Trigger finger

This new lifestyle of staying at home has it’s pro’s and con’s. I have saved some mileage on my car lease, and gas money has gone towards take-out food (support small businesses!). I have also been able to take many more continuing education courses online throughout the year, helping me understand different diagnoses and the new research that has come out since I’ve been in school; This week I wanted to talk about a lesser known diagnosis called Trigger Finger. 

It’s something that affects 2-3% of the general population, and most common in middle aged women. What happens is, there may be a stiffness, triggering, clicking or catching of the finger when extending a digit; limiting the use of your finger. It usually affects the dominant hand, ring and long fingers most commonly, and there’s an increased incidence with comorbidities like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. 

There are stages to Trigger Finger, so if not addressed with your doctor or Occupational Therapist, it can worsen. Early stages result in the clicking or catching of the finger, then patients may find it hard to open (extend) the finger as it progresses. The reason that your finger may be locking/clicking is because there is inflammation or a nodule preventing your finger from moving freely through the tendon sheath ( tunnel for your tendon to run through). 

An Occupational Therapist will treat those with this condition to improve their use of hand. We will evaluate your hand, strength, and how it affects your daily activities. After evaluation, we will build a plan of care to improve your condition with activity modifications, orthotic management and other techniques to treat your unique injury. Orthotic management is a large part of this treatment; research shows that it is 73-93% effective for Trigger Finger, with a wearing schedule for about 3-12 weeks depending on your severity. Your Occupational Therapist will work with you to provide the best orthosis for your lifestyle, and your budget. 

If you have any questions about Occupational Therapy services, and would like to speak to us; contact us here for more information.