Trigger finger, as the name suggests, is a common condition that can affect a single or multiple fingers at once and can occur at different times and locations. The term “trigger finger” relates to the triggering or snapping sensation a person describes who’s been affected by the condition.
Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, this condition occurs when the tendon in the finger becomes irritated, inflamed, or scarred, which results in the thickening of the tendon. Trigger finger is normally identified when the affected person attempts to close their fist and grip an object or while opening the fist. The fingers are naturally meant to open and close smoothly, but with trigger finger, the movements are accompanied by pain and clicking sounds. The index finger and the thumb are the most frequently affected with the condition.
The fingers contain tendons that connect the muscles in the forearms to the bones in the finger, allowing the fingers to move. These tendons are surrounded by the tenosynovium, a fluid-filled sheath. The role of the tenosynovium is to release a lubricating fluid which in turn makes the movements of the tendons smooth within the tendon sheath as the fingers move. A swollen tendon due to trigger finger will have difficulty moving within the tendon sheath, causing the characteristic triggering or snapping of the fingers. In more severe cases, the fingers can get locked in a bent position.
The treatment for trigger finger symptoms can be as simple as getting plenty of rest, receiving massages, and following appropriate finger exercises according to the severity of the condition. In some occasions, the affected individuals may have to wear a finger splint in order for the finger joints to rest well and be able to return to its normal functioning. If other treatment options are unable to alleviate the condition, such as a severe case, surgery may be an option.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Post Disclaimer
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on this entire blog site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Masters in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, MSN-FNP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card
