Trigger Finger and Thumb

Trigger finger is a condition where the involved finger will catch as it bends. When the finger is straightened, you will hear a pop or snap. The flexor tendon becomes thick and irritated as it slides through the tendon pulley, causing a thickened nodule and triggering of the tendon (Figure 1). The discrepancy between the diameter of the tendon and the size of the pulley opening causes the triggering (Figure 2). Symptoms The symptoms of trigger finger (flexor tendonitis) are pain that may be located in the palm at the base of the finger and tenderness at the A1 pulley. Trigger finger occurs more in women than men and it also occurs more in diabetics. Repetitive injuries, occupational use and people with rheumatoid arthritis are also more likely to develop trigger fingers. The locking can occur when the tendon is unable to pass through the sheath. As the tendon becomes inflamed, it gets caught. Treatment Conservative treatment will be initially used for trigger finger. The conservative treatment includes rest, splinting and injection into the sheath (not the tendon). Injections may be repeated if necessary. A surgical release of the A1 pulley will be considered if conservative treatment fails. When releasing the A1 pulley, the release should be done at the level of the MP joint (Figure 3). The A2 and A4 pulleys are important and should not be touched, excised or released (Figure 4). The A1 pulley is cut and the flexor tendon is released. Technique of I...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news