Kauai Physical Therapy in Sandpoint & Ponderay, Idaho

Fast Pain Relief and Wellness Services in Sandpoint & Ponderay Idaho. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Massage Therapy

Fast Pain Relief and Wellness Services in Sandpoint Idaho

North Idaho Medical Village || Ponderay, Idaho
PHONE: (208) 205-9559 || FAX: (808)431-4244
  • Solutions
    • Physical Therapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Speech Therapy
    • Massage Therapy
    • Dry Needling
    • Stretch Therapy
    • Kinesio-Taping
    • Arthritis Relief Program
    • Functional Movement Screen
    • 830Laser
    • Red Light Therapy
    • Whole Body Vibration Therapy
    • BioQPulse/ Acupuncture without Needles
    • Yoga Therapy
  • Ailments We Treat
  • Insurance/Prices
  • Location
  • Staff
  • Blogs
    • Navigating winter safely
    • External Obliques – Muscle Spotlight
  • New Patient Orientation Video
  • Success Story
  • Contact Us
  • Request an Appointment
  • Coupons
  • New Patient Forms
  • Patient Portal
  • Covid-19 Updates

5 Tips for “Trigger Finger”

December 10, 2015 By Mindy Murray

What is Trigger Finger?

trigger fingerWe all have tendons in our hands that allow us to actively bend or straighten our fingers.  The tendons that allow us to bend our fingers are located on the palm side of our hands.  These tendons pass through several tunnels or “sheaths” that help keep the tendons in one place.  Trigger finger can be caused by one of two ways: one, the tendon sheath becomes thickened (from a traumatic event) or, two, part of the tendon can become swollen creating a little thickened lump called a “nodule” (from manual labor).  If either of these occurs, the tendon cannot glide back and forth smoothly, thus causing the finger to become “stuck”.

How do you know if you have Trigger finger?

One of the main signs of trigger finger typically includes “clicking”, “catching”, “popping”, or “locking” of the finger when trying to bend it, causing it to “get stuck”.  People that have severe trigger finger are unable to actively straighten their finger and require use of their other hand to straighten it.trigger-finger
Additional symptoms include:
•        pain and/or tenderness in the palm of the hand at the base of the affected finger
•        a tender little lump (“nodule”) at the base of the affected finger
•        stiffness into the affected finger
Who is more likely to get trigger finger?
You have a higher chance of getting trigger finger if:
•        You are a woman
•        You are between the ages of 40 and 60
•        Have diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and/or tuberculosis
•        Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Dupuytren’s contracture, and/or DeQuervain’s Tendonitis
Causes of trigger finger
The cause of trigger finger is unknown; however, it is theorized that it may be related to:
•        Extensive gripping (e.g. opening jars or containers, using tools)
•        Performing repetitive actions/activities that strain your hands (e.g. use of hand tools, musical instruments)
•        Trauma

5 Tips to Help with Trigger Finger:

1.        Anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Diclofenac (do not combine medications – stick to one or the other and follow dosage recommendations)

trigger finger22.        Ice at the base of the finger (at the little lump in the palm of the hand) to help reduce the swelling.  *Do not apply ice directly on your skin put place in a Ziploc bag and wrap in a paper towel.

3.        Purchase an off-the-shelf finger splint to prevent your finger from bending all the way, allowing the tendon sheath time to heal.  [Avoid bending your finger and having it “get stuck”]

trigger finger34.        Take a prolonged break for 4 to 6 weeks from activities that cause a lot of strain on the hand and fingers.

5.        Periodically massage the finger where the nodule is located. This will help ease the pain. Make sure to massage sideways at the site of the lump at the base of your affected finger as this will aide in tissue repair.  Massage gently.trigger finger4

If these home remedies don’t help resolve your symptoms/pain, additional treatments we can provide at Kauai Therapy & Wellness include:

•        830 Laser to decrease pain and assist in healing tendons and the surrounding tissue
•        Transverse friction massage
•        Custom-made finger splint specially made to fit your finger
•        Strengthening, of the intrinsic muscles of your hand, begins once your condition has improved and pain has decreased

How can Kauai Therapy & Wellness help?

The therapists at Kauai Therapy & Wellness are experts in treating hand therapy disorders and have skills, knowledge, education and equipment to treat hand disorders.

Call today to set up an appointment and start feeling your best! In Most Cases an MD Referral is NOT required. Most insurance plans accepted.

Kauai Therapy & Wellness: (808) 333-3688

If none of these treatments prove effective, your physician may choose to inject a corticosteroid (an anti-inflammatory medication) directly into the tendon sheath.
If you find that these treatments are not working and the trigger finger is negatively impacting your function or your finger is stuck in the bent position, you can decide if you want to proceed with surgery.

 


Facebooktwitterlinkedintumblrmail

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Career OpportunitiesWant a job? We're hiring! Apply Now!

Follow Us

Facebooktwitteryoutubeinstagram

Sidebar-graphic55WEB

Organic Pain Relief

  • Success Story
  • Contact Us
  • Request an Appointment
  • Coupons
  • New Patient Forms
  • Patient Portal
  • Covid-19 Updates

Success Story

View more testimonials.

Schedule Appointment

My Blogs

Transverse abdominis – muscle spotlight

February 23, 2021 By Mindy Murray

The transverse abdominis is one of the core muscles that make up the … More

External Obliques – Muscle Spotlight

January 28, 2021 By Mindy Murray

The core is made up of several muscles that help stabilize the core and perform … More

back-pain

Apply Here

Career OpportunitiesWant a job? We're hiring! Apply Now!

Pediatric Therapy Services

Our pediatric physical therapists evaluate and provide treatment for children who have problems with … More

Coupons

Learn More at Kit-Therapy.com/Stretch   Need a gift for your Valentine? This one gives … More

Balance & Dizziness Solutions

Vertigo – Dizziness Vertigo is a condition in which you feel off-balance and dizzy, as if you … More

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is it: The Carpel Tunnel is the passage in the wrist created by bones on three sides and … More

Stop Back Pain - Free Report!

ACL Prevention Program

Not only do we treat ACL injuries but we offer a special program on how to prevent ACL injuries from … More

Movement Disorders (Parkinson’s, Cerebellar atrophy, etc.)

What is it? Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes a gradual loss of muscle control. … More

How to Prepare

1) What To Wear You’ll need to expose the body part that is effected (knee, shoulder, back, etc.) Loose fitting apparel such as sweats and t-shirt are ideal, otherwise you may have to use a gown. 2) What To Expect  Be prepared to undergo a … More

Sharing

Facebooktwitterlinkedintumblrmail

Staff Only
Scheduler Login
IndeHUB
Quick Screen

Copyright © 2021 Kauai Therapy & Wellness - Powered by IndeFree - Physical and Occupational Therapy Clinics