How to treat trigger finger

Fact Checked

Trigger finger is the inflammation within a tendon of a finger that causes it to flex involuntarily. If the condition becomes severe, it can become stuck in a bent position and a snapping sound can be heard when the affected area is forced to be straight. Performing repetitive gripping puts one at risk to develop trigger finger as well as people with arthritis or diabetes.

Symptoms of trigger finger

• A popping or clicking sensation can be heard when moving the finger
• Stiffness of the finger usually in the morning.
• Tenderness or bump in the palm at the bottom of the affected finger.
• Finger locked in a bent position which causes difficulty in making it straight
• Finger catching or locking in bent position which suddenly straightens up
• Usually affects the thumb or the middle ring finger. It can also affect more fingers at a time and can affect the hands

  

Treatment

• Apply an ice pack on the affected finger for at least 10-15 minutes every hour to lessen the pain and swelling.
• Compress the ice pack against the affected finger/hand using a bandage or elastic support to lessen the inflammation. Avoid wrapping it too tight to prevent problems with circulation.
• Place the finger in an aluminum flexion finger splint. It uses a stiff aluminum frame to keep the finger in its proper place as it heals. Put the splint in the palm side of the finger with the foam against the skin. It should follow the shape of the finger. Curve the aluminum to make the finger slightly bent. Secure the splint using straps or medical tape. Leave the splint in the affected finger for at least 2 weeks to lessen the inflammation, pain and restore range of movement.
• Take plenty of rest and avoid performing strenuous physical activities that needs using the hand especially sports such as basketball, baseball and football. Avoid using the splinted finger in lifting heavy objects or supporting the body weight.
• Take the prescribed over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen to lessen the pain, inflammation and swelling.
• Soak the affected hand in a warm Epsom salt bath for at least 10-15 minutes before stretching to lessen the pain and tension in the affected tendon. In a tub filled with warm water, add a cup Epsom salt and mix well until totally dissolved and soak the affected area in the solution to relieve the pain and inflammation.

FACT CHECK

https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/trigger-finger#1

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/trigger-finger

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/symptoms-causes/syc-20365100