Charlie Kornberg's Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Home Page |
|||
A trigger finger occurs when the motion of the tendon that opens and closes the finger is limited, causing the finger to lock or catch as the finger is extended. Tendons that control the movements of the fingers and thumb slide through a snug tunnel of tissue created by a series of pulleys that keeps the tendon in place. The tendon can become irritated as it slips through the tunnel. As it becomes more and more irritated, the tendon may thicken, making its passage through the tunnel more difficult. The tissues that hold the tendon in place may thicken, causing the opening of the tunnel to become smaller. As a result, the tendon becomes momentarily stuck at the mouth of the tunnel as the finger is extended. A pop may be felt as the tendon slips past the tight area. This why pain and catching may be felt as the finger is moved. Nodule or thickening in the flexor tendon of the figure. The thickened nodule on the tendon strikes the tunnel, making it difficult to extend the finger. Symptoms of trigger finger usually start without any injury. Symptoms may include the presence of a small lump, pain in the palm, swelling, and a catching or popping sensation in the finger or thumb joints. Stiffness and catching tend to be worse after inactivity, such as when you wake in the morning. Often, finger movement will loosen up with activity. Sometimes, when the tendon breaks free, it may feel like the finger joint is dislocating. In severe cases, the finger cannot be straightened, even with help. Sometimes, one or more fingers are be involved. Patients with diabetes can have several fingers involved, for example. If symptoms are mild, resting the finger may be enough to resolve the problem. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used to relieve the pain. Splints are sometimes used to rest the finger.
|
|||
Brighton Spine Institute | 441 Bay Street Brighton, Victoria 3186 | AUSTRALIA | Tel. + 61 3 9596 7211 | Fax. + 61 3 9596 7871 |