People most often hear the two-word phrase “trigger finger” in action movies and urban music, namely in the context of it being itchy. In reality, it’s a casual term used to describe a medical condition called stenosing tenosynovitis. Stenosing tenosynovitis is evident when a finger (usually the index finger) or thumb gets stuck in a bent position and then pops straight, like a trigger being pulled and released. It is generally caused by inflammation and swelling of the tendons that bend the finger, leading the tendons to catch as they slide through a tunnel known as the tendon sheath. While not a critical problem for most, trigger finger can range from a minor inconvenience to a more impactful condition that significantly impacts daily life. Further, it can be problematic when one requires fast reaction time and hand-mobility when operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery. Whatever the case may be, you recognize that you may be experiencing stenosing tenosynovitis and are seeking insight into physiotherapy for trigger finger. Below is a brief summary everything you need to know.
Why You May Have Trigger Finger and Why Our Physiotherapy Clinic is Where to Come to Correct the Issue
Causes of Trigger Finger
Removing underlying medical conditions from the equation, we can identify the more common causes of trigger finger:
- Repetitive use: If work of regular participation in sport involve repetitive gripping or grasping, the motions can put stress on the tendons in the fingers and cause trigger finger.
- Acute injury: Trigger finger may be the result of an injury to the finger or hand, where damage to the tendons that are responsible for bending the finger.
- Hormonal changes: Trigger finger is known to manifest in women during pregnancy and menopause.
- Aging: Trigger finger is most commonly reported in individuals aged between 40 and 60.
- Inflammation: As addressed in the introduction, inflammation of specified tendons can cause them to thicken and become trapped within the tendon sheath and result in trigger finger.
How Physiotherapy Helps Treat and Prevent Trigger Finger
Our Burnaby BC (serving Greater Vancouver) clinic clients benefit from a number of treatments that can be employed to correct trigger finger and prevent it from reoccurring. These treatments include the following:
- Manual therapy: This involves physical treatments that includes kneading and manipulation of hand and finger muscles, joints,. and tendons.
- Exercise therapy: This includes tendon gliding exercises, range of motion exercises, and strengthening exercises.
- Splinting: For periods of prolonged inflammation, a physiotherapist may apply a finger/hand splint help to keep the affected finger in a neutral position, allowing the tendon to rest and heal.
- Ultrasound therapy: A physiotherapist may employ sound waves to stimulate blood circulation and promote healing, reducing inflammation in the impacted finger tendons.
- Ergonomic adjustments: A physiotherapist may refocus, redesign and rearrange certain hand-motion tasks (those done at work and/or in sport) to minimize strain and discomfort in the fingers, hands, and wrists that may cause or contribute to the development of trigger finger.
Correct Chronic Finger Trigger Today!
(Burnaby and Vancouver residents)