Putting a Stop to the Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Stenosing Tenosynovitis, better -known as Trigger Finger, is a affliction that has gained distinguished attention in the medical industry over the last several years.  Often classified as a disease, its relatedness to cumulative trauma and direct injury has been designated, revealing it as just another form of repetitive strain injury like carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow. 

The symptomology of Trigger Finger can alter in severity, but the recognizable sign of the finger catching is one that cannot be mistaken for anything else.  As the finger is flexed downward towards the palm of the hand, the finger can jerk down, locking into the palm of the hand.  As the finger is extended, often times with the aide of the opposing hand to extend the finger, it will return to its correct anatomical locale.  For many, the finger can be more painful as it jerks downward into the palm, and for others it is just the opposite, with more irrepressible pain as the tendon snaps back into the extended position.  Also, there are those that experience smoother motion as the finger is bent, but then it sticks into the palm, and then as it is extended, it snaps backward into a straight position.

The "jerking" of the affected finger is the result of the scar-tissue that has formed on the flexor tendon to become trapped within the tendon sheath as the finger is bent and straightened . Although Trigger Finger can present itself due to acute trauma such as falling onto an outstretched hand, causing micro-tears in the flexor tendon and the formation of scar-tissue on the distressed tendon, it is most often caused by continual overuse. Repetitive motion, plus frequency, duration and force have the same effect as the acute injury caused by blunt trauma, but it appears over a longer period of time.  The result is small micro-tears that create scar-tissue due to  ceaseless use of the afflicted finger, resulting in increased friction within the tendon sheath and thus causing additional swelling and the repeated cycle of irritation, inflammation, swelling and nodule growth.  
Although direct injury and overuse can cause Trigger Finger, there are also other ailments that increase the likelihood of developing this ailment.   Swelling caused by Arthritis may irritate the tendon and its sheath and the infection of a finger caused by a abrasion can cause irritation and scarring of not only the tendon by also the tendon sheath. 

Many times, physicians hold with rest and over-the-counter medications for addressing Trigger Finger, especially if the symptoms are more forgiving or if they are just coming-forth.  If symptoms  are more progressed, they may recommend a splint or a cortisone injection. If cortisone is utilized, the individual needs to be mighty cautious, as the injection may be exceedingly intense.  They also need to be aware that cortisone not only reduces pain and overall signs, it can cause aggressive degeneration of the tendon, resulting in more problems than what Trigger Finger itself revealed. Although countless physicians will attempt to have the individual come back for more injections, it is best to hold off from repeated use of cortisone.  Surgery is another option often chosen, but with minimal relief as the opening of the tendon sheath recurrently increases scarring in the area and more brash Trigger Finger symptoms. 

The best rehabilitative solution for this ailment is to execute conservative therapy while the cortisone is completing its job.  This allows for the individual to perform corrective stretches and exercises while the finger can glide through a normal range of motion without pain. The conservative outlook to treating Trigger Finger focuses on stretches and exercises that single out the muscles and tendons in the distressed area. 

The active Flextend/Restore stretches and exercises can help reduce the adhesion by breaking down the scar-tissue and reducing the size of the tendon, allowing it to slide freely through the pulley system without the locking and associated pain. For this reason, the carrying out of a conservative treatment program that implements the correct stretches and exercises is the most proper treatment available for stopping the crippling disorder known as Trigger Finger Syndrome.

Jeff P. Anliker, LMT, is an author, therapist and designer of products used by healthcare professionals around the world to prevent disabling symptoms of conditions like trigger finger syndrome.