Trigger Finger, a medical problem

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Mr Red
Date: 19 Oct 15 - 08:09 AM

what would be the side-effects of holding the finger (or hand) in a splint overnight? You must be flexing that muscle overnight for it to inflame.
At least you would have the communication skills available for the drive to work!

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 18 Oct 15 - 01:57 PM

I had full trigger finger on left hand middle finger and had it operated on ~ however this also necessitated a tourniquey on my upper arm, I could not tolerate this as it was extremely painful (I have a leaky heart valve) cured by a small incision bottom of affected finger on the palm of my hand!

However right hand middle finger is affected but not as badly as the left was; I had an injection along the length of the finger and this cured the problem, however problem has returned, will no doubt have to the injection again [NHS UK]

Ray

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 17 Oct 15 - 03:28 PM

About two months ago I started with trigger finger
in my right second (middle) finger. Only occasionally,
and easy to get to straighten at that time.

With time, though, it was straightenable by my own
muscular impetus, but quite painful. Straightenable
by input from the other hand, but still somewhat painful.
This condition got worse over a period of weeks.

I asked my primary physician about it, and asked if I
should go to a hand specialist, or could he help?
He told me to go to the hand specialist, and I
made an appointment with Indiana Hand to Shoulder,
an office which is near my home. I was assigned to a
Dr. Baltera, and given a next-day appointment.

I Googled Dr. Baltera, and learned, among other things,
that he is a (something like) fifty-five year old Professor
of Hand Surgery with Indiana University. Also other
qualifications and certifications, which helped with my
outlook on this.

Showed up and registered. Before I could get all the paperwork
filled out, a young doctor (whose name I didn't get, so I think
of him as Dr. X) came into the examination room and interviewed me. He pressed and manipulated my hand, and that finger in particular, none of which caused any pain. He left, and I finished
the paperwork.

Dr. Baltera,having presumably been briefed by Dr. X, came in,
and went over the same subjects as Dr. X. His manipulations,
while approximately the same as what Dr. X did, did in a
few of the maneuevrs cause some momentary pain.

He told me about what goes on in Trigger Finger, and told me that
the two routes I could go were:
(a)local anesthetic injection, and after some time for that
to do its job, a cortisone injection in the palmar surface of the hand;
   (or, alternatively,)
(b) surgery, again in the palmar surface. He showed me line illustrations of how the surgery is done, and gave me to understand that this is quick and comparatively simple surgery.
   Dr. Baltera did not discuss physical therapy.

   With the injection route, he told me that I MIGHT have some
soreness in the hand (didn't, as it turned out), but the pain should clear up within 24 hours, with appreciable relief of the condition in that time, and commonly the full effect of the injection over a period of a few weeks. Possibly, I might want to come back in 30 days for a second cortisone injection.

    With surgery, the healing process takes longer, of course, and although it's a pretty minimal operation. A paragraph from the brochure I was given was as follows:
    In cases where a patient has chronic symptoms or a completely locked, painful and immovable digit, surgery may be recommended in lieu of non-operative measures.
    Surgery is performed to enlarge the tendon sheath at its leading edge, which allows the tendon to again glide without locking or catching. A small incision is made in the palm in line with the affected digit. (There was a line illustration here.) Once the tendon sheath has been enlarged, the patient is often asked to move their finger to confirm that triggering no longer exists.
    A comment was made in the brochure, under Surgery, that "Recurrences of triggering are quite rare."

    I chose the injection route. No palmar soreness. In 24 hours,
the triggering was noticeably alleviated. Now, four days after
injection, the triggering is very largely but not entirely overcome, and still improving.

This post is long, I know, but I think it is more informative than the various previous posts above.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: scouse
Date: 19 Jun 12 - 03:54 AM

Had trigger finger middle left hand,went to see the Ortho boy and he injected some Hydrocortisone direct into the Tendon Sheath in the palm of my hand there and then.. Never had a problem since... +/- five years!!! Awesome.
As Aye,

Phil.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: GUEST,Wordfella
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 02:11 PM

Had the sheath-split 3 years ago. All fixed, though I have RA as well. Ice and ibuprofens make the knuckle-swell bearable, but I'd hate to play a 4-hour gig now.

We just freakin' age. That's that.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: GUEST,justin gray
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 05:32 AM

well it all stqarted when i was working about a year ago at a chicken plant. Myy job was to hang the birds. We had to put these bids on these bi nasty stainless steel shackles, by their feet which requires you to beat your fingers redpeatedly to get the job done NO WAY AROUND IT. so i finally had to get a new job . waking up all times of the morning jut to cuss and cry about how much my hands hurt it was almost llike putting your hands in a cooler full of ice but the pain came from the joints not the skin could someone please help me out with this i keep hitting a wall

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: GUEST,Debbie in England
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 04:54 AM

I have Trigger Finger in both thumbs first caused by playing my DS too much! Lol! I'm 53! I quit playing the DS months ago but with also driving long distances 3 & 4 times a week my hands got worse rather than better with my middle fingers going numb halfway through a trip. Now the pain is moving into my wrists and along the forearms. I am going to try the Thumb Splints as 20 years ago the Hand Splints worked wonders for the Carpel Tunnel Syndrome I had in both hands. Just waiting for an appoinment to get measured for them. I also remembered I had a TENS Machine for back pain and have dug that out to try it as I get no relief from painkillers....which brought me to finding the comments here whilst looking for advice on how to use the TENS for Trigger Finger! Thanks to all the people who have left comments here! I feel very justified in turning down the Steriod Injections straight away and opting for trying the splints. It's also good to know the surgey is highly successful if the splints don't bring enough relief!!

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Van
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 11:49 AM

Assuming that it is related to tennis elbow i oncee went to doctor who said that all she could recommeend was cortisone injections but that would increase the liklihood of Arthritis in later life. So think twice about the cortisone.

She asked if I played tennis or squash oranything of that nature. When I replied no she asked whether I did anything with that arm that required rapid jerky movements. Then, realising what this might imply, she burst out laghing.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: GUEST,Wordfella
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 09:25 AM

I had it--left index finger. It would lock when I bent it. I had the surgery three years ago; it's absolutely fine now.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Deckman
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 01:10 AM

I'm jumping in here after what ... a couple of years since this thread was started? As I've mentioned, I've had two serious "trigger thumb" problems, and the necessary,and successful, surgery. This might be a discouraging note ... BUT ... the problem is beginnig to show itself in my OTHER fingers. NOT my thumbs, just my other fingers.

I think the problem is that I've lived too long! Has anyone else had this problem re-occur with other fingers than the thumbs ... ? bob

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Annie
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 12:53 AM

Anybody try accupuncture on this prob?

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: GUEST,Ted Crum (Steamchicken)
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 12:48 PM

Had trigger finger on the ring finger of my left hand, and followed the ibuprofen/cortisone injection route without success. Finally referred for surgery, which was quick and completely successful. I was back on melodeon within a week and double bass within two weeks.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 04:18 PM

Hi mate

I had this, waking up in the morning and finding that I could not straighten my finhger. I could bend it back with my other hand but it would 'click' back to the bent position if I tried to bend it. I had it for months.

If this is what you have got, then try this, I worked out this cure and have never been troubled since. Use sticking plaster to bind your bad finger to the one next to it before you go to bed. When you take the plaste roff in the morning your finger will not have locked itself and you will be able to use it perfectly well. I did this for about a month and it cured it completely. No drugs, no surgury.

Goos luck.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Annie
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 04:03 PM

I had surgery for my trigger thumb and I'm glad of it. I considered all other options first. My problem flared up quickly (6 months) after switching from fiddle to guitar. At first the upper thumb joint clicked then it became rigid and the whole thumb was swollen and painful. Initially the Orthopedic surgeon tried a steroid shot which 'cured' it but then it flared back up. It took about 20 minutes under local anaesthesia, the thumb was free to move immediately after surgery, stitches were taken out after 2 weeks.    It's now been 7 weeks since the surgery and I've been easing into playing guitar and fiddle since about Week 3. Roger, what did you end up doing about yours?

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Deckman
Date: 21 Feb 09 - 02:16 PM

Heather ... it's a piece of cake ... you'll be dancing in an hour. bob

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: GUEST,Heather
Date: 20 Feb 09 - 03:21 PM

I am having surgery on Tuesday. I have had a trigger finger since I was about 4 years old. I'm now 22 and the pain can be unbearable. I'm scared out of my mind. I have never had surgery before in my life. How long is recovery my doctor told me I can work the next day?

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Ref
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 10:10 PM

Ooh. That may depend on the finger. Mine was done in a hospital, outpatient, but with due regard for procedure, right down to the goddamn "johnny." A nurse I knew started giggling at me in my sneakers. I made an indignant pose and said "Do you believe they're operating on my HAND?"

The therapist might be a good idea to try before cutting.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Louie Roy
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 05:31 PM

Trigger finger is a simple operation and can be done in the doctor's office with no discomfort and 1 stitch in less than 10 minutes

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: sharyn
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 05:25 PM

Roger,

Find yourself a hand doc who refers to a reputable occupational hand therapist: OTs can specialize in hands and can be quite good at non-invasive methods.

I don't have "trigger finger," but I do have bent fingers leftover from a fracture and Dupuytren's contracture (however you spell it). I have been in hand therapy for six weeks or so and the treating doctor and two other doctors have been impressed with my progress. I have been using heat, splints of various sorts and lots of stretching exercises, all prescribed by the hand therapist.

Good luck!

Sharyn

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Ref
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 05:17 PM

I wish my Doc had Deckman's doctor's foresight. Alas, I'm more of a "leg man."

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 11:40 AM

Thanks Jeff,

Unfortunately, I used to work about 10 blocks from there. Now it's more like 200 miles. I am hoping the problem is under control. In fact, this morning, I didn't even notice it, my finger appeared uncurled when I awakened. Hadn't even thought about it until I read this post.

Roger in Baltimore (but really in Virginia)

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: jeffp
Date: 26 Jan 09 - 05:00 PM

You might try the Curtis National Hand Center at Union Memorial Hospital. They're a National Center of Excellence.

Good luck.

Jeff

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Donuel
Date: 26 Jan 09 - 02:51 PM

At this early stage my fingers in the morning sometimes have a trigger effect when I bend them slightly they then suddenly snap down like the hammer of a gun when one pulls the trigger.

I better get some of my standards on you tube before these fingers refuse to obey.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 26 Jan 09 - 11:28 AM

Thanks to everyone for the input. I'm pretty sure it is typing at work on chainsawing at home. I am much more conscious of using alternate fingers when I do some of my "hunt and peck" inputting numbers. I haven't tried the chainsaw again. It is an occasional activity, but I had recently done a spate of it, so I will be more considerate of my fingers in the future. Fortunately, it hasn't affected my guitar playing, IMHO, but that has been the major concern. I might try the Omega 3 option. They process Menhaden fish about 10 miles from here and one of the products is Omega Three capsules.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Clifton53
Date: 26 Jan 09 - 07:58 AM

Roger, I hope the first option works and that's the end of it, the guitar playing world needs you!!

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: GUEST,Al no cookie
Date: 26 Jan 09 - 12:07 AM

My wife had this in her thumb. The doc tried anti-inflamatories, to no avail. He recommended surgery. Before doing so, a friend asked her to try omega-3 fish oil capsules. She took a lot on the first day, maybe eight capsules. On the very next day there was improvement. She continued taking a lot for a few weeks and then slowly tapered it off. Over a period of months, she fully recovered. She is now on a maintenance dose of two a day. This is definitely worth a try prior to surgery. Nothing fishy about this kind of result.

Al

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Deckman
Date: 25 Jan 09 - 09:58 PM

I was unable to play guitar for about three months BEFORE I decided I needed the sugery. After the surgery, I think I was back to playing guitar within one week. I've had thumb surgeries on both hands, something like 7 and 5 years ago. I haven't had ANY reccurence of any problems ... but I had an excellant surgeon. (and his nurse wasn't bas either)! Bob

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 25 Jan 09 - 09:28 PM

Three weeks ago I had surgery on my right hand index finger
and left hand middle finger. Before the surgery I tried about everything
possible including the apple cider home remedy. Nothing worked
for me so I decided have the operation. It was rather fast just 26
minutes for both hands.

To those who have had the surgery I would like to know just how long
before all the pain is gone. My right index finger is o.k. but in the morning I have to massage and slowly bend the left middle finger for about 15minutes before the pain goes away. After that it's o.k. till the next day.

For quite some time now I haven't played any one instrument for a long time. Switching from one instument to another helped. The ukulele was the one instrument that didn't cause any pain until the trigger fingers got rather bad.   It's nice now to be able to do some finger picking again. Hopefully some of the other treatments mentioned will work for you.   If not you may want to have the surgery sinced it seems to have taken care of the problem.
Good Luck....

Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Sawzaw
Date: 25 Jan 09 - 05:37 PM

I had that in my left thumb. It would pop back and forth like a toggle switch.

I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both wrists that caused numbness in the hands and tendinitis up and down both arms.

I had the operation, a release of the right wrist which cleared up the numbness in that hand and tendinitis in my right arm.

I had a cortisone injection at the base of my left thumb that cleared up the trigger finger.

I was going to get the operation on my left wrist but now It is not necessary. The operation on my right hand cleared up the problems in that hand and decreased the usage of my left hand, then the problems went away in that hand and arm.

I didn't get any boobs in the face though.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Fortunato
Date: 25 Jan 09 - 11:35 AM

roger,

For a permanent cure, you must alter what you do to cause it. Age is a factor because of recovery time.

best
chance

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Jan 09 - 10:45 AM

And here I thought this was about...never mind.

I've had it, I recently had it in my index finger when playing my trumpet, and lemme tell ya, there is no way to keep the music constant then!

Why not try a different instrument for a while? Banjo, or uke, or a karaoke machine, or....

The ice/stretching sounds best, but don't look for a miracle. It takes time. Four years after an accident my wife is still going to PT to try to get two of her fingers to bend correctly.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Deckman
Date: 25 Jan 09 - 10:31 AM

I have to tell you a very funny story about getting those shots in the thumb. This is a true story ... I couldn't invent one this good. The doctor who gave me the first shot in my thumb was a cool guy and we knew each other on a friendship basis as well as a medical basis. When it was time to inject the needle into my swollen thumb, he first called in a "gorgeous" nurse. He explained that this was going to hurt like hell and he wanted the nurse to hold my hand down solidly. She knew eactly what to do ... probably because of much practise. Just as the pain became unbearble, she leaned her whole chest right into my face! I was successfully distracted for the necessary seconds of the injection.

A year later, with the other thumb, he started to give me another injection. But this time that nurse was no longer there. The shot hurt twice as bad! Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Ref
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 07:32 PM

I've had it in my right index finger. At first it was kind of a novelty, but it progressed in about a year to a quite painful affliction. My "hand guy", who has an excellent reputation, counseled the shots, so I took one. It was excruciating for about 20 seconds (a serious teeth-gritter) but the relief was within a day, and it lasted three months. I took a second one which lasted about six weeks, at which point we agreed the surgical option was best. That was two years ago and I've been fine since. Try the non-surgical options for as long as you can, but don't live in pain you don't need.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: van lingle
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 06:30 PM

What Deckman said. I demoed a house a few years back and it required a lot of grasping and tearing and I developed trigger finger in the middle finger of both hands. Cortisone injections and not doing that type of work anymore cleared things up. And yeah, going to a hand doctor is a good idea. vl

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: GUEST,Larkin
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 04:44 AM

I had trigger finger last yeAr in the little finger of my left hand and eventually had a steroid injection and also a 3 week holidY so no playing - I think the problem was plAying my cittern and the extra pressure with10'strings. It sorted
It out for a year but the problem returned with tendonitus in the same finger , with the knuckle Of that finger being inflamed and very sore.
I've been using hot And cold plussome ointment but no change so I've just had another injection . Fingers crossed ........
Martin

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 04:10 AM

Ice and stretching is very good. No! Ice is beautiful as is my TENS machine. I keep a buckwheat filled microwaveable neck pillow in my freezer. Wrap it around any RA affected joint, then stretch. Works wonders.

I have RA in my left wrist and now spreading to both hands, which sometimes makes to curl into claws, especially while I sleep. Takes some time to straighten them out.

I wouldn't do the injections unless you get someone who knows what they are doing. 2 years ago a rheumatologist (the bastard) did a cortisone jab and a long strenuous massage in my only slightly affected left wrist which put me in weeping pain. I literally had to beg him to stop. I swear toothache was less excruciating than that massage. The ganglion gnode which had been about shriveled pea size went to gooseberry size and stayed for over a year. I am only recently able to play guitar again.

Do the ice and stretch routine. Be dilligent. See if you can try before buying a TENS machine.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: bald headed step child
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 09:51 PM

Fortunato has it right on the stretching, and icing.

To add a little more though, I have the same type of problem from being a truck driver. Long hours gripping the steering wheel,600-800 miles a day.

The stretching should include the forearm up to the elbow, as that is where the ligaments from your fingers connect.

Icing the area on the top side of the forearm,(the hairy side), just below the elbow can help.

You may need some help in massaging that area, and the hand, as it is difficult to get the right angles and pressure yourself. I have my chiropractor work on it every couple of visits, and have gone from a non-functioning index finger to no problems with it at all.

One concern with the cortisone shots, other than the indescribable pain, is that each shot destroys about a third of the cartilage in that joint.(Ever meet a football player with bone on bone knee joint?, it's the cortisone).

I also urge you to try everything else before surgery. I like to keep all the inside stuff inside if at all possible, plus scar tissue can be a real bitch.

A good chiropractor or massage therapist can probably do wonders for you, but each case is different.

Hope this is helpful.

BHSC

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Fortunato
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 07:55 PM

Roger,

Trigger Finger is an MSD, musculo-skeletal disorder. But think of it as a repetitive motion injury. It is acquired over time by performing a task too frequently, for too long, and possibly a task that requires too much force.

I recommend you ice it for up to 20 minutes, take ibuprophen, and perform a simple, gentle slow stretch: Bend the finger back the other way against your other middle finger.

Now to avoid surgery, and you WANT TO AVOID, it has risks, you must change the activity that is causing it. Otherwise the condition will return, even after surgery, if you keep doing it.

What repetitive motions do you perform with that finger? Do you type on the computer with that finger? Are you finger picking with that finger? Monitor your activities. And stop the activity or change fingers, or take breaks from the activity or brainstorm a new method.

PM me with questions.

chance

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: frogprince
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 07:42 PM

Trigger finger isn't all that rare; I developed it, along with carpal tunnel in one wrist, from just a short time of using a pheumatic chisel at work. I finally required surgery on one wrist and a couple of fingers on that hand. I haven't had any problem to mention since. It was extremely painful when the fingers locked up.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Deckman
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 07:37 PM

Roger ... I've had twice, once in my right thumb, then my left thumb. In each case I had the injections, then later the surgery. Both surgeries were simple ... ten minutes ... and I have full mobility. I was a lifelong carpenter and I still play guitar all the time.

I think you need a "hand specilist". The fingers can be damned tricky. And ... the "injections" are the treatments from hell ... the stuff of horror movies. At best, the relief is brief.

Hope this helps ... hang in there. Bob(deckman)Nelson

oooops ... I almost forgot. Dupuytren's is a totally different event. Any doctor can spot that at 50 feet. THAT surgery is more difficult. I also have it, but I will NOT have that surgery ... way too risky for my guitar playing.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Bruce MacNeill
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 07:14 PM

Well Roger, if it's like tennis elbow it comes from overuse and maybe you shouldn't have warned so many drivers in the past. Let's hope the meds work because those other two options don't sound like much fun. I suppose when you do get the finger straight, you could try playing slide guitar. Take the meds and believe that they'll work.

Good luck.

Subject: RE: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Jack Campin
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 01:12 PM

You might look it up as "Dupuytren's contracture". I think you've got the treatment options about right.

Margaret Thatcher had it. I couldn't help thinking of Dr Strangelove's arm.

Subject: Trigger Finger, a medical problem
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 12:48 PM

I was recently diagnosed with an unusual medical problem. When I awakened in the AM, the middle finger of my right hand was curled in. Sometimes it took some effort to straighten it out. Eventually, during the day, it would straighten and not be a problem. However, it seemed to be getting worse and I went to the MD. It seems the muscle that bends that finger is inflamed and will not slide easily through a "sheath" through which it passes. So the finger once bent, tends to stay bent because the muscle is stuck. Treatment progression is: first, try antiinflamatories to reduce the swelling; second, inject some cortisone into the joint at the base of the finger; third, outpatient surgery to split the "sheath" to free the muscle's passage.

As a guitarist, I have some concern. Anyone have some experience with this condition? I'd like to know. I told the doctor I needed to resolve the issue so I could give a warning sign to drivers who get in my way.

Roger in Baltimore