Have you ever experienced stiff fingers when typing on a computer or when using a gadget? If so, you may experience a trigger finger condition, which is a condition when the finger is locked (stiff) in a bent or stretched position.
Trigger finger occurs when the protective sheath around the finger tendon is inflamed. This inflammation causes the tendon to not move freely so that the fingers are stiff in one position.
Usually someone who experiences trigger finger will feel pain in the base of his finger, especially when bending or straightening fingers. In addition to pain, trigger finger will also cause other symptoms, such as lumps at the base of the finger, and sounds when the fingers are bent or straightened.
Causes of Finger Triggers
Although until now there is no certainty the cause of trigger finger, there are some things that are thought to trigger the condition, namely:
Doing activities that make your thumb or finger get strong pressure.
Hold the object very strong for a long time.
Have experienced an injury in the palm or base of the finger.
Have certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and gout.
In addition, trigger finger is also more common in women and people over the age of 45 years.
Finger Trigger Treatment
Treatment for trigger finger varies greatly depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Treatment that can be given include:
1. Take a break
Rest your fingers from repetitive activities, such as holding a cellphone and typing. This is intended to relieve inflammation in the finger tendon sheath. Limit these activities for at least 3-4 weeks.
2. Cold compress
To reduce pain and lumps at the base of the finger due to trigger finger, you can compress using cold water every day for 10-15 minutes. In addition, you can soak the trigger finger into warm water to reduce stiffness.
3. Hand splint
This tool is used to keep the fingers experiencing a trigger finger so that it does not bend when you are sleeping. Not only that, the use of a hand splint aims to rest the inflamed tendon sheath so that it quickly returns to normal. Use of this hand splint is usually done for 6 weeks.
4. Pain and inflammation relievers
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can be a short-term solution to help relieve pain and inflammation in your fingers.
5. Injectable steroid drugs
Injecting steroid drugs into tendon sheaths can also be a way to deal with trigger finger. Usually two injections are needed to reduce inflammation in the finger tendon sheath.
6. Operation
If the above methods are not effective in dealing with trigger finger, chances are the doctor will recommend surgery. There are two types of surgery that can be done, namely open surgery and percutaneous surgery.
Open surgery is done by making a small incision at the base of the finger and cutting openly the part of the inflamed tendon sheath. Meanwhile, percutaneous surgery is done by inserting a needle into the tissue around the inflamed tendon and moving it to stop the narrowing.
So that you are not easily exposed to trigger finger, you are advised to stretch fingers before starting activities that use a lot of hands and fingers, especially those that are repetitive.
Immediately visit an orthopedic doctor if treatment and treatment independently at home does not reduce complaints of trigger finger that you experience. The doctor will provide further treatment according to your condition.
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