Trigger Finger (Flexor Tendinitis)

I’ve been suffering from FlexorTendinitis.  In layman’s word it is called Trigger Finger.  It started two years ago on my right hand thumb and it is recurring again lately.  This time it’s not only my thumb but my right hand’s fore and middle fingers as well.  My fingers bend and lock especially at night and are very painful to straighten in the morning.

Trigger finger is a type of tendinitis, develops in the tendons which bend the fingers. There are no muscles in the fingers themselves. Muscles in the forearm are connected to the finger bones by smooth, flexible strings, called tendons. The muscles pull on the tendons, which then bend the finger joints The flexor tendons are smooth, flexible, thick strings - they look a bit like clothesline rope. They work like a bicycle brake cable to bend your fingers, sliding in and out of the finger as it straightens and bends.

Cause: Tendon swelling (tendinitis) results from a person's own tendency to collect fluid around their tendons and joints. This may be aggravated by repetitive or strenuous activities.  When the tendons which bend the fingers (the flexor tendons) become irritated, they can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. Tendon swelling interferes with the normal movement of the tendons and can cause the finger to and click, catch ("triggering") or lock in position.


Symptoms of finger tendonitis and thumb tendinitis include:
  • Pain and tenderness along the flexor tendon, in proximity to the finger or thumb joints.
  • Pain is worse with movement or repetitive activity.
  • Pain at night.
  • Tenderness and swelling over the bit where the tendon inserts onto the finger or thumb bone.
  • Pain when you try to bend the finger or thumb against resistance.
At first, I thought I just got too tired, so I rested my hands, but after a week it is not getting any better but got worst.  I could hardly grip and it swelled aside from the pain.  So, I decided to see a doctor.  My husband accompanied me to Medical City, after a series of questions and answers while examining my hands, the doctor diagnosed it as Trigger Finger.

Prescription:  The doctor advised and prescribed me the following:
  • To ice the swollen area for five to fifteen minutes at a time on the area which is most swollen and tender until it feels numb.
  • Arcoxia (Etoricoxib) 120 mg for pain and anti inflammatory.
  • Fastum Gel - massaging a small amount on the affected area for 1-3 minutes, 2-3 times a day
  • If the Etoricoxib does not relieve the pain I have to get back for a steroid injection. Methylprednisolone 40mg/ml to be injected to the sore area, but the doctor informed me that no more than two shots are given into one finger because more may lead to complications, such as tendon rupture.
  • Just in case there is no progress after a week of injecting Methylprednisolone and taking etoricoxib medicines, he suggested to perform a surgery on it.  Oh my! I do not like to undergo a surgery, so I keep on praying and followed religiously all his advices.  Thank God! the swelling and pain got away.





The doctor advised me to avoid activities which involve a sustained grip. Hold off on the use of grip strengthening devices or exercises involving repetitive squeezing like washing clothes - these put stress on the irritated tendon.

Wear a splint to keep the finger straight, especially when sleeping.  The splint will limit finger bending.  It will help rehabilitate flexibility, strength and muscle imbalance, and control physical activities.

If you happen to be having the symptoms of a Trigger Finger, I strongly suggest that you seek for medical help at once, before it will get worst.  The medications and prescription given to me may not be suitable in all cases.  I just only showed you my personal experience on how I was able to recuperate from a finger tendinitis.

Here is a video I researched on to give you an educational view about Flexor Tendinitis.



Comments

  1. Had the same problem with my knee. An able masseuse got the locking out. Stress in the forearm causes the joints to work more when bending, causing the problem. A massage on the whole arm and possibly the back should get rid of this. An operation should only be a last resort. Once nerves are severed, there's no going back.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ouch! This looks painful! :(

    By the way, followed back using "Pinay Mommy Online." :D

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's really very painful Mommy Rubz, i would suddenly wake up in the middle of night because it's aching :(

    ReplyDelete
  4. i will never opt for an operation papa bien waaa, aside to the fact that it's expensive, i am afraid of it :)

    i 'll try your suggestion, i cannot type much in the keyboard nowadays, Yahmir is my secretary hihi. i dictate and he does the typing :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. oh my looks really painful. how did you get this?

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think I am experiencing this as well. I'll go to the doctor and have it confirmed.
    Thanks for this post, now I have a name for it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have added your blog in my two blogs http://www.shy-diaperdays.info/
    http://www.shy-thelenslousegirl.com/ hope you can do the same.

    ReplyDelete
  8. i got the same one it sure really painful. :( ... siguro sa kaka blogging hehehe. kidding aside.

    off topic: loving your new layout.

    Happy Easter! Have a wonderful week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  9. because i am not getting any younger Air and at the same time, over worked :(

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello Jade! yeah, let a doctor check it up, the sooner, the better sis

    ReplyDelete
  11. got it siguro from cleaning the house and washing clothes huhu

    thanks for the compliment sis Carlota :), I owe my new blog theme/layout to Mhel hihi

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love the new theme color!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. it's the color i requested, thank you Mommy Willa :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hope it get's better soon. Mahirap magdictate lol. Sometimes ako rin it hurts baka pasimula na nyan. Visiting from PMC hope you visit back and like my post here at http://www.mrs-shoppiness.com/2011/04/luxurious-online-shopping-at-reebonz/

    ReplyDelete
  15. nice theme mom

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, I never knew there was such a thing. I do hope you're feeling better now. Nice new look for your blog, by the way :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. ay naku parang may ganyan ako n mild ah....maskait pag i close ang fist...ang mga knuckes ay masakit....lalu n kapg nagkukusot ng labada..ewan if same un pero masakit sya. d nmn madalas pag naglalaba lang....mayron dn ako Achilles Tendinitis sa sakong naman...masakit lalu na sa umaga

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hope you are doing well now!.. It is one of the most common causes of
    pain and limited range of motion in the hand. This condition, commonly
    called ‘trigger finger’ is caused by swelling along the tendon in the
    palm of hand, and outward towards the finger. This particular tendon
    goes through several tunnels (pulleys) on its way toward the finger,
    which help maintain its position and proper functioning. For some people, local steroid injection
    has been shown to help in early forms of trigger finger. However, most
    patients are not content to spend many weeks being treated with
    conservative measures, only to have symptoms persist. Fortunately, a technique performed here in
    Phoenix Arizona can effectively treat tenosynovitis in New Mexico using
    the EndoTech® Endoscopic System. Get To Know More About Endotendon Procedures.. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  19. Trigger finger or trigger thumb is when your fingers or thumb get stuck in a bent position – as if squeezing a “trigger.” Trigger finger can occur in one or more fingers. The ring finger is often one of the fingers affected. The condition is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. My uncle is under Trigger Finger Treatment In Phoenix and am searching a lot o this. Thanks for sharing. Keep exploring.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Trigger finger is not a dangerous condition. The decision to have surgery is a personal one, based on how severe your symptoms are and whether nonsurgical options have failed. In addition, if your finger is stuck in a bent position, your doctor may recommend surgery to prevent permanent stiffness. Most people are able to move their fingers immediately after surgery. It is common to have some soreness in your palm. Frequently raising your hand above your heart can help reduce swelling and pain. Recovery is usually complete within a few weeks, but it may take up to 6 months for all swelling and stiffness to go away.
    If your finger was quite stiff before surgery, physical therapy and finger exercises may help loosen it up.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cleaning 101: Declogging drains

6 Simple Ways to Save Money at Home

Empowering Women in Subic: Connected Women Subic Hosts An Innovative Meetup Experience