Trigger finger. What may only be a minor irritation for some is a condition that can completely suspends other people’s careers or hobbies. Just what is trigger finger? Is surgery the only treatment option? Learn more about this common disorder and how Spine Correction Center can treat it with Stem Cell Therapy.
What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger, also referred to as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a painful condition that causes the fingers or thumb to catch or “lock” in a bent position. In most cases, trigger finger is more of an inconvenience than a serious condition. But if left untreated, the affected finger or thumb may become permanently stuck in a flexed or straight position, making it challenging to complete everyday tasks.
Trigger finger is often caused by inflammation of the flexor tendon sheath of the finger. Each of your fingers has flexor tendons that move through a tunnel between the joints. The tunnel, which contributes to the mechanical stability of the fingers, can become sore and inflamed after repetitive use. This causes swelling at the joint at the base of the finger (also known as the metacarpophalangeal joint or MP), and nodules can form on the flexor tendon. These nodules prevent the tendon from moving smoothly and cause the tendon to catch, lock, snap or pop at the MP joint.
What are the Symptoms of Trigger Finger?
Patients suffering from trigger finger often complain of pain when they flex their finger and describe an associated “snapping” that occurs with this action. The pain is most commonly felt in the palm and finger. In some cases, the finger actually locks in a flexed or straight position and can only be corrected by using the opposite hand to gently straighten or unstraighten the fingers. In severe cases, joint contractures can develop.
Trigger finger usually affects the thumb, middle or ring finger(s) of your dominant hand, but the condition isn’t limited to just those fingers or only one hand at a time. Finger stiffness and joint catching are more prevalent after inactivity, such as when waking in the morning. Your fingers will often loosen up as you move them.
What Causes Trigger Finger?
The causes of trigger finger are most commonly from highly repetitive movements of the finger and thumb. Musicians, industrial workers and farmers are commonly affected by trigger finger since their fingers and thumbs are relied upon for daily repetitive movements. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, gout and rheumatoid arthritis can also inflame the tissues in the hand and therefore result in trigger finger.
How is Trigger Finger Diagnosed and Treated?
Trigger finger is diagnosed with a physical exam of the hand and fingers. No x-rays or lab tests are used to diagnose trigger finger. One of the best ways to start treatment is to rest the affected finger(s). Consult with Spine Correction Center. We may decide to put a splint on the affected finger to help prohibit joint mobility and keep the joint in a neutral position. You can also take ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen to help manage the pain.
Trigger Finger and Stem Cell Therapy
At Spine Correction Center, we like to exhaust every natural, non-invasive, non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical treatment before we resort to other options. Thanks to recent strides in healthcare and science, alternative trigger finger treatments are now available that can alleviate your pain with Stem Cell Therapy. This simple, in-office injection procedure can keep you out of surgery while permanently reducing your pain. If chronic hand pain is limiting your daily routine or preventing you from activities you enjoy, Stem Cell Therapy may be the answer you’ve been looking for!
Spine Correction Center is one of the few clinics in the country to offer Amniotic Stem Cells for Stem Cell Therapy. We couple the treatment with rehabilitation (if needed) to correct the reason your joint “wore out” in the first place. Spine Correction Center is integrated with Medical Doctors, Nurse Practitioners and Chiropractic Physicians – dealing with chronic joint pain is what we do!
The Initial Visit
When you arrive for your first visit, a member of Spine Correction Center team will spend time with you collecting your patient history. This information helps the team know how significant your trigger finger is and how best to help you.
Feel free to read our patient reviews to see what others have said about Spine Correction Center. We’re proud to offer experienced medical care to our Northern Colorado patients and thank you for considering us to help with your trigger finger. Together, we can get you back to your normal activities pain free!
Call for a Free Trigger Finger Consultation
If you suffer from trigger finger, Spine Correction Center in Fort Collins is here for you. We can help you understand where your symptoms are coming from and what it will take to improve. Contact us online or call (970) 658-5115 to set up your free consultation today!
