What is the best way to treat trigger finger? This can be a very painful condition and it is best not to ignore it and hope it will get better. At Blackberry Clinic our physios can give you treatment and advice for your trigger finger and refer you to one of the MSK medicine doctors if necessary. Here are some top tips for helping with your trigger finger!
Trigger finger Do’s and Don’ts
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in the fingers and thumb. It causes pain and stiffness in the affected finger, and in some cases, the finger may lock in a bent position. If you have trigger finger, there are certain do’s and don’ts that can help manage your symptoms and prevent further injury.
Do’s:
1. Rest your affected finger: Resting your finger is essential for reducing inflammation and allowing the tendon to heal. Try to avoid activities that aggravate the condition, such as gripping or grasping.
2. Apply ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain. Wrap a cold pack or a bag of ice in a towel and apply it to your finger for 10-15 minutes at a time.
3. Use a splint: Using a splint can help support your finger and reduce movement, which can be beneficial for reducing pain and inflammation. Your doctor may recommend a specific type of splint for your condition.
4. Perform gentle exercises: Performing gentle exercises can help maintain range of motion and prevent stiffness in your finger. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises that are safe and effective for your condition.
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress, can help promote healing and improve your overall health.
Don’ts:
1. Overuse your finger: Overusing your finger can worsen your symptoms and delay the healing process. Avoid repetitive activities or activities that require a lot of gripping or grasping.
2. Ignore your symptoms: Ignoring your symptoms can lead to further damage to your tendon and worsen your condition. If you experience pain or stiffness in your finger, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
3. Delay treatment: Delaying treatment can lead to long-term damage to your tendon and worsen your symptoms. If you have trigger finger, seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further injury.
4. Perform strenuous activities: Performing strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or intense exercise, can worsen your symptoms and delay your recovery. Avoid these activities until your finger has fully healed.
5. Smoke: Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications. If you smoke, quitting can help promote healing and improve your overall health.
In conclusion, if you have trigger finger, it’s important to take care of your affected finger and follow these do’s and don’ts to manage your symptoms and prevent further injury. Book in at a Blackberry Clinic near you for advice and treatment.
