People may be prone to this condition when they perform repetitive movements, push hard, or lift heavy loads at work.
This condition is called trigger finger.
The tendons in the hands are wrapped in a sheath that holds them in place. However, sometimes the tendon can become irritated and swollen, preventing it from sliding smoothly under the sheath.
When this happens, the finger or thumb may get stuck in a bent or straight position, a condition called trigger finger.
Sara Snyder, MD, orthopedic nurse practitioner at the Mayo Clinic Health System, explains that generally people 45 and older and those with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop trigger finger.
However, young people should be aware that overwork or injury can cause the tendon sheath to become irritated, so people who perform repetitive motions, push hard, or carry heavy loads in their work may suffer from the condition. Are.
According to Snyder, symptoms include a small, painful lump on the palm side of the hand at the base of the finger or thumb.
He says that if your finger or thumb is locked, you can apply gentle pressure to straighten or bend it.
In more complex cases, a less common non-surgical treatment is splinting. At night, a splint is used to keep the affected finger or thumb straight.
Also, when over-the-counter medications and steroid injections are not effective, the person may need surgery, which is a quick, same-day procedure.
During the operation, a small incision is made in the palm, usually along the crease, to make the scar less obvious. The surgeon probes under the skin to loosen the adhesions.
“Awareness is the first line of prevention. If you notice a small, painful lump at the base of your thumb or finger, or if it feels like it’s sticking or clicking, you need to see an orthopedic health care professional. may be required,” Snyder points out.
