Trigger Finger – What is it? How a Certified Hand Therapist can help!
Trigger finger is a condition in which one or more fingers click or pop when bending and straightening or remain in a bent position due to inflammation or thickening of tendons that flex fingers. The condition is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. Symptoms include finger stiffness, especially in the morning, a popping or clicking sensation when moving the fingers, tenderness, pain, or a thickened bump in the palm, at the base of the affected finger, and locking of the finger in a bent position, sometimes requiring use of your other hand to straighten again.
A certified hand therapist (CHT) can help diagnose, treat, and provide home management options for trigger finger reducing the potential need for medication management, injections, or surgery. We can custom fabricate an orthosis (splint) that does not allow your finger to move into a full fist position, preventing it from “triggering” and ultimately allowing for conservative healing. There are multiple orthosis (splint) options available and a certified hand therapist can help identify the best option for your individual needs. If needed, a hand therapist can also recommend follow up with a physician or surgeon who specializes in treating trigger finger, a provide a list of local specialists.
Exercises for Trigger Finger
There are several exercises that can help relieve the symptoms of trigger finger. For example:
- Fingertip bend: Hold the finger knuckle straight just below the top fingertip joint. Then bend the tip of the finger down toward the palm. Hold for a few seconds and then straighten the finger. Repeat 10 times.
- Tip and middle joint bend: Hold the finger just below the middle joint. Then bend the tip of the finger down into a hook or claw position. Hold for a few seconds and then straighten the finger. Repeat 10 times.
- Passive wrist and finger stretch: Hold your arm out in front of you with your palm facing away. Use your other hand to gently bend your hand and wrist back until you feel a stretch through the fingers, palm, or forearm. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 to 5 times.
- Massage: Massage your finger and palm to help regain its range of motion and decrease swelling.
Remember to always talk to your provider or th