If your finger has been sticking in one spot or clicking when you try to push it forward, you might have trigger finger. This is a common problem with many mothers, especially those who repeat hand movements with their day-to-day activities. Trigger finger treatment will enable you to become comfortable once again and continue taking care of your family.
What Is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger is when the tendon on your finger swells or becomes inflamed. Think of tendons as thick cords that allow your fingers to move. When tendons become swollen, they cannot glide smoothly through the narrow tube they normally pass through, causing your finger to catch or lock up. The condition usually occurs on the thumb, middle finger, or ring finger.
Common Factors for Mothers
Some of the routine daily activities mothers engage in can be the cause of inducing finger, such as repetitive gripping tasks like stroller pushing, the carrying of car seats, opening jars, or even the use of smartphones. Fluctuations in hormone levels during pregnancy or breastfeeding also increase your risk.
Non-Surgical Treatment of Trigger Finger
Most trigger finger treatment starts with conservative methods, which you can usually handle at home or with minimal medical care.
Rest and Activity Modification: The initial treatment for trigger finger is to minimize activities that aggravate your symptoms. Steer clear of repetitive gripping and allow your affected finger to recover.
Stretching Exercises: Mild finger stretches help ease stiffness and increase flexibility. Slowly bend and extend your involved finger a few times a day, but do not do it if it hurts a lot.
Ice Therapy: Using ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day can minimize swelling and inflammation. Place ice in a thin towel to cushion your skin.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can be used to decrease swelling and alleviate pain as part of your treatment regimen for trigger finger.
Splinting: Wearing a splint at night keeps your finger in a straight position, allowing the inflamed tendon to rest and heal. Your doctor can recommend the right type of splint for your needs.
When Professional Treatment Is Required
If not relieved by home remedies in a few weeks, professional treatment of trigger finger may be necessary.
Steroid Injections: A doctor will inject anti-inflammatory medication into the area. This trigger finger treatment is normally highly effective and alleviates symptoms for many months.
Physical Therapy: You might be taught some exercises and procedures by a therapist to make your fingers move more freely and avoid further problems.
Surgical Options
If other trigger finger treatments are unsuccessful for severe cases, a small outpatient procedure may be recommended. The surgery involves opening the narrowed section of the tendon sheath and reestablishing normal finger movement.
Prevention Tips for Busy Moms
To avoid recurring trigger finger, change your positions of hands during repetitive activities, take regular breaks, and utilize ergonomic tools where possible. Use both hands alternately when holding children or heavy loads.
The Bottom Line
Early treatment for trigger finger is most effective, so do not ignore the persistent finger stiffness or clicking. Most mothers can return to their normal activities without chronic finger problems if proper care and the right treatment approach are utilized. Remember, attention to your hand health enables you to better care for the needs of your family.
