatientsLikeMe account today for more information and support.