Have you ever experienced finger stiffness while typing on a computer or when using gadgets? If so, you may have a condition trigger finger, which is a condition when the finger is locked (stiff) in a bent or stretched position.
Trigger finger It occurs when the protective sheath surrounding the finger tendons becomes inflamed. This inflammation causes the tendons to not move freely so that the fingers are stiff in one position.
Usually someone who experiences trigger finger You will feel pain at the base of your finger, especially when you bend or straighten your finger. Apart from pain, trigger finger will also cause other symptoms, such as a lump at the base of the finger, and a sound when the finger is bent or straightened.
Reason Trigger Finger
Although until now not known with certainty the cause of the emergence trigger fingerThere are several things that are thought to trigger this condition, namely:
- Doing activities that put a lot of pressure on the thumb or finger.
- Grip the object very firmly for a long time.
- Have had an injury to the palm of the hand or the base of the finger.
- Have certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and gout.
On the other hand, trigger finger It is also more common in women and people over the age of 45.
Treatment Trigger Finger
Treatment for trigger finger It varies greatly, depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Treatments that can be given include:
1. Rest
Rest your fingers from repetitive activities, such as holding your phone and typing. This is intended to relieve inflammation of the tendon sheath of the finger. Limit these activities for at least 3-4 weeks.
2. Cold compress
To reduce pain and lumps at the base of the finger due to trigger finger, you can apply cold compresses every day for 10-15 minutes. In addition, you can also soak the affected finger trigger finger into warm water to reduce stiffness.
3. Hand splint
This tool is used to protect the affected fingers trigger finger so it doesn't bend while you're sleeping. Not only that, the use of hand splint aims to rest the inflamed tendon sheath so that it quickly returns to normal. Use hand splint This is usually done for 6 weeks.
4. Pain relievers and inflammation
Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can be short-term solutions to help relieve pain and inflammation in your fingers.
5. Injectable steroid drugs
Injecting steroid medication into the tendon sheath can also be a way to treat it trigger finger. Usually, two injections are needed to reduce inflammation in the tendon sheath of the finger.
6. Operation
If the methods above are not effective to overcome trigger finger, the doctor may suggest surgery. There are two types of surgery that can be performed, namely open surgery and percutaneous surgery.
Open surgery is performed by making a small incision at the base of the finger and cutting open the inflamed portion of the tendon sheath. Meanwhile, percutaneous surgery is performed by inserting a needle into the tissue around the inflamed tendon and moving it to stop the narrowing.
So that you are not easily exposed trigger finger, You are advised to stretch your fingers before starting activities that use your hands and fingers, especially those that are repetitive.
Immediately visit an orthopedic doctor if self-care and treatment at home does not reduce complaints trigger finger what you experienced. The doctor will provide further treatment according to your condition.