Trigger Finger Syndrome is a devastating disorder affecting millions of people annually. Although Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has been an epidemic in the world of repetitive strain injuries since the 90's, it is being met with fervor by a "new" disorder in the ranks most commonly called Trigger Finger Syndrome, but also known as "Digit Syndrome", "Trigger Thumb" or the more correct medical term, Stenosing Tenosynovitis.
Causes of Trigger Finger:
Trigger Finger, in many cases is caused by
repetitive or forceful flexion of the fingers or thumb, such as occurs with the extensive keyboarding or use of power tools or long hours of grasping a steering
wheel. Another common cause of the injury is a result of direct trauma such as jamming the affected finger or falling onto an outstretched hand, causing microtears in the flexor tendon(s). And still, other contributing factors include medical
conditions that cause changes in the tendon, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
gout or diabetes.
In cases where Trigger finger is a result of repetitive overuse or direct trauma, the microtears in the tendon attempt to heal with the production of scar tissue. As the finger is used over and over, the tendon tries to produce more scar tissue in the exact area of injury, which then produces a nodule or adhesion. This nodule / adhesion becomes too large to fit through the pulley system of the finger joints, resulting in the tendon "catching", producing the symptoms of Trigger Finger. As the tendon becomes caught over and over as it attempts to slide through an area that it can no longer effectively fit, the tendon becomes thicker and thicker due to the constant irritation, with the end result being total dysfunction of the affected finger and severe pain.
Cortisone Injections and Surgery:
It is very important to always try conservative therapy before attempting an invasive procedure like cortisone injections and especially Trigger finger or Trigger Thumb surgery. So many people want a "quick-fix", but there is rarely anything in life that, if easy, is really worth much or long-lasting.
Cortisone injections cause the tendons to disintigegrate tover time and the "cutting" involved with surgery only irritates the surrounding tissues and often causes an increase in scarring, thus resulting in an even smaller space for the nodule / adhesion to pass through...so you're back to square one.
Corrective Stretches and Exercises:
Simple stretches and exercises that break down the scar tissue on the flexor tendon(s), which then reduces the catching and irritation to the tendon. Reducing the catching and irritation results in less inflammation and allows the tendon tissue to return to its normal state. As this occurs, the stretches and exercises continue to help thin the tendon, allowing it to glide through the pulley system with ease. These stretches and exercises are simple, but take at least 8-weeks for marked improvement of the condition.
Performing corrective exercises with FLEXTEND® /
RESTORE™ can reduce scar tissue on the tendon as well as
help stretch and thin the tendon, allowing it to move freely through
the pulley system. This training system is very simple
and effective therapy, taking just minutes per day.