Hi, everyone! Let's talk about... trigger finger!
Have you ever noticed how certain activities we do every day, like typing on a computer or even carrying grocery bags, can take a toll on our hands? For many of us moms, these repetitive motions are just a part of life, but over time, they can lead to issues we might not even be aware of—until they start causing pain. One such issue is a condition called "trigger finger," which is more common than you might think, especially for women in their 50s and 60s.
I'm not even 50 yet but I felt it in my right pinky and ring fingers a few months ago. And that deeply upset me because I'm right-handed and the condition made daily life difficult (like I needed more reasons to have a hard time!). Writing, typing, cooking, and doing the laundry hurt!
Understanding what causes this condition and recognizing the symptoms early on can help you manage it more effectively. Women, particularly those juggling careers and household responsibilities, are at a higher risk of developing trigger finger. Activities like typing, gardening, or even repetitive chores around the house can contribute to this condition.
Many upper-limb repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) like ‘trigger finger’ are a major concern for office and factory workers. However, a
study of these injuries conducted in Singapore found that female patients aged 51 to 60 were an especially at-risk cohort, likely because they also did a significant amount of housework in addition to their professions. Another
study specifically covering trigger finger found that hobbies like gardening also factored in for Singaporeans.
Thankfully, finding a
hand specialist Singapore locals trust is not a problem, thanks to the country’s robust healthcare infrastructure. Regardless, even though they aren’t widely considered to be urgent conditions, trigger finger and other RSIs can be a serious impediment to life quality, particularly in the later years of one’s professional life.
What Is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is an RSI that affects the tendons in the fingers or thumb, usually but not always in the dominant hand. It’s characterized by inflamed tendons or tendon sheaths, which cause the affected digits to catch or lock in place when bent. Think of it as like Spider-man's hands when he's shooting webs. This condition doesn't look as cool, though, and can be more than just an annoyance; it can impact your ability to perform simple daily tasks, from holding a coffee cup to buttoning a shirt. This condition can be painful and may significantly reduce a patient’s precision when performing certain tasks, such as typing, using a computer mouse, or playing a musical instrument.
Symptoms of Trigger Finger
The symptoms of trigger finger can vary in severity—some patients may feel intense pain while others feel no pain at all. Moreover, symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly. Common symptoms include:
Finger Stiffness.
The thumb or fingers may feel stiff or unresponsive to conscious attempts to move it, resulting in a loss of precision when performing tasks demanding fine motor skills. This stiffness is often more prominent upon waking.
Clicking or Popping Sensation.
Bending or straightening the affected digit may cause a clicking or popping sensation that you could feel or hear. This happens because of the tendon catching or dragging on the inflamed sheath.
Tenderness or Lump at the Base of the Finger.
A small, tender lump may develop at the base of the affected digit, indicating a thickened tendon.
Pain When Bending or Straightening the Finger.
Patients with trigger finger may feel pain in the palm when trying to straighten the digit.
Finger Locking in Bent Position.
In more severe cases of trigger finger, the affected digit may lock in a bent position and require significant effort or even external assistance to straighten it. When the finger straightens, it may snap into place rather than move in a smooth motion. This is where the term “trigger finger” originates and it can be rather alarming for patients.
Causes of Trigger Finger
Like other RSIs, trigger finger is often caused by a repetitive strain, in this case on the tendons of the fingers and hands. Causes and risk factors of the condition include but are not limited to:
Repetitive Hand Movements.
Engaging in activities that require frequent gripping or fine movements can increase the risk of developing trigger finger. Unfortunately, this cause is prevalent and practically impossible to avoid for many working-age professionals.
Inflammatory Conditions.
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes that cause swelling of the tendons or some kind of impingement in the hand area can increase the likelihood of developing trigger finger.
Gender and Age.
Trigger finger is significantly more common in women than men and it is most commonly seen in professionals between the ages of 40 and 60.
Previous Hand Injuries.
Old injuries to the hand can lead to scarring or thickening of the tendon sheath or the tissues next to it. This may interfere with the normal functioning of the digit and increase the risk of developing trigger finger.
Congenital Conditions.
In extremely
rare cases, children may be born with a congenital form of trigger finger.
When to See a Hand Specialist
Fortunately, trigger finger can sometimes resolve on its own if you avoid activities that worsen the condition. However, there are situations when it is advisable to see a hand specialist:
Finger Locking or Sticking.
If your finger or thumb regularly locks or sticks in a bent position, you should see a hand specialist, even if no pain is involved. This invariably indicates an advanced stage of stenosing tenosynovitis
Symptoms Persist After Resting.
If your symptoms persist despite resting the affected hand for a few weeks, it’s time to consult a hand specialist.
Increasing Pain.
Seek professional help immediately if you experience chronic pain that continues to increase even with rest, splinting, or over-the-counter medication. This may indicate a need for corticosteroid injections or surgery.
Managing and Treating Trigger Finger
Fortunately, trigger finger is often manageable with rest and over-the-counter medications. Changing how you approach certain tasks and using ergonomic equipment can also help bring the condition under control.
However, the condition can still develop even in otherwise ideal conditions. If you notice persistent or worsening symptoms, seek advice from a hand specialist Singapore patients depend on. They should be able to recommend interventions that may restore functionality to your digits, allowing you to work and enjoy life unhindered by trigger finger.
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