Finger injuries in the tendons and ligaments are common, and can significantly affect daily activities. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, the severity of acute finger injuries is often underestimated, which can result in improper treatment. There are numerous types of tendon- and ligament-related finger injuries, both acute and chronic, that may develop.
Trigger Finger
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, states that a trigger finger results from limited motion in the tendon that opens and closes the finger. A trigger finger is characterized by locking, catching or snapping of the affected finger's flexor tendon when it's flexed or extended, and is commonly associated with dysfunction and pain in the involved finger. A trigger finger is named as such because when the finger unlocks, it snaps back to the bent position suddenly, like the trigger release on a gun. According to the AAOS, the cause of trigger finger is not always apparent, and symptoms usually arise without any injury. Trigger fingers occur more frequently in women than men and in people between the ages of 40 and 60. Trigger fingers are also common in people suffering from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Gamekeeper's Thumb
According to Dr. Michael Carnes, a chiropractic physician and author of the book "Quick Reference Conservative Care Conditions Manual," gamekeeper's thumb involves a sprain of the ulnar or medial collateral ligament of the metacarpal-phalangeal joint of the thumb, and may involve orthopedic subluxation or dislocation. Gamekeeper's thumb is also known as skier's thumb, bull rider's thumb or as an ulnar collateral ligament tear. According to Carnes, gamekeeper's thumb arises when a person experiences significant abduction stress on the thumb, which sprains the ulnar collateral ligament and results in instability, pain and weakness with the pinch grasp. Gamekeeper's thumb--which can occur at any age--is particularly common in the following sports: skiing, football, baseball and bull riding. Any activity in which the thumb may be bent back increases the risk of gamekeeper's thumb.
de Quervain's Tenosynovitis
MayoClinic.com defines de Quervain's tenosynovitis as a painful inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Those with de Quervain's tenosynovitis may experience discomfort every time the wrist is turned, with grasping activities or while making a fist. Carnes notes that common locations for de Quervain's tenosynovitis are the wrist, carpal tunnel, wrist extensor and flexor muscles and the thumb abductor and extensor muscles, and that it's more common in females, middle-aged adults and among workers performing repetitive hand activities. Potential causes of de Quervain's tenosynovitis include overuse, racket sports, prolonged computer use, the presence of an anatomical tendon variation and rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the thumb joints.
One orthopedic test, if positive, that helps rules in a diagnosis of de Quervain's tenosynovitis is Finklestein's test, in which the patient makes a fist with her thumb inside her fingers, and the practitioner bends the wrist away from the thumb side. Reproduction of the patient's pain with this maneuver suggests the presence of de Quervain's tenosynovitis.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Acute Finger Injuries
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Trigger Finger
- Mayo Clinic: De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
- "Quick Reference Conservative Care Conditions Manual"; Michael Carnes, D.C.; 2004
