{"id":5249,"date":"2019-03-20T05:24:38","date_gmt":"2019-03-20T05:24:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5249"},"modified":"2021-03-29T20:19:00","modified_gmt":"2021-03-29T20:19:00","slug":"10-tips-for-trigger-finger-release","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/10-tips-for-trigger-finger-release\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips for Trigger Finger Release"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Trigger finger is one of those painful conditions that can be very unpleasant for the sufferer\u2026 but also occasionally quite amusing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While we wouldn\u2019t like to admit it, not being able to put down a mug or a toothbrush, or finding that you\u2019re still holding <\/em>your sock from this morning, can occasionally be smirk inducing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But while it might be momentarily amusing, that, unfortunately, doesn\u2019t change the fact that it is also very inconvenient and uncomfortable. And the worst bit? Sometimes you can\u2019t release <\/em>the finger. This then means you\u2019re stuck with it in the locked position, and potentially it will be quite painful to release it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eventually, you might risk the trigger finger being stuck for a very extended period of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we\u2019re going to look at 8 ways to release the finger without causing pain, and without exacerbating the condition in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Gently Push<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first thing to try should always be the most obvious and straightforward option. In this case, that simply means applying a little gentle and even pressure <\/a>to the finger in an attempt to straighten it out. You should find that the finger gradually moves in the direction you push it until it becomes completely straight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you meet a lot of resistance, then simply wait and then gently try again. You can, of course, push through the resistance, but this is what can sometimes cause that suddenly moved and accompanying the pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another tip is to try moving and rotating the finger and to try lightly \u2018shaking\u2019 it around in order to get it to unstick. This can help to loosen it up so that when you return to the pushing movement, you\u2019ll experience less resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Move the Other Way<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Trigger finger occurs because the tendon has become stuck inside the tendon sheath. This is often due to swelling<\/a>, and can also be a result of bunched \u2018nodes\u2019 that stick inside the sheath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you keep pushing, then you will be trying to push something large through a gap that is too small and it can become stuck. Often then, bending the finger back the other way <\/em>can be easier as a result. When you do this, you will allow the blockage to become unstuck without fighting against the movement, and this will then allow you to resume pushing more gently in order to move the finger through the full range of motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moving the fingers around gently (without causing discomfort) can also be a good way to slowly improve the flexibility and control of the fingers. Popular exercises for trigger finger include finger abduction and a number of different finger stretches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Relax<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, simply relaxing can help you to release the trigger finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for this is that it will relax the muscles around the area. The muscles are of course what control the tendons<\/a>, and so if the tendons are stuck, this might well mean that the muscles have become tight and stiff. Simply by relaxing the muscle then, you might allow the tendon to become unstuck <\/em>so that you can then push again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember as well that the muscles surrounding the area can further compress the tendon sheath and make it harder to move the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, keep in mind that as we become more stressed and agitated, we actually increase inflammation and <\/em>our sensitivity to pain. Therefore, the more we fight to move the finger and the more wound up we become doing so, the more likely it is that the finger will simply refuse to budget!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, simply forgetting about the finger (when possible) will sometimes be enough to allow it to regain normal function with time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Massage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Massaging <\/a>the area can also be an effective method of helping to move the finger. By massaging at the base of the trigger finger, you can help to ease the muscles and further relax the area to allow easier movement. At the same time though, massage can help to encourage blood flow to the region, which can help to repair normal function over time and can encourage the swelling to go down more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massaging also helps to reduce pain and can be very comforting if you are experiencing pain at the base of the finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to imagine the analogy of one straw stuck inside another. After pushing stopped working, you might very well try to massage the area to ease it out and to expand the outer straw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another tip to try is to use massage oils \u2013 especially those that are anti-inflammatory \u2013 and to potentially take a warm bath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Ice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember that the lack of movement is caused by inflammation of the tendons that control the fingers. Inflammation <\/a>is in turn often caused by an injury or similar, but if you try icing the area, then you can reduce the swelling and allow it to go back down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t hold the ice pack directly on the area, but instead use something in-between to prevent tissue damage to the skin. Likewise, don\u2019t use a cold compress for more than ten minutes at a time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also find that the cold against the area is numbing and can be helpful for treating the pain and discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Rest<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In fact, you can try treating the trigger finger like any other injury<\/a>: by using the \u2018RICE\u2019 method: Rest Ice Compression Elevation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often the worst thing you can do for the trigger finger is to keep using it, which will only exacerbate the swelling and the discomfort. If you are a typist or you go to the gym, then these are activities that you should try to stop right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather, simply let the finger relax and try to avoid using it for anything too involved for a while. You should find this helps the pain to subside and also encourages the finger to gradually regain normal movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Analgesics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Analgesics <\/a>\u2013 or pain killers \u2013 can also be useful for treating trigger finger and improving range of motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is partly true simply because they help to combat the discomfort. One of the reasons we find it harder to move our fingers when they \u2018catch\u2019 is because it becomes painful. A little bit of help from a painkiller then could be just what you need to push through and to get the finger moving normally again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to that though, some analgesics (such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen) also act as blood thinners. These thin out the blood and that makes them very useful for reducing inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you visit a doctor, one thing that they might recommend is a steroid injection directly into the tendon. This will reduce inflammation and cause the area to reduce in size, allowing the tendon to move normally. Using an Aspirin is second to that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

8. Surgery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have tried all the above things and find it\u2019s still hard to release your finger, or if you find that it is catching more regularly and is becoming more painful, then you might need to speak to your doctor about the option of surgery<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several surgical options that might be helpful for your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Percutaneous release means that the doctor will numb the palm of your hand, before inserting a small needle into the affected tendon\/area surrounding it. They\u2019ll then work the needle to effectively release it and allow it to move smoothly. This can normally be done right in the consultant\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that\u2019s not enough to solve the problem, then you might require surgery. Here, a small incision will be made at the base of the finger and the sheath will be opened up. This will normally occur in an operating theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These treatments might sound a little unpleasant, but in fact, they are relatively quick, and recovery is normally speedy too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, it\u2019s much better if you can treat the condition yourself without <\/em>surgery, so try the other option on this list first before you go ahead and ask for surgery. With any luck, you\u2019ll have your finger free and moving in no time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Finger Abduction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s vital to include stretching your fingers in your daily routine to help improve mobility in the affected finger and prevent the onset of trigger finger in other digits. We put together the list of following stretches <\/a>to help you keep your hands supple and robust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first stretch is the finger abduction, helping you to keep the range of motion in the bottom joint of the fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by moving your affected finger as far apart from the nearest healthy finger as possible, forming a “v” position. Using the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand, push these two digits against the other two fingers. Press the fingers to move them closer together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Repeat one set of five repetitions three times throughout the day. You should notice that your affected finger releases during the stretch, and does not show problems of curling for a few minutes after the exercise.
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10. Stretching the Finger Extensor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stretching the finger extensor helps you with lifting your fingers from a flat surface, ensuring you maintain the full range of motion in the affected finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start the exercise<\/a> by laying your palm flat on a table or firm surface. Press the palm down into the table to ensure the skin is touching the surface and all of the ligaments in the hand settle. Starting with the affected finger or fingers, grasp them by the tip with your opposite hand, and then pull the finger up toward the ceiling. Hold the stretch for three seconds and then release slowly, without snapping the finger back to the resting position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Repeat this stretch with all of the other fingers to keep them healthy and avoid the onset of the trigger finger in the healthy digits of the affected hand. Complete five repetitions in each finger, and repeat the exercise three times a day.
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11. Spreaders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Add spreaders into your finger stretching routine to improve the strength of your digits. Patients with trigger fingers often experience their finger locking in a bent position. By using this exercise every day, you strengthen the ligaments <\/a>responsible for straightening the finger, helping you manage the degenerating effect of the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by sourcing an ordinary elastic band that you might find lying around the office. Slip the elastic band around the tips of your fingers, about a third of the way down the digits. Expand your fingers against the tension of the elastic band, and hold them in the open position for 5-seconds before slowly releasing back to the starting point.
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It’s essential that you start slow with your stretching, and stop if your finger feels sore or tired \u2014 repeat five sets of 10-repetitions, three times a day for best results. As you build resilience and strength in your fingers, add another elastic band to increase the tension.
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12. Towel Grips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This exercise is excellent for building strength back into your hands. Many people with trigger finger experience a loss in the power of the tendons in your hand, resulting in a weak grip. Patients with trigger fingers may find that they suddenly lose strength in the affected digit or digits, dropping whatever they are holding at the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Towel grips help to strengthen the tendons in the palms, as well as the wrist and forearm. They are also an excellent exercise for anyone that’s suffering from the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lay your forearm flat on a table and roll up a towel. Grab the towel with your affected hand and scrunch the towel up as much as possible, trying to work your fingers at every joint. You may find it uncomfortable on the first few attempts, but as your hands gain their strength back, you’ll notice the sensations of discomfort dissipate. Repeat the exercise <\/a>once a day for 2-minutes.
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13. Palm Presses and Tendon Gilders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These last two exercises work well as a superset to help with the release of your trigger finger or fingers. Go online and purchase a soft stress <\/a>ball from an e-commerce retailer. Place the ball in the palm of your hand and squeeze as tightly as you can, without causing pain in the affected finger. Release the ball slowly, and then press again. Repeat for three sets of 10-repetitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With tendon gliders, spread the fingers as wide as you can, and then flex them inward to touch the center of your palm. Release, stretch them to the open position again, and then close your fingers, trying to reach the bottom of your palm. Repeat these stretches for three sets of 10-repetitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both of these exercises help to improve the range of motion in your fingers, providing your trigger finger with the exercise it needs to avoid further progression of the condition in the affected digits.
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14. Epsom Salt Soak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After your stretching exercises, your hands may be feeling stiff in the evening, and the affected finger may present some mild pain symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it’s crucial to assist your hands in their recovery before you start your exercises the following day. Pour some hot water into a large bowl and add half a cup of Epsom salts. Stir the Epsom salts until they dissolve, and then soak the affected hand in the water for 20-minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Epsom salts<\/a> are high in magnesium, an essential mineral that assists with muscular and tendon recovery from an exercise-induced stimulus. Repeat this treatment every night until your hand no longer feel stiff and sore after your stretches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The magnesium in the Epsom salts absorbs through the skin into the bloodstream and tissues in the hands. As a result, your affected finger may experience immediate relief from any signs of inflammation that occur throughout the day.
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