Overview

What exactly is Trigger Finger? A trigger finger is a common and treatable condition. It can happen in both fingers and thumbs which have tendons that allow them to bend. The flexor tendons that bend the fingers have an outer lining. Tenosynovium is the name given to this lining. A series of thick soft tissue pulleys cover the tendon and lining. The tendon and its lining are designed to move smoothly through the pulleys. Trigger finger happens when the pulley mechanism at the base of the finger thickens and constricts around the tendon making it difficult for the tendon to glide freely through the pulley. As a result of increased resistance to the tendon gliding through the pulley, one may experience pain popping or a catching sensation in the finger or thumb. Whenever the tendon catches inflammation and swelling occur. It may be difficult to straighten or bend the finger if it becomes stuck or locked.

Causes

A trigger finger also known as a trigger thumb or stenosing tenosynovitis can develop due to one of the following causes:                                                                                 

• A tendon expands (it does not fit through the pulley well)                                                  

• The lining thickens ( which does not fit through the pulley well)                       

• The pulley thickens ( causing shrinkage of the opening for the tendon). The finger tendon and pulley system has been thus designed with the precise sizes of each component. Any variation in the size of the finger structures may lead to complications. If the tendon becomes too tight within the pulley the lining becomes compressed and thickens. The larger the lining the more fluid is produced. And as the volume of fluid increases so does the pressure.

Symptoms

Trigger Finger / Trigger Thumb symptoms typically begin with,                                          

• Pain and discomfort at the base of the finger or thumb. 

• Frequently swollen tender area on applying  pressure 

• Presence of a nodule in the swollen area 

• Difficulty in bending and straightening of your fingers or thumb.                                            

• Catching or getting stuck with the movement of your finger or thumb.

Ayurvedic View

Snayu gata vata, kandara gata vata dushti- it's a condition where prakupita (aggravated) vata dosha affects tendon (which connect muscle to bone) resulting in adika shoola (severe pain), aankunchana prasarana kashta chesta (pain and restrictions while extension and flexion or bending movements of the affected part-hand ), along with stiffness, this is stenosing tenosynovitis. Ayurveda way of approach is to bring dosha back to prakruta awastha (balance state), reduce the symptoms, thereby increasing range of movement of the affected area, nourishing the dhatus (strengthen tissue) by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment. 

Ayurvedic Treatments

Churna pinda swedanam   Pinda swedanam   Valuka swedanam   Lepanam   Pichu   Upanaham    Nadi swedanam   Abhyangam

Naturopathy Treatments

Arm and foot bath   Mud therapy   Mageneto therapy   Acupuncture   Manipulative therapy   Diet therapy Clinical yoga     Physiotherapy   Electrotherapy   Exercise therapy   Dorn Therapy