Steemit Learning Challenge-S22W3; Trigger Finger

Getting a clear knowledge of the anatomy of the finger is crucial for us to understand the trigger finger. The finger is made up of three phalanges (bones), two joints as well as a tendon that serves as a connection between the muscle and bone.

A protective layer of tissues called the tendon stealth encloses the tendon, helping in the mitigation of friction between the surrounding bone and tendon as well as tissue.

Source

Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a medical condition that infects or harms the fingers and thumb and takes place as soon as there is irritation or inflammation in the tendon connecting the muscles to the finger bone, resulting in the lock of the finger or catch when folded.

Causes of trigger finger

There are various reasons why trigger fingers occur, they include:

Recurrent strain or excessive use

When there is repeated grasping, gripping, or bending of the finger which results in strains, it can lead to tendon irritation and inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis

People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are more susceptible to the development of trigger fingers as a result of their condition and inflammatory nature

Diabetes

As a result of the high danger of nerve inflammation and damage, diabetic patients are also more susceptible to the development of trigger fingers

Trauma

This is another common cause of trigger finger as a subitaneous lesion like twisting motion, sudden bending, or hit to the finger can result in trigger finger

Gout

This is a condition of intensely painful joint inflammation that rises due to a metabolic malfunction resulting in uric acid accumulation in the blood as well as urate deposition around the joints. This can lead to trigger finger

Inadequate posture or biomechanics

Anomalous pattern of movement or poor posture can exert strain on the tendons and fingers, resulting in trigger finger

Symptoms of trigger finger

There can be a varied symptom of trigger finger, however, the common ones include:

• Feelings of snapping or clicking sensation mostly when the finger is being bent or straightened
• Feeling of stiffness in the finger particularly in the morning
• The tendon becoming inflamed or swollen, leading to stiffness and pain
• Feeling of pain or tenderness in the finger particularly during straightening or bending
• Finger locking or catching when folded, resulting in difficulty in straightening

Stages of trigger finger

Based on the severity and progression of the condition, there can be variations in the stages of the trigger finger. The following are the well-known stages:

• Mild stage also referred to as pre-triggering

This stage is characterized by tenderness and pain as well as a tender stiffness in the finger. When the finger is moved, there aren't any feelings of snapping or clicking

• Moderate stage also known as early triggering

This stage is characterized by pain when the finger is bent, hearable or sensational feelings snapping or clicking when moving the finger, and mild locking of the finger when bent, though it may be gently straightened

• Severe stage also known as established triggering

In this stage, the pain in the finger is severe, particularly during bending or straightening, there is regular locking of the finger when bent which can be hard to straighten, and limited movement in the finger as a result of stiffness and pain

• Advanced stage also known as chronic triggering

This is the worst stage of trigger finger in which there is persistent pain in the finger, permanent bent or lock of the finger, and damage of nerves or numbness in the finger as a result of extended compression

Trigger finger diagnosis may involve or require various methods which include:

• Clinical Assessment

This will require us to gather information about medical history, symptoms, as well as previous conditions or injuries that can be aiding the trigger finger. Also, we will have to evaluate symptoms to ascertain severity, stiffness, duration of pain, location, and locking.

• Physical Examination

Here we will have to carry out visual inspection and palpation on the affected finger to check for signs of swelling, deformity, redness, or nodules. We will also check the range of motion of the affected finger to find out any restrictions or limitations and examine triggering by gently bending the affected.

• Special Tests

We can also employ special tests such as the Finkelstein test and trigger finger test to ascertain positivity to the trigger finger and to examine for locking or triggering.

• Imaging Studies

We may also have to call for X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to carry out a more detailed examination for signs of damage or inflammation on the tendon and surrounding tissues

• Finger Extensor Strengthening

https://youtube.com/shorts/_wvDTZA-JyQ?si=ucIoC_6XYJwOapPB

• Trigger Finger Stretch

https://youtube.com/shorts/vY2nAlqBFrg?si=ttzUA4cOh1AiF-X5

• Tendon Glides

https://youtube.com/shorts/S-3hx7t0kaw?si=IH5MuL1Y_L8FHMl4

Overall, I felt improved finger extension, reduced stiffness in the finger, and a significant reduction of pain in the hand and finger. Furthermore, there is also an improvement in my finger flexion and increased motion range.

There is also an obvious improvement in tendon mobility, lowered inflammation, as well as enhanced finger movement.

Thank you

Inviting @chima09, @chilaw, @soywilfredg