If you are suffering from persistent or severe trigger finger pain, there are certain steps you can take to help alleviate the discomfort and improve your overall health. Trigger finger is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendons in the finger which can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Here are seven ways to address trigger finger pain when it is severe or persistent:
1. Rest
Resting your finger and avoiding activities that may aggravate the condition are key to alleviating trigger finger pain. If you are experiencing severe or persistent pain, avoiding activities involving repetitive motion and gripping is best.
2. Ice
Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a thin cloth and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this several times a day to help reduce pain and swelling.
3. Splints
Splints can help reduce trigger finger pain when it is severe or persistent. Splints are designed to keep the finger in a slightly flexed position which can help relieve pain. Your doctor may recommend wearing a splint at night to help reduce the pain and improve daily mobility.
4. Stretching
Stretching your fingers and thumb can also help reduce trigger finger pain. Gently stretch the affected finger, holding each stretch for 10-15 seconds before releasing. Repeat this several times daily to help improve the range of motion and reduce pain.
5. Massage
Massaging the affected area can be an effective way to reduce trigger finger pain. Gently massage the affected area with your thumb in a circular motion for 5-10 minutes. This can help reduce stiffness and improve flexibility.
6. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are a type of medication that can reduce inflammation and pain. Your doctor may recommend taking an over-the-counter NSAID such as ibuprofen or naproxen to help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with the trigger finger.
7. Corticosteroid Injections
In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce trigger finger pain. These injections can help reduce inflammation and pain and may help improve the range of motion. However, it is important to note that these injections should only be used as a last resort, as they may have some side effects.
Consult a Hand and Wrist Doctor
If you’ve been experiencing pain in your hands and wrists, it’s important to consult a hand and wrist doctor to ensure you’re receiving the best care possible. Hand and wrist doctors diagnose and treat conditions and injuries related to the hands and wrists, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.
When you visit a hand and wrist doctor, they will typically begin by taking a detailed medical history and conducting a physical examination. They may also use imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to get a better look at the structure and function of your hands and wrists. After the examination, the doctor can diagnose and develop a treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your condition, the doctor may suggest medications, physical therapy, splinting, or even surgery.
Final Thoughts
A trigger finger is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the finger or thumb. To treat it, rest, apply heat or cold, take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, perform exercises, stretch, avoid activities that aggravate the condition, and use splints or braces are recommended. These steps can reduce trigger finger pain and improve one’s quality of life.
The Hand & Wrist Center is a state-of-the-art medical facility led by two experienced and knowledgeable hand and wrist surgeons, Dr. Richard D. Curtis and Dr. Jose Baez. Our goal is to reduce discomfort and ensure our patients have the best experience possible. If you are looking for a hand specialist, make an appointment with us!
