By: Dr. Brandon Stanley PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. DN/SMT
Sometimes in life we can take the ability to perform certain daily tasks for granted, such opening a jar or cooking a delicious meal for our families. As we age there is a common condition that can affect the ability of the hands to function properly. Trigger finger is a common condition that affects the ability to perform tasks due to stiffness or a "catching" sensation within the tendons of the hand.
There are multiple tendons within the hand and fingers which help attach muscles to bones. These tendons are surrounded by protective sheaths which assist the tendon with fluid motion when the fingers are flexed or extended. When the tendon's sheath becomes inflamed, the tendon will not glide properly causing the finger to become stuck in a flexed position leading to inflammation and dysfunction within the hand.
Common symptoms related to trigger finger are stiffness, snapping or clicking sensation when moving the involved finger. Tenderness/ soreness may occur at the base of the involved finger. In some cases, a swollen lump may occur in the palm or at the base of the finger.
Trigger finger can be addressed conservatively with physical therapy to help restore mobility and strength within the involved hand. Splinting of the affected finger may be necessary to improve mechanics of the tendon to allow for return to function. Manual therapy techniques and gentle massaging will help decrease scar tissue, reduce pain and restore the ability to bend the affected finger. Stretching exercises performed regularly will help restore range of motion. Strengthening exercises will improve muscle strength of the intricate small muscles within the affected hand.
At Professional Rehabilitation Services, we treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions using the latest evidence-based therapies provided by highly credentialed physical therapists. Professional Rehabilitation Services has nine convenient locations in Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, Market Common, Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, Little River and Longs.
For further information on this or other related topics you can contact Richard DeFalco, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CWcHP at Professional Rehabilitation Services (Myrtle Beach) (843) 839-1300, Brian P. Kinmartin PT, DPT, MTC, STC, OCS, CWcHP (Pawleys Island) (843) 235-0200, Richard A. Owens, MPT, OCS, Cert. SMT, CWcHP (Surfside) (843) 831-0163, Jill P. Phelan, PT, DPT, Cert. DN (Conway) (843) 773-3031, Lisa O'Brien, PT, DPT, Cert. DN (Murrells Inlet) (843) 314-3224, Brandon Stanley, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. DN/SMT (Little River) (843) 281-4222, Taylor Dawley (Carolina Forest) (843) 282-0440, Zach Daniels PT, DPT (Market Commons) (843) 213-6338, Kayla Carlisle, PT, DPT (Longs) (843) 491-0388 or visit our website at www.prsrehabservices.com where you can learn more about the company and even download a referral form for your physician to fill out. You can also call and schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
