Trigger Finger Syndrome

Subject: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 04:54 PM

Just been diagnosed with this - my little finger, left hand.Looks like it may curtail my chording.
Anyone else got experience or advice with this little beauty? All advice gratefully received.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 05:03 PM

what is trigger finger syndrom?

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: JenEllen
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 05:03 PM

My sympathies, Greycap. Advice is typical: listen to your doctor and be patient with yourself. How far advanced? Just the snapping and cracking, or do you actually freeze up? The treatment protocols usually run from regular old NSAIDs to actual steriods like cortisone, and usually do the trick. Do they recommend surgery for you? The tendon sheath tension can be relieved almost overnight. I had a bout with it ages ago, and it can be terrifying for sure. Don't give up entirely on practicing/playing, keep your hand in shape, but make sure you don't overdo it. Be thinking of you, Jen

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: JenEllen
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 05:06 PM

Clinton;
The tendons of the finger get irritated, kind of like carpal tunnel for fingers? The tendon sheath will seize up and lock the finger into place. First signs are usually stiffness and then snapping and crackling noises, then it progresses to freezing up. No fun.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 05:16 PM

Cushion your elbows. Buy elbow/heel pads at a drug store and use them. Even though it may not be specifically related to TFS, the ulnar nerve runs very close to the surface in people's elbows. If they bang around on them, rest on them too much, etc. (usually not noticed) then the nerve gets irritated and can cause all kinds of pain etc. down just the little finger and one vertical half of the ring finger, the one closest to the little finger. Cushioning the elbows helps to alleviate this.

It sounds and looks kind of funny at first, but I went through all kinds of occupational tests to determine that I was bumping my elbows and then irritating the damage even more by being on the computer so much. Once I knew what the cause was I started paying attention and darn if I wasn't doing just as they said! Wearing the pads really helped a bunch and it was a very inexpensive aide.

Good luck!

kat

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: GUEST,Mark Ross
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 05:59 PM

I've had problems with what I call a shotgun Pinky from the start.
I've learned to live wit it. It doesn't make using that finger any easier, but it seems that I can use it. If it gets in the way I just figure out another fingering.

Mark Ross(who seems to have lost his cookie)

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: CraigS
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 06:17 PM

You might find glucosamine tablets help - these are a dietary supplement you can get from health food shops etc (or even your local supermarket in the UK).

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: alanabit
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 06:20 PM

I posted a thread about exactly the same thing about a month ago. I have cut down practising for the time being and the injury is slowly getting better. In my case, the doctor thinks that tension in the neck/back/shoulders led to a muscle being too short. When it couldn't expand further, I put the tendon out. (I'm completely ignorant on all matters medical - so doubtless another 'Catter will put it better). I can play again now, but I have to do more about the root problem, which is further up. Good luck to you. Tell us how you are getting on. Alan.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: 53
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 06:27 PM

the little finger on my left hand is curled too. I can't chord like I should and I know how you feel. Mine was caused by an IV in my hand when I was in the hospital and I'm still upset over it.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: secondroy
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 06:44 PM

Mine all had to be operated on, all eight fingers. Mine not only locked but they were very painful. Fortunately I did not have to have all eight done at the same time.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 07:09 PM

I forgot to say my usual about checking out acupuncture, too, esp. for things like this...a good acupuncturist should be able to help

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Mark Clark
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 07:28 PM

I figured this was going to be another Shrub thread. Glad it isn't but I'm sorry to hear about your problem. As I said to Bob(53) in another thread, try moving to slide blues in an open tuning until you get the problem fixed. There's more than one way to make music.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 08:17 PM

Global Friends,
what can I say? It's the snapping at the moment, plus a little pain (first thing in the mornings, usually ) - Your support is great, I only had the guts to go to the vet yesterday, but it's been going on for about 5 weeks.
The picking ( and I'm deemed a fair flat-picker, Norman Blake style ) hasn't been a problem-yet. I can, however, see a lot of my favourite guitar runs being progresively clumsy if this progresses. That really pisses me off - I've spent 40 years getting good.
As I type, I'm just overcome with your help - thanks a lot. I went on the internet to check this damn thing out, and it didn't look good. My wife, who is a nurse of 40 years experience, said that I should stop picking guitar for six months or so, that's not an acceptable option.
I'm going to bed now, it's ten minutes past one in the morning,it's been a bad day, but I'll sleep easier knowing my friends are out there with me.
God bless,
Roger

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Mudlark
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 10:42 PM

Hi Roger...Will be very interested to hear how you get on. My trigger finger, middle one, appeared about 3 years ago, got so bad I could hardly use a paring knife to cut up a salad for dinner. Advil (or other anti-inflamatory) seemed to help. Slowly it got better, then the ring finger started going and that one is really bad...very painful, curves now, with nodes showing on the tendons in the palm, and as it's my left hand getting more and more difficult to execute even simple chords where any stretch is involved.

Do as much research on the web as you can, as well as getting expert (!) medical opinion...more than one, if necessary. Surgery works well for some, not so for others and most docs seem to feel cort. shots not advisable because of possiblity of blowing the tendon. Also, be careful of taking joint supplements...my condition got much worse after taking a very effective chondroiton/glucosamine combo for a hip problem...apparently these substances may cause hmmmm...collogen, I think, any way, may stimulate abnormal tendon growth, making things worse.

There is a secondary condition knows as Dupuytren's Disease that also may be causing your problem, and as I understand it the remedy is not always the same for both conditions. Great strides are being taken in Europe toward surgery that is not nearly as invasive as standard US hand surgery, so recovery is very swift (like days, instead of weeks), little pain and low residual problems. General opinion seems to be that it's not being done in US because it's not profitable enough...argghhhh.

Gentle stretching exercises seem to help me but there are even cautions about that, as you are dealing with a form of tendonitis and stretching may be exacerbate the condition.

I'm taking the stretching route until I hit 65 and Medicare can help take care of the cost of Xrays, diagnosis, and possible surgery. I've tried all alternative avenues without success.

So sorry you are experiencing this. It is very scary when a finger locks into a cocked position, and the pain is alarming to snap it back to a straight position. And losing proficiency (even the little I have) on guitar heartbreaking. Hang in there...you're not alone. Keep us posted.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 11:42 PM

G'day all

katlaughing: Your comments on the elbow connection are germane. I've been suffering from a lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) bout for the last 3 months ... and it seems to aggravate problems right up and down the (right) arm - from shoulder to little finger.

I bumped the elbow yesterday - after applying some eyedrops to irritation from a eye examination earlier in the week, and misjudging a doorway. This set off problems everywhere ... and I went back to wearing the "Tennis Elbow" brace ... just to ease the assorted pains!

My physio has me doing (Well, when I remember ...) exercises that gently flex tendons and muscles all the way from fingertips to neck (she is a Feldenkrais adherent) and this works better, in the long run, than just concentrating on the joint that hurts at the time.

Fortunately, the instruments I most play (button accordion, concertina, mouthorgan, bones and whistle) don't seem to exacerbate the problem ... it's just working at a keyboard, to make a living, that does that!

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: GUEST,Rutger
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 11:50 PM

Hi -

Interesting thread, lots of perspectives and some sound advice. Here's mine - BTW I play guitar and some hand percussion (yeh, I know) and am also an occupational medicine physician.

Lawyer stuff: this isn't formal medical advice and I am not licensed in most of the states that you probably live in.

Diagnosis by an experienced physician usually isn't tough - should be easy to differentiate from a couple of other conditions described above. If you have the real deal (stenosing tenosynovitis) then it MIGHT respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, hand therapist (usually done by specialized Occupational Therapists), or rest (gawd, no guitar for 6 mos??? I dont think so). However this really is an anatomical problem most of the time and will probably need surgical relief if its painful and/or triggers frequently and/or really impairs your function. If it was me, I would give it a couple of months of aggressive conservative therapy then see the hand surgeon. If you are somebody who needs a lot of hand precision in your work, you might want to think about a true hand surgery specialist (check out their credentials); usually this is an orthopedic subspecialist but can be a plastic surgery subspecialist too.

This surgery is highly successful but would certainly require some recovery time. I cannot comment on the OTC joint pills. I would doubt acupuncture would work in a medium to severe case because of the condition's structural nature, but it would probably alleviate symptoms (I am receiving acupuncture for a nerve compression in my back right now -- whole other story).

Regards,
Rutger

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Louie Roy
Date: 23 Oct 02 - 11:56 PM

Guest Greycap,If you have trigger finger and I'm sure you do by your own discription don't hesitate go to a surgeon and get it corrected.It is a simple operation that used to be performed in a doctors office but now you have to go to short stay or anyway you do in Oregon.The surgery takes about 5 Minutes with one stitch in the palm of your hand with full use of the hand and finger the following day.It can't get any simplier than that so by all means don't try to live with something that is that easely correct Louie Roy

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Troll
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 06:12 AM

I have Dupuytrens Contracture in my left hand. It is hereditary -according to my orthopaedist- and there is no known cure. Surgery sometimes corrects the condition permanently and sometimes not.
My Grandfathers hands were crippled from this disease. His little fingers were bent almost to the palm and the ring fingers about half that far.
I have no loss of mobility as yet but there is pain.
I have also had carpal tunnel in my left hand (my thumb) and a shot of cortisone plus an elbow pad took care of that. So don't give up hope. There is relief for all these conditions.

troll

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 01:12 PM

Thanks, Folks,
That's given me a lot to be going on with. I'm grateful to all for your support & help, we'll close this one for a while and I'll try the various suggestions.
Get back to you in a month or so.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Yvonne
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 04:20 PM

You may (or may not) be interested to know that, not only is it hereditary it also shows that somewhere in your veins there is Nordic/Vikiing blood.It is a condition that was once only found in Scandinavian people until the Vikiings took to the high seas and spread their genes around!!
Doesn't help your finger I know, but gives you something else to think about :0)

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: GUEST,Murli Nair
Date: 12 May 10 - 06:16 AM

a few days back, while sleeping at night, i turned over to the right, suddenly felt something odd in right hand and found my little finger completely curled and when, scared, i tried to straighten it, it straightened with a snap, then when relaxed went back to curling. in the morning after i got up, it was okay throughout the day. Then again at night the same problem occured while sleeping. Is this Trigger Finger Syndrome ? If so, why does it happen and what is the remedy ? I repeat, this started happening jus a few days back. I was completely normaly till then except i am recovereing from a femur bone fracture.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Sue Allan
Date: 12 May 10 - 10:27 AM

My partner, a professional organist, had this last year and injections (steroid?) by the physictherapist seemed to cure. I know another keyboard player who had worse, and operation sorted him out fine ... although he elected to go privately to a surgeon who was a specialist in London.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Deckman
Date: 12 May 10 - 11:28 AM

The connection with Nordic heritage is well documented. bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 12 May 10 - 03:22 PM

I first had it in my left thumb. I went away of it's own accord after a few months but moved to my ring finger. This then eased and is now evident in my right ring finger. Makes concertina playing interesting but not painful. Worse in the morning but dissapears with use. Interesting!!

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 13 May 10 - 05:48 AM

I had to have an op on one of my fingers, for Trigger finger a couple of years ago ~ from the top part of the palm. This was caused by my using a heavy dumbell, however. The anasthetist was a bit sadistic as the painkiller wasnt strong enough and I stuck my finger nails in a nurses hand! Dont ask!

The tourneque I could not abide and lasted 10 seconds max

The surgeon asked if what he had done felt as tho it was ok now! having cut my hand open and then continued a bit further!!

Well it is all fine now, except the stitches were removed too soon and I was called by to the wrong consultant who didnt want to know me!

Needless to say the bloody thing opened again and I sat in A & E for 4hrs

I am now back using dumbells

Song maybe

Ray

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: scouse
Date: 13 May 10 - 06:11 AM

I had a Cortisone injection directly into the offending area of my finger since them no pain or lack of movement! It's great.

As Aye,

Phil.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Deckman
Date: 13 May 10 - 06:34 AM

I've had TWO trigger thumb surgerys, one on each thumb. When it works ... it works well ... how's that for a brilliant statement! I seem to developing it again, this time in a different finger. Based on my own experience, if it starts to "lock up: on me again, I'll go for surgery real quick. bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: radriano
Date: 13 May 10 - 03:06 PM

I've got a left trigger thumb. Locks up occasionally but not at the horrible point yet except when I do bar chords on the guitar. Luckily I'm primarily a singer.

Thanks for adding to the post, Deckman, as I have been contemplating surgery.

radriano

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Deckman
Date: 13 May 10 - 03:17 PM

After having TWO of these surgeries, I could probably do the next one by myself. You know ... ex-acto knives, whiskey, bandaids. But my wife says "NO" (darned spoilsport)

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: GUEST,Ros
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 12:09 PM

Have just heard that B6 is the best cure for trigger finger. I am going to try it as have just recently started having the snap crackle a pop feelings. Will let you know.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 01:04 PM

In addition to elbow cushions, I found it incredibly helpful to add little wrist pillows to my bed kit, so my wrists are never out of the position a carpal-tunnel-type brace would put them in-- not flexed inwards, but support for how a hand with lightly flexed fingers sits on the wrist.

So helpful I never sleep without them, even if I have to roll up a washcloth to serve in a pinch.

~S~

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Art Thieme
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 04:35 PM

I have this condition but I always figured it was due to my MS. The MS keeps me from playing at all now. But this condition is intriguing/interesting, but not annoying.

Art

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: Annie
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 04:06 PM

I posted my expereience with trigger thumb on another thread called "Trigger Finger, Medical Problem". I had surgery and it worked very well.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 02:59 PM

try SOAKING HAND IN LAVANDER AND EPSON SALTS, AND TAKE B6 AND SOME MAGNESUM WITH REGULAR VITAMINES, CHECK WITH YOU DOCTOR FIRST, ALSO USE A MASSAGER UP AND DOWN ARM TO LOOSEN THE MUSCLES THAT CONNECT TO THE WRIST AND FINGERS, GET REGULAR MASSAGES. BE CONSISTANT.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger Syndrome
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 23 Jul 12 - 10:19 AM

Two cortisone injections approximately a year apart has cleared up the problem in my right middle finger. (Thank goodness because it was inhibiting my ability to critique other people's driving skills.)