Trigger thumb braces and supports

Trigger thumb is a condition that affects the middle joint of the thumb.

This joint is called the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP).

Trigger thumb is a health condition that can be treated with an adjustable design that fits all thumbs including middle finger, thumb, pinky finger, index finger.

There are number of medical journals and healthline media websites that have information on trigger thumb and how it can be treated.

What is trigger thumb

A trigger finger is a condition that creates discomfort, stiffness, and a sense of locking or catching when you bend and straighten your finger.

The disorder is also known as “stenosing tenosynovitis.”

Trigger finger most commonly affects the ring and thumb, however, it can affect any finger.

The affected area for trigger thumb is the base of the thumb.

It is an inflammation of the tendon(s) that flex or bend your thumb.

The tendons function like cords that squeeze your fingers into a fist and then release as you straighten them.

Consider the tendon to be a fishing line, and the pulleys to be the eyelets that maintain the line in touch with the rod as it bends and straightens.

A knot in the line may cause it to catch as it is drawn through the eyelet.

If the knot grows too big or the pulley becomes too tight, the line will become trapped.

That is what happens to the tendons. They just become too huge to pass through the pulleys.

In severe cases, the constriction can cause the thumb to bend at an abnormal angle, making it difficult or impossible to move.

What is the cause of the trigger thumb

Trigger thumb is often caused by overuse of the wrist and thumb.

Thickening of a tendon tunnel mouth causes roughness of the tendon surface, causing the tendon to trap in the tunnel mouth.

Individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes are more vulnerable to triggering, yet the majority of trigger sequences happen to people who do not have diabetes.

Triggering appears to begin after an injury, such as a hit on the hand.

There is minimal evidence that it is caused by job activities, however hand use at work, home, in the garden, or in sports can surely worsen the pain.

Tendon nodules can cause triggering in individuals who have rheumatoid arthritis.

Trigger finger can also be caused by tendon or sheath problems, such as inflammation and swelling.

If the tendon is unable to slide smoothly into the sheath, it might bunch up and create a tiny lump (nodule).

This makes it difficult to flex the afflicted finger or thumb.

When the tendon becomes entangled in the sheath, the finger may click uncomfortably when it straightens.

The precise cause of these issues is unknown, although several factors may increase the probability of trigger finger developing.

It is more frequent in women, persons over 40, and those with particular medical problems, for example.

Dupuytren’s contracture, a hand-related disorder, might potentially raise your chance of acquiring trigger finger.

The connective tissue in the palm of the hand thickens in Dupuytren’s contracture, causing one or more fingers to bend into the palm of the hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is also on of the conditions that causes trigger thumb and generally occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand, fingers and wrist.

What are the common symptoms of trigger thumb

Trigger finger symptoms include discomfort at the base of the afflicted finger or thumb when moving or pressing on it, as well as stiffness or clicking while moving the affected finger or thumb, especially first thing in the morning.

If the situation worsens, you may have discomfort in your hand even while it is motionless. You may also develop a lump in your hand, and your finger may become caught in a bent position before abruptly popping straight.

It may eventually fail to fully bend or straighten.

What are the potential treatment options for a trigger thumb

Trigger finger and trigger thumb are not dangerous, however, they can be quite uncomfortable.

But overall it is easy to treat trigger thumb.

Some mild instances heal on their own within a few weeks.

There are several treatments available that can provide pain relief and improve range of motion :

• If at all possible, avoid irritating activities.
• Finger splinting. If you have trigger thumb you may be able to treat it with a splint that fit snugly around your thumb. Using a little trigger finger splint at night helps keep the finger straight and gives firm support to the finger. A hand therapist can fit a finger splint, however a lollipop stick held on with tape can be used as a temporary finger splint. Holding the finger straight at night keeps the roughened tendon section in the tunnel smoother.
• You can buy an oval thumb splint for trigger thumb, arthritis and various thumb conditions on eBay for a reasonable price and with money back guarantee.Finger splints may be the best option if you are looking for an effective and long-term solution.
• In around 70% of instances, steroid injection improves pain of the trigger thumb, however the success rate is lower in patients with diabetes. The dangers of injection are minor, however it can occasionally induce skin thinning or colour change at the injection site. Improvement can happen within a few days of the injection, but it can take many weeks. A second injection can occasionally assist, although surgery may be required if the triggering of the trigger thumb continues.
• Percutaneous surgery. A needle is used for percutaneous trigger finger release. Some surgeons believe that releasing the tunnel’s tight mouth with a needle placed under a local anaesthetic injection is more successful than open surgery. The needle approach is not appropriate for all instances and fingers.
• Tendon tunnel decompression surgery. The anaesthetic might be local (injected beneath the skin at the site of the operation), regional (injected in the armpit to numb the entire arm), or general. The surgeon extends the opening of the tendon tunnel by slitting its ceiling with a tiny incision while protecting nearby nerves.The wound will need to be treated for 10-14 days, although modest use of the hand is permitted from the day after surgery, and vigorous use of the finger will help with mobility recovery.

  Pain relief is usually instantaneous. Although the scar may be red and sensitive for a few weeks, it is rarely bothersome in the long run. It is unusual for triggering to reoccur following surgery.

conclusion

If you have suffered a trigger finger injury, you may be wondering what other injuries are associated with this condition. Here’s a look at some of the most common injuries associated with trigger finger :

– Tendonitis: This is an inflammation of the tendons around the thumb joint, which can cause pain and stiffness.

-Arthritis: This is a degenerative condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.

– De Quervain’s Syndrome: This is a condition that affects the tendons in the wrist and thumb, causing pain and swelling.

Healthcare professionals can provide support, medical advice, guidance on how to manage symptoms, and invaluable service to those who suffer from trigger thumb.

Some people prefer to have a full treatment which typically involves wearing a splint and doing physical therapy to reduce swelling and restore motion.

Some others may need steroid injections or corticosteroid injection which in most cases improve the pain and swelling and can be their best bet.