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INJURY TITLE
| Trigger finger/thumb |
INJURY OVERVIEW
| A common condition that effects the tendons responsible for bending your fingers and thumbs. Usually seen in the index and second fingers and the thumb. More common in older patients. |
INJURY IN-DEPTH INFORMATION
| The tendons responsible for bending you fingers and thumbs all travel in a protective sheath. If the tendon swells at all it can become difficult for it to pass through the sheath. A this it can feel like there is a resistance to the normal movement of the finger into a bent position. When this resistance is overcome the area of tendon will pass through the sheath giving a snapping like motion as the rest of the tendon moves.
This quickened motion is why it is called trigger finger. You may hear a click also as it passes through the sheath. |
COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
| Tender to touch over the tendon and area of resistance (not always though)
Difficulty bending fingers or thumb. Pain on finger movements Increased pain first thing in the morning or after using your hand a lot. |
HOW IS IT ASSESSED
| Clinical examination comparing active finger movements to passive.
Muscle strength testing (gripping) to rule out tendon problems themselves. Direct palpation over the painful site with movement of the fingers (could feel the click or increased pain). |
GENERAL TREATMENT
| Anti-inflammatory medicine
Ice and relative rest Injection therapy – corticosteroid to stop the swelling. |
| Exercise Videos: i.e.
Rotator cuff strengthening Pec stretch etc |
WHICH HEALTH PROFESSIONAL TO CONSULT
| PHYSIO | MEDIC | PODIATRY |