Trigger Finger/Thumb

Overview

Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger (or thumb) is a painful condition that affects the tendons in the hand. When the finger or thumb is bent towards the palm, the tendon gets stuck and the finger clicks or locks.

Trigger finger can affect one or more fingers. The symptoms can include pain, stiffness, clicking and a small lump of tissue at the base of the affected finger or thumb (known as a nodule).

Tendons are fibrous cords that join bone to muscle. They allow the bone to move when the muscle contracts. In the hand, tendons run down the bones in the fingers and are attached to the muscles in the forearm.

The tendons are held in place by strong bands of tissue, known as ligaments, which are shaped in arches over the tendon. These ligaments form a tunnel on the surface of the bone, which the tendons slide through. This tunnel is known as a tendon sheath.

Symptoms

Trigger finger usually affects your thumb, ring finger or little finger. More than one finger can be affected and the condition may develop on both hands. It is more common in the right hand, possibly because most people are right handed.

Symptoms of trigger finger can include:

Pain at the base of the affected finger or thumb (or both) when you move the finger or thumb, and if you press on the area
A nodule (a small growth or lump of tissue) at the base of the affected finger or thumb
Stiffness or clicking when you move the affected finger or thumb, particularly first thing in the morning

If the condition gets worse, your finger may get stuck in a bent position and then suddenly pop straight. Eventually, it may not fully straighten.

Trigger Finger in Children:

In a very small number of children between the ages of 18 months and three years old, trigger finger can affect the thumb. The main symptom will be an inability to fully straighten the thumb.

Causes

Trigger finger occurs if there is a problem with the tendon or sheath, such as swelling, which means the tendon can no longer slide easily through the sheath. This makes it harder to bend the affected finger or thumb. If the tendon gets caught in the opening of the sheath, the finger can give a painful click, like a trigger being released, as it is straightened.

The cause of trigger finger is not known, but several things may increase the likelihood of it developing. For example, it is more common in:

Women
People who are over 40 years of age
People with certain medical conditions

Conditions that can make trigger finger more likely include conditions that affect the hand, such as Dupuytren’s contracture, although this is rare. They may also include some long-term conditions, such as diabetes. Around 10% of people with diabetes develop trigger finger.

Do

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Diet

It is important to not add further toxicity to your system so try to adhere to the following:

Do not consume any artificial sweeteners, such as Splenda, NutraSweet or Aspartame

Do not consume high fructose corn syrup or mono-sodium glutamate.

Do not drink any carbonated beverages.

Avoid all fast food restaurants.

Avoid all canned food.

Eliminate conventional dairy products. The best dairy products are raw, unpasteurised and homogenised dairy from grass fed cows. If this is unavailable, then buy organic dairy.

Avoid conventional beef. The best beef is organic grass fed beef.

www.grasslandbeef.com The second best is organic meat; this includes beef, veal, lamb, chicken and turkey.

Supplements:

Certain supplements may be particularly helpful in treating the symptoms associated with soft tissue problems such as trigger finger. Dietary supplements that quell inflammation and reduce pain may be especially helpful in treating trigger finger. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic doctor and author of “Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth,” reports that yarrow, willow, pulsatilla, passionflower and arnica possess both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Some supplements used in treating trigger finger may require further study using contemporary scientific testing methods.

Highlighted Supplement:

Arnica may be a helpful supplement for treating trigger finger-related symptoms. Arnica, whose flower heads are used in supplements, is a common treatment for musculoskeletal and soft tissue problems. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of “Plant Medicine in Practice,” reports that arnica is a premier supplement for soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains, and that it helps reduce swelling and speeds recovery. Arnica is a member of the sunflower family.

Considerations:

Trigger finger is a bothersome condition, though it is not usually serious. Most people with trigger finger can still perform their usual work and recreational activities without significant difficulty. However, this health problem should always be managed by a qualified health care professional. Avoid self-treating trigger finger using dietary supplements, as some supplements may cause undesired health effects if they are not used properly. Ask your doctor what supplements are best for you and your condition.

Take Vitamin D3 50,000-100,000 International Units a day for periods of 4 weeks at a time.
Wholefood supplements are the best way of ensuring your nutritional needs are met. The best we know on the market is Kevin Trudeau’s “KT Daily” product. You can find more details here.
Take an Omega 3 supplement:

Krill oil –

Fish oil

Cod liver oil

Vegetarian –

Prescription and non-prescription medication:

What non-prescription and prescription drugs are you taking? Your non-prescription and prescription are partially the reason that you have this illness or disease – you need to get off these medications but do so only under the guidance of a licensed health care practitioner.

Mind

We know that when the body is out of balance, energy doesn’t flow, leading blockages and eventually disease. Here are some things you can do to combat stress and restore balance:

Go to a Dr Morter BEST (Bio-Energetic Synchronisation Technique) Practitioner.

Stephen Lewis, founder of the Aim Program. Find out more by clicking here.

. Find out more by clicking here.

Consider using Mary Millers Iching System Products –ichingsystemsinstruments.com

Reiki healing is very powerful in releasing stress and emotional baggage. Find a practitioner here.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) has had remarkable results in dissolving stress. Find a local practitioner here or go towww.thetappingsolution.com or www.tftrx.com