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Trigger
Finger is often categorized as a repetitive strain
condition that results when a nodule or adhesion
that has formed on the tendon of single or multiple
fingers becomes stuck within the pulley system (Tendon
sheath) of the affected finger. This condition
may also be a result of an acute injury such as falling
onto an outstretched hand, causing microtears in
the tendon and the formation of scar tissue to develop
on the affected tendon.
Trigger Finger is often painless and annoying, but
in more severe cases, the condition can be quite
painful and downright debilitating, impeding the
ability to participate in simple everyday tasks.
Many individuals deal with the condition for years
before addressing it, causing long-term damage to
the tendon(s) and preventing themselves from enjoying
both work and recreational activities. This
type of condition needs to be addressed at onset
to achieve a more successful outcome, no matter what
the treatment is. Although surgery is one of
the most prevalent procedures performed, it is important
to understand the full range of interventions that
are available to treat Trigger Finger.
In general, rest and over-the-counter medications
are the most common recommendations for treating
the condition. If symptoms are very mild or
if they are just emerging, these are likely to be
the strategies that a doctor would recommend. Alternatively,
they may recommend a splint or a cortisone injection. These
types of treatment for Trigger Finger, although more
invasive, also tend to have mixed results. If the
patient opts for a cortisone injection, they need
to be prepared to come back for more as cortisone
is designed to treat acute pain and it is not meant
to be a long lasting cure. It must also be
noted that long term use of cortisone results in
degeneration of the tendon and can cause serious,
irreversible damage.
For these reasons, many people consider surgery
for Trigger Finger. Surgery is designed to
broaden the joint tunnel so that the tendon can move
through without getting stuck. It may relieve
stiffness and it may help to restore fingers that
are permanently locked into a bent position. However,
pain and swelling from the surgical procedure can
persist for some time and recovery to pre-injury
levels of strength and dexterity can take years. It
is often reported that many patients experience more
problems after surgery than prior to surgery. The
reason for this is because the procedure does not
address the actual adhesions on the tendon, but instead
makes room so that the adhesions can move through
the pulley system. Cutting into any areas cause formation
of more scar tissue, a problem that already exists
with many Trigger Finger cases.
The best alternative approach to treating Trigger
Finger is to rely on exercises and stretches that
target the muscles and tendons in the affected area. The
exercises performed by rehabilitation devices like
Flextend, Restore, Cats Paw and others can help to
restore balance and integrity to the affected tendon
by eliminating the nodule or adhesion altogether. This
is done through active stretches and exercises that
break down the scar tissue on the tendon and that
also help thin the tendon, allowing it to move freely
through the pulley system / tendon sheath.
It is very important to utilize conservative therapy
approaches prior to performing invasive methods of
treatment.
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