Have you ever experienced stiff fingers while typing on a computer or when using a gadget? If so, it could be that you experience a trigger finger condition, which is a condition when the finger is locked (rigid) in a bent or stretched position.
Finger triggers occur when the protective sheath that surrounds the finger tendons becomes inflamed. This inflammation causes the tendons to not be able to move freely so that the fingers are stiff in one position.
Usually someone who has a trigger finger will feel pain in the base of his finger, especially when bending or straightening a finger. In addition to pain, the trigger finger will also cause other symptoms, such as a lump at the base of the finger, and sound when the finger is bent or straightened.
Causes of Finger Triggers
Although until now it has not been known exactly why the trigger finger appears, there are several things that are thought to trigger the condition, namely:
- Perform activities that make the thumb or finger under strong pressure.
- Hold objects very long for a long time.
- Have been injured in the palm or base of the finger.
- Have certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and gout.
In addition, trigger fingers are also more common in women and people over the age of 45 years.
Finger Trigger Treatment
Treatment for trigger fingers varies greatly, depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Treatment that can be given includes:
1. Rest
Rest your fingers from repetitive activities, such as holding a cellphone and typing. This is intended to relieve inflammation of the finger tendon sheath. Limit these activities for at least 3-4 weeks.
2. Cold compresses
To reduce pain and lumps at the base of the fingers due to trigger fingers, you can compress using cold water every day for 10-15 minutes. In addition, you can also soak the affected finger in warm water to reduce the stiffness.
3. Hand splint
This tool is used to keep the fingers that have trigger fingers from bending while you are sleeping. Not only that, the use of hand splint aims to rest the tendon sheath that is inflamed so that it quickly returns to normal. The use of hand splint is usually done for 6 weeks.
4. Pain relievers and inflammation
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can be a short-term solution to help ease pain and inflammation in your fingers.
5. Injectable steroid drugs
Injecting steroid drugs into the tendon sheath can also be a way to overcome the trigger finger. Usually two injections are needed to reduce inflammation in the tendon sheath.
6. Operation
If the above methods are not effective to overcome the trigger finger, the doctor may suggest surgery. There are two types of surgery that can be performed, namely open surgery and percutaneous surgery.
Open surgery is done by making a small incision at the base of the finger and openly cutting the veil of the inflamed tendon. Meanwhile, percutaneous surgery is done by inserting a needle into the tissue around the inflamed tendon and moving it to stop constriction.
So that you are not easily affected by trigger fingers, you are advised to stretch your fingers before starting activities that use a lot of hands and fingers, especially those that are repetitive.
Immediately visit an orthopedic doctor if the care 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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