Trigger finger, often experienced by the elderly or by people diagnosed with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, causes the fingers to pop or get stuck when you try to extend them. Diagnosis is often made by a physical examination and manipulation of the finger by your doctor. Exercises and physical therapy treatments for a trigger finger are suggested before more serious treatment options such as surgery are recommended.
Definition
Trigger finger is a bone and joint condition caused by a contraction of the flexor tendons lining the inside of the finger. The flexor tendons are secured to the ligaments and bones of your fingers with sheaths. If your finger flexor tendons become thickened or develop small nodules due to age, wear or tear, you're often unable to extend a finger or a thumb. This causes your finger to bend into a fixed position as you try to extend, much the way you'd hold your finger to pull a trigger, hence its name.
Tendon Exercises
Perform a series of tendon gliding exercises. Start with your fingers extended outward and your thumb pointing away from and perpendicular to the palm. Flex your fingers toward your thumb, as if you're making the shape of a duck's beak. Your finger and thumb should be approximately 1/2 inch apart. From this position, curl your fingers into your palm, placing your thumb along the outside of the index finger. Curl your fingers more and make a fist; this time, curl your thumb over the outside of your knuckles. Slowly open your hand and lift the fingers, knuckles bent, into a upright position, your thumb again extended away from your palm. Repeat the sequence several times.
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Massage or soft tissue mobilization may help reduce the severity of your trigger finger or thumb constriction. Massage manipulates muscle, tendon and ligament tissues and floods the affected area with blood and nutrients. Massage also helps relax tightened muscles, which may facilitate other trigger finger exercises for greater efficacy and benefits, suggests Dr. Nathan Wei. One method of massaging a sore trigger finger is friction massage, which a physical therapist can do or you can do yourself. Stroke the affected finger in a downward motion toward the palm or upward toward the tip of the finger. This may help relieve pain and stiffness caused by nodules and lengthen the finger muscles and tendons.
Palm Presses
Hand and finger exercises that contract and extend the muscles and tendons of the fingers may provide relief and greater range of motion of the finger and thumb. Pick up small items and place them in your palm, squeezing tightly for several seconds. Release, opening your fingers wide, and then repeat as instructed by your physical therapist. Regular exercise and movement may help lengthen the flexor tendons, relieving symptoms of trigger finger.
