TRIGGER FINGER-02

TRIGGER FINGER:

Treatment

Initial treatment for mild or infrequent symptoms of trigger finger include rest, avoiding or modifying those activities that caused the inflammation, and the use of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) 

Treatments depend on the severity of the symptoms. At-home treatments include:

• taking a break from repetitive activities for four to six weeks 
• wearing a brace or splint to restrict motion and rest the hand
• applying heat or ice to reduce swelling 
• placing the hand in warm water several times throughout a day to relax the tendons and muscle
• gently stretching the fingers to enhance range of motion. 

Medications may help relieve inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications include:

• ibuprofen 
• naproxen
• prescription strength anti-inflammatory
• steroid injections

If medications and at-home treatments don’t work, a doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery for trigger finger is done on an outpatient basis. After an anesthesia shot, a surgeon makes a small cut in the palm and then cuts the tightened tendon sheath. 
As the tendon sheath heals, the area is looser, helping the finger move more easily. Surgery risks include infection or ineffective surgery. 
Surgery recovery can take anywhere from several weeks to six months. A doctor may recommend physical therapy exercises to relieve post-surgery stiffness.

In severe cases that do not respond to injections and the finger or thumb remains in a locked position, surgery may be required to relieve the symptoms. A local anesthetic is used for the surgical procedure performed on an outpatient basis. An incision is made by a surgeon in the palm of the hand at the base of the affected finger or thumb to relieve the constriction of the tendon. Recovery may take up to four weeks.
Sometimes physical therapy of the hand is required after surgery to regain good use.







Alternative treatment:

Treatment should begin when a person starts having difficulty moving the fingers. If started early, non-invasive measures have a good chance for success. Alternative treatments include acupuncture to facilitate healing and microcirculation, pulsed ultrasound, and myofascial release work for the affected area

Prognosis:

At least half of cases can be cured non-surgically. The key to successful treatment is early intervention. A mistake people make is trying to work through the pain. Diabetics have a higher incidence of the condition and are sometimes left with a disability.

Prevention:

Taking frequent breaks from a repetitive activity will do much to prevent the condition. Depending on the intensity, that may mean a 10-minute break every hour from the repetitive activity. The break should be spent stretching the hands and arms and generally moving around.
dense of the condition and are sometimes left with a disability.