Trigger finger, also called stenosing tenosynovitis, is a disease that forces a finger of the hand to remain in a bent position and makes it very difficult to extend it. The origin of this disorder is to be found in the tendons of the finger which swell and prevent movement, together with their sheath. For this reason the finger remains "locked" in the bent position. When straightening up, you may hear a snap, similar to that of a trigger being released. If the problem worsens, the last joint of the finger remains irreversibly bent. This article will help you figure out whether or not you have trigger finger.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing Early Symptoms
Step 1. Look for pain in the base of the finger or in the palm of the hand
The most common indication of this condition is pain located at the base of the finger or on the palm of the hand, which occurs when you try to stretch the finger. This is caused by the swollen and inflamed tendon no longer able to slide freely within its sheath when you flex or extend your finger.
- If the inflamed tendon breaks free of the sheath, you may feel that the finger is dislocated.
- Generally the most affected is the dominant hand and especially the thumb, middle and ring fingers. Also know that the disease can also affect more than one finger at a time.
Step 2. Make a note of a "snapping" feeling
When you move or stretch out your affected finger, you may hear a "pop" or snap (similar to what you can make when cracking your knuckles). This phenomenon is caused by the inflamed tendon being pulled through its sheath that has become too tight. The noise is audible both when you bend your finger and when you stretch it out.
Step 3. Observe the stiffness
Usually this symptom is worse in the morning. The reason for this is not clear, but it is suspected that it is related to a lack of cortisol during the night, a hormone capable of controlling the substances that cause inflammation.
The stiffness typically becomes less severe as you use your finger throughout the day
Step 4. Look for swelling or a bump
You may notice a bump or swelling at the base of the affected finger or on the palm. This is due to edema of the tendon that has curled into a hard knot. The lump may move when you flex your finger, as the tendon also slides during the movement.
Part 2 of 4: Recognizing Late Symptoms
Step 1. See if your finger is stuck in the bent position
As the inflammation worsens, your finger loses its ability to fully stretch and you will eventually find yourself forced to straighten it using your other hand. In severe cases the finger does not extend even with assistance.
Sometimes he may stretch out suddenly and abruptly, without having done anything to make it happen
Step 2. Assess for soft areas at the base of the affected finger
You may notice a soft, painful lump, actually it is a lump caused by the tendon lining. It is usually found on the palm, at the base of the finger affected by stenosing tenosynovitis.
Step 3. If the joint is hot and inflamed, see your doctor right away
These are signs of infection, a complication that you must not overlook and which you must not wait for the evolution of. In most cases, trigger finger resolves on its own with adequate rest and is not a cause for serious concern. However, infections are dangerous, even fatal, if they are not treated quickly and correctly.
Dupuytren's disease is another disorder that is often confused with trigger finger, although it is a different condition. In this case the connective tissue thickens and shortens. That said, be aware that it could occur in conjunction with stenosing tenosynovitis
Step 4. Remember that trigger finger can be a symptom of osteomyelitis
If the problem is caused by an infection of the synovial membrane (the lubricated membrane that covers the joint), know that it can spread and cause osteomyelitis. It is a bone infection that has symptoms such as pain, fever, chills, and swelling.
- This is one of the main reasons you should see your doctor, even if you experience mild joint pain. Although most snap toes resolve on their own, it's better to be safe than sorry.
- If you have recently undergone surgery, suffer from alcoholism, sickle cell anemia, are on cortisone therapy or have rheumatoid arthritis, then you should see your doctor immediately, as these are all factors that put you at risk of osteomyelitis.
Part 3 of 4: Understanding the Risk Factors
Step 1. Evaluate how many times you perform repetitive movements with your finger
People who work or have a hobby that requires them to move their fingers repetitively (such as using machinery, power tools, playing musical instruments), are at greater risk of stenosing tenosynovitis.
If you have to constantly hold on to objects for a long time, then you can cause micro-trauma to your fingers, which in turn can trigger the pathology. Farmers, musicians and even smokers (think of the movement required to operate the lighter) are categories at risk
Step 2. Assess your age
If you are between 40 and 60 years old, you are more likely to suffer from trigger finger, perhaps because you have already spent a good part of your life using your hands and have had more opportunities to "damage" them than young people.
Step 3. Find out if you have diabetes
Diabetic individuals run a high risk for this disease. In fact, high glucose levels, typical of diabetes, can change the balance of proteins within the body. As a result, collagen (the connective tissue of the body) becomes more rigid and in turn makes the tendons in the fingers less flexible. The odds of suffering from trigger finger increase with the number of years you have diabetes. If you are diabetic and develop stenosing tenosynovitis, be aware that this is a sign of possible other metabolic complications.
Step 4. Recognize diseases that can increase the risk of trigger finger
Consider other conditions such as gout, amyloidosis, thyroid disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren's disease, and De Quervain's syndrome. All of these increase the chances of developing stenosing tenosynovitis. If you suffer from one or more of these disorders, carefully monitor any symptoms of an impending trigger finger.
A recent study also showed that most patients with rheumatoid arthritis have swollen tendons and are at a high risk of trigger finger
Step 5. Women are more prone to this condition than men
Although the reason is unclear, they have a tendency to suffer from trigger finger more.
Part 4 of 4: Getting a Diagnosis
Step 1. Go to the doctor
A simple medical history and physical examination of the affected finger are often sufficient to diagnose the condition. The doctor will look for swelling or bumps that are near the affected area.
It will also check for the classic snap of the joint and try to understand if the phalanx is blocked. Both are typical signs of stenosing tenosynovitis
Step 2. Try to be precise and detailed during the visit
Since trigger finger has numerous causes that are often unclear or questionable, it is important to state all the facts correctly and comprehensively about your medical and family history. Every little detail, insignificant as it may seem to you, could prove to be important for diagnosis and treatment.
It is also important to limit yourself to hard facts, so that the doctor can develop an appropriate treatment. Healthcare professionals generally encourage the patient to answer questions in as much detail as possible and not hesitate to ask questions about possible treatments
Step 3. Know that x-rays or other complicated laboratory tests are not required to arrive at the formal diagnosis of trigger finger
These tests are only necessary for patients who have had inflammatory diseases or suffered trauma. In most cases, the doctor relies on the symptoms, which is why you need to be accurate and honest during the visit.
Advice
- The signs and symptoms of trigger finger can be mild or severe, depending on how far the disease has progressed. If you can recognize the early and late signs of the disorder and get a timely diagnosis, treatment is sure to be effective.
- If the affected finger is the thumb, it is sometimes referred to as "snap thumb".
- If you have been diagnosed with this problem, read this article to learn about the different treatments.
