Spending time with family and working on projects can lead to sore hands, joints and muscles.
Trigger finger, also known as stonosing tenosynovitis, can affect any finger and that includes the thumb. While symptoms may be more pronounced during the morning, grasping objects or straightening fingers, trigger finger can occur in both hands and multiple fingers at once.
“Taking moments in between repetitive activities to rest, stretch and strengthen your hands can help fight against trigger finger,” said Dr. Michael Dean, orthopedic surgeon. “It’s important to maintain mobility in fingers.”
You may be at risk for trigger finger if your occupation or hobby requires repetitive gripping from your hands. Common occupations include landscaping, florist, construction and manual labor, assembly line manufacturing, as well as administrative and office work. Those with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are more susceptible to trigger finger.
JRMC Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Timothy Volk shared, “Trigger finger is more common in diabetics and women. It has been linked to repetitive activities and trauma. The risk of developing trigger finger is two to three percent and up to ten percent in diabetics.”
Trigger finger is commonly found among adults between the ages of 50 and 60, and is seen more in women than in men.
- Stiffness or tenderness. During the morning hours, a normal sign of trigger finger is stiffness. Fingers can be stiff opening up or even closing to form a fist. There may be tenderness as well towards the base of each affected finger.
- Snap, click or pop. While opening and closing fingers, noises like popping or clicking can often be heard. This is a common occurrence amongst those suffering from trigger finger.
- Catching or locking. Fingers that catch or lock when in a bent position and require manual straightening or they suddenly pop straight usually are a trigger for trigger finger.
- Hot or inflamed joints. If a finger joint ever feels hot and inflamed, this may be an indication of infection.
If you or someone you love is struggling with these symptoms, these two at-home remedies can help.
- Rest the finger flexor tendons to ease tension during repetitive actions.
- Gently massage the palm area involved and follow up with the application of cold packs.
“People still have medical needs and we understand that,” said Mike Delfs, JRMC President & CEO. “We’re still here. We don’t want people to remain at home if they need care.”
JRMC providers assess the needs and risks of each patient before the visit to see if it’s appropriate to schedule a visit now or wait. Each patient is screened for symptoms over the phone and before entering the building.
“We continue to offer this care because sometimes the risk of waiting outweighs the risks of keeping the appointment,” Delfs said. “One individual received a test in radiology, for example. It turned out, this person had a mass that our providers surgically removed. That person didn’t have months to wait. And that’s why we continue to offer appointments. We are here for this community.”
Fingers and hands are essential to everyday life, Dr. Volk said. If at-home remedies aren’t providing enough relief, contact JRMC Orthopedics and schedule direct: (701) 952-4878.
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