If you find yourself waking up in the morning with stiffness in your fingers, as well as pain and tenderness, and difficulty in straightening one or more of your fingers, it may well be that you have trigger finger – also known as stenosing flexor tenosynovitis.
It’s thought that this condition is caused by inflammation of the tendon itself or the synovial sheath that protects it, the result of overuse of the palm of the hand. It can also potentially be a symptom of other conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
What you may find when you try to extend the affected finger (or fingers) is that they become locked in a bent position, pinging back into a straightened position rather than with a controlled motion. You may also hear an accompanying clicking sound. This is down to the tendon becoming stuck in the inflamed synovial sheath.
How can trigger finger be treated?
It’s important to seek medical advice as soon as you notice your symptoms so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and further guidance on what to do.
Severe cases may require surgery, but this is an extreme outcome and other solutions should be explored first, including physiotherapy.
Physio will help you improve your range of movement, mobility and strength with a tailored exercise programme to suit your specific concerns. You may be required to use a splint or tape to provide temporary support and help facilitate the healing process.
Soft tissue manipulation and massage will also likely be a feature of your treatment package, helping to identify and tackle any tight areas of muscle where tension has built up.
Here at Clear Physio, we will carry out an in-depth physical assessment to see what’s causing the problem and how it can best be addressed. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the team today.
