Arthritis Trigger Finger - What is it and What Can You Do About It?

Stenosing tenosynovitis is more ordinarily known as trigger finger arthritis. There is a misconception that the trigger finger is the pointer or index finger when it comes to this kind of arthritis. This is because the index finger is particularly used in pulling the trigger of a gun. But the truth is arthritis trigger finger can occur in any finger of the hand.

Finger Joint Swelling

What Is It?

Trigger finger is certainly a "snapping" or "popping" of a finger of the hand as it is concluded or opened. The snapping is the infer why it was called trigger finger in the first place. This health is more ordinarily found in the index, middle and ring fingers. And the snapping is facilely heard upon attempting to flex the fingers while manufacture a firm grip. There is a sudden stuttering of the digit as it closes then snaps close instead of the usual plane way.

Sometimes, the affected finger cannot anymore stretch back into position and there is a locking in that position so that the other hand will have to help it towards extension. Upon extension, another snap is heard. Pain accompanies the snapping, foremost the inpatient to the doctor.

The popping of the finger is the hallmark of trigger finger and is ordinarily worse in the morning upon getting up. But as the health worsens, the popping becomes more regular. In the worst scenario, the bump or swollen part of the tendon may lock in place so that it gets stuck there.

What Causes Trigger Finger?

So how do we get this condition? Actually, trigger finger is an inflammation of the tendon that pulls the finger to a concluded position upon flexion. It may also be caused by scarring in the same tendon. Most of the time, it comes in isolated cases. In this particular case, though, trigger finger comes with other symptoms within the hand that accompanies rheumatoid arthritis in the area.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an abnormal health that is caused by wear and tear or overuse. So prolonged use of the fingers can ultimately lead to micro-injuries that may later on swell and lead to trigger finger. Aside from this, rheumatoid arthritis has been found to be a hereditary health where it runs in families. Therefore, adding wear-and-tear may trigger it onset or exacerbate the already-present condition.

In 2005, it has been found that most of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis come with symptoms of swelling around the tendons of the palm, later on foremost to trigger finger. The onset of this health is gradual and is more ordinarily seen in women with the fourth finger being the most ordinarily involved. Studies also prove that trigger finger does not come from heavy use but with light constant use of the area.

How Can It Be Treated?

If we do get trigger finger, what can we do treat it? There are home remedies available for the medicine of this health and for most types of arthritis in general. Doing passive stretching of the hand and fingers toward extension is a good way to preclude the formation of adhesions in the area and to heighten blood circulation as well. Putting ice intermittently in the area for 15 minutes or more certainly lessens the swelling that goes with inflammation. The most foremost is performance modification where the movements that causes more symptoms should be avoided altogether.

But of policy in most instances, trigger finger cannot be treated by home remedies alone. Doctors prescription anti-inflammatory drugs that are very helpful for the medical of the part involved. Usually, drugs like ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen are given to patients. The fastest relief is the injection of a local cortisone around the affected tendon.

Splinting the area is also a solution to preclude usage of the tendons. This will preclude the worsening of the inflammation.

There are cases when even after 2 cortisone injections, there is no relief for the patient. This is when surgery is required to take off the scarred or inflamed tissues. Approximately half the whole of patients riposte to cortisone injection. Those who don't resort to surgery. Although with petite risk, there are cases that recur after the operation. But this is only done if the rest of the medicine therapy have been tried but were not successful.

If you feel that you are starting to show symptoms of arthritis trigger finger, do not panic. Consulting the doctor is still the best remedy. It is better to catch the health while it is still beginning. The later you go to a doctor, the more likely that you are going to feel surgery. So don't be scared, see your orthopedic doctor right away.