Are you experiencing finger pain as a result of Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger is a direct result of repetitive motion. The tendon that runs from the wrist, through the palm of the hand, down to the tip of the finger becomes swollen and inflamed from constant use and irritation. Jobs that require the constant gripping of small tools or instruments are usually the most reported causes of trigger finger, such as mechanics, assembly line workers, carpenters and even massage therapists.
So what’s actually happening?
The tendon that lies in the palm of your hand connects to the muscles of the forearm to the tips of your finger and allows the fingers to bend. When this is used repeatedly for long periods of time, inflammation develops between the tendon and it’s covering or sheath. The tendon becomes enlarged and is unable to easily slide back and forth under the small bandlike ankers, usually causing the finger to lock in a bent position. With force, the finger can be straightened and the person will feel a pop.
If this happens to you for the first time, it’s usually due to the issue above. When this is a longstanding problem, a degeneration or breaking down of that tendon in one small area will begin to develop. This results in a small nodule in that tendon that won’t reduce on its own like the inflamed tendon mentioned above. This small enlarged area of the tendon is not only tender, but weaker than the rest of the tendon, making it more susceptible to rupture.
What can be done about this? This is where Zelasko Soft Tissue and Spine can help.
If caught early, manual therapy (IAR, MAR, ART) are successful options of treatment to reduce the inflammation and correct any biomechanical dysfunction that could be contributing to the problem. Ultrasound is another more conventional option, but it’s not nearly as efficient or successful as the manual therapies mentioned above.
If the tendon degeneration develops enough, surgery may be warranted to remove the small degenerated portion of the tendon, or to release the small bands that hold the tendon down, in order to get the fingers to fully straighten again.
Book an appointment with Orchard Park Chiropractor Dr. Zelasko today to learn the best option for treating trigger finger.
Certified in Advanced Chiropractic Care
