Trigger finger is one of the most important disorders of the hand. It can manifest itself with conditions such as snagging, locking, pain and restriction of movement in the fingers. It may be more especially in the morning. While the sudden snagging can be released with a little force, this snagging may increase over time and the fingers may be stuck in a fixed manner. People with this condition can go to the Orthopedics and Traumatology departments of hospitals and receive treatment.
It is more common in middle-aged and older women than in men. This condition, which can also be seen in children, is mostly seen in the 1-2 age group, mostly in the thumb, although it is congenital. It can be manifested by a thumb snag, limitation of movement and swelling in the palm of the hand. This condition can affect a single finger on the hand or all fingers. It can also affect the fingers on both hands.
If older people experience this condition, they should keep their hands away from strenuous movements. Snagging problems can be treated by applying creams and massage techniques to the palm of the hand, sometimes with cortisone injections and injections recommended by the specialist. If the snagging problem is experienced too much and persists for a long time, it may be accompanied by nerve compression in the hand called carpal tunnel. This condition can be treated with surgical intervention. Surgical intervention is recommended when this problem seen in children does not improve with massage and cream treatment. Common trigger finger symptoms are as follows:
- Stiff fingers in the morning
- Involuntary throwing problem and 'click' sound during movement of the fingers
- Palm swelling and tenderness in the affected finger or fingers
- Sticking, bending, difficulty in moving and locking of the finger or fingers
What Causes Trigger Finger?
Tendons are the ligaments that connect muscles and bones and enable movements to be made. This condition can occur if the tendons are damaged and inflamed. The occurrence of this condition causes snagging, pinching and swelling in the fingers. It can often be caused by repetitive movements or constant strain on the fingers. Failure of the tendons to fulfill their functions can cause trigger finger disease.
Who is more likely to have trigger finger?
This condition, which occurs mostly in older people, is more common in women than in men. The ailments, diseases and people with this condition, which can occur for many different reasons, are as follows:
- Farmers
- People working in industry
- Musicians
- Occupational groups that constantly repeat finger movements
- Diabetes
- Gout
- Rheumatoid arthritis
How is Trigger Finger Disease Diagnosed?
There is no imaging technique or application for the diagnosis of this disease. The diagnosis is determined by the questions asked to the patient by the doctor, the patient's history, the symptoms that occur in the patient and physical examination. The doctor can diagnose the disease if he/she detects snagging and nodules on the finger during the examination.
How is Trigger Finger Treated?
Treatment is divided into two as surgical and physical. The main goal of both treatments is to remove the swelling and restore the movement characteristics of the fingers. Generally, the first preferred treatment method is non-surgical methods. These include massage techniques, creams and some cortisone injections and injections. Surgical intervention is not required for disorders that improve with the application of these methods. However, if the methods do not provide any benefit, surgical intervention is recommended for long-standing and persistent disorders, problems such as contraction and snagging in the thumb, as it is difficult to rest the thumb and its use is very high.