When you are involved in activities that require you to use your hands, you naturally expect the fingers to fold and straighten. What would you do if your finger has inflammation or if it doesn’t move from its bent position? At what point do you seek medical intervention? Unfortunately, because trigger finger initially resolves itself, many people assume this is how it will always be. However, the condition may become worse over time, and surgery may be your only option.
This article written by Dr. Darryl Chew in asiaone.com gives insight on some of the dangers of taking too long before seeing a doctor when you have trigger finger.
Importance of Seeking Medical Attention Early
Three years ago, Mr Lim Ho Soon’s third finger on his right hand began to hurt and swell a little. It would also get stuck in a bent position and required a lot of effort to straighten. Finally, he saw a hand surgeon, who recommended surgery which fixed his condition.
But the experience did not help him recognise the issue when similar symptoms started appearing in his left hand about a year ago. The swelling, stiffness and pain that afflicted the second and fourth fingers on his left hand started out mildly. The swelling would ease after he rubbed and massaged the areas. Read more here
Since trigger finger starts affecting people in their 40s and 50s, many people assume these are age-related aches and pains. Some people with trigger finger believe it is a temporary setback, and because the finger snaps right back at the beginning, they don’t mind the inconvenience. Unfortunately, if left for too long, the only solution will be surgery. Sometimes, even after surgery, the finger may remain bent after the trigger problem is corrected.
In the following article on medlineplus.com, the author analyzes trigger finger and the steps you should take once you discover it.
Monitoring Trigger Finger after Surgery
Trigger finger occurs when a finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position, as if you were squeezing a trigger. Once it gets unstuck, the finger pops straight out, like a trigger being released. In severe cases, the finger cannot be straightened. Surgery is needed to correct it.
Tendons connect muscles to bones. When you tighten a muscle, it pulls on the tendon, and this causes the bone to move. The tendons that move your finger slide through a tendon sheath (tunnel) as you bend your finger. Read more here
If none of the treatments, including applying heat and ice, stretching the finger, and resting your fingers, work, you may need surgery. After the procedure, you need to look out for any signs of infections. If you notice any swelling, discomfort, fever, or redness, it is best to see your doctor for advice: https://sgbonedoctor.com/hand-wrist/trigger-finger/
In this article on wikipedia.org, the cause, diagnosis, and treatment of trigger finger are discussed in detail.
Conditions that May Lead to Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a disorder characterized by catching or locking of the involved finger. Pain may occur in the palm of the hand or knuckles. The name is due to the popping sound made by the affected finger when moved. Most commonly the ring finger or thumb is affected.
Risk factors include repeated injury, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and inflammatory disease. The underlying mechanism involves the tendon sheath being too narrow for the flexor tendon. This typically occurs at the level of the A1 pulley. Read more here
Conclusion
It is best to keep track of your health. This makes it easier for you to notice when you have trigger finger. However, it is critical to note that you can get trigger finger even when you don’t have diabetes, thyroid or inflammatory disease. If you are frequently involved in activities that strain the fingers, you are probably going to get trigger finger. Keeping track of the movement of your fingers will help you notice the changes your fingers go through.