What is spring finger?
Spring finger is a tendinitis that affects the tendons that flex the fingers. When the tendon sheath becomes inflamed it makes it difficult to extend or flex the affected fingers, which may suddenly lock or trigger.
Prognosis of the disease
In the long term, spontaneous resolution of spring finger is rare. Moreover, if this alteration is not treated it will remain a painful nuisance. If the finger becomes trapped, the patient may suffer permanent stiffness.
Symptoms of spring finger
The symptomatology of spring finger may begin with discomfort at the base of the finger, which may cause inflammation and swelling.
The most common symptoms are:
- A small lump in the palm of the hand, usually at the level of the volar pulley.
- Swelling.
- Pressure or paralysis of the finger joints.
- Pain when performing flexoextension of the finger involved.
People with jobs or activities that involve repetitive flexion and extension of the phalanges are prone.
Medical tests for trigger finger
A diagnosis is usually made based on the patient’s medical history and symptoms. In most cases, a physical examination is performed where the stiffness of the affected fingers and the sensitivity of the fingers are assessed. In some cases, the physician may consider an ultrasound to be necessary to evaluate trigger finger swelling or perform specific tests if he/she thinks it may be related to another pathology.
What are the causes of trigger finger?
There is no clear cause for this injury, although it may be related to rheumatoid arthritis, gout or diabetes. It is also more common in women and people between the ages of 40 and 60.
People with jobs or activities that involve repetitive flexion and extension of the phalanges, over a prolonged period of time, or in the face of intense external pressure are prone to spring finger.
Can it be prevented?
Tendosynovitis is only partially preventable. As a rule, if the cause is an underlying disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) that causes thickening of the tendon sheath of the fingers and leads to the typical jerky finger movements and pain in the affected finger of tendosynovitis, the cause should be treated early so that trigger finger does not develop.
It can also be caused by mechanical overload of the finger tendons. Therefore, inappropriate and excessive movements should be avoided and the muscles and tendons should be strengthened with regular finger exercises.
It is recommended:
- Limit repetitive and forceful activities with the fingers.
- Alternate activities
- Allow rest periods between tasks
- Try to accommodate the environment so as not to overexert movements.
- Exercise the fingers by regular finger and palm exercises.
Treatments for spring finger
Treatment of spring finger consists of eliminating the tendon compression and allowing full movement of the finger without discomfort. The use of a splint or oral anti-inflammatory medications may be chosen. If these treatments do not work, surgery should be chosen.
What specialist treats it?
The traumatologist works in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, one of these pathologies is the spring finger. The purpose of the traumatologist is to surgically and orthopedically treat injuries or fractures of bones, muscles, joints and ligaments.