Trigger Finger Physiotherapy Treatment in Lahore
Trigger Finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition in which one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position and may suddenly snap straight. This can cause pain, stiffness, and a clicking sensation when moving the finger. At Dr. Muhammad Saleem Nawaz’s Physiotherapy Clinic in Lahore, we provide personalized, non-invasive treatments to manage trigger finger effectively.
What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. This limits tendon movement, causing the finger to lock or catch during motion. It is more common in people who perform repetitive gripping actions or have underlying conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
Causes of Trigger Finger
- Repetitive gripping or pinching activities
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes mellitus
- Prolonged use of tools with firm handles
- Gender (more common in women)
- Age (common between 40–60 years)
Signs and Symptoms
- Finger stiffness, especially in the morning
- Clicking or snapping when moving the finger
- Finger locking in a bent position
- Tenderness or a bump (nodule) at the base of the finger
- Pain when bending or straightening the finger
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually clinical and based on symptoms and physical examination. No special imaging is typically required. The physiotherapist or physician will assess range of motion, tendon glide, and palpate for tenderness or nodules.
Differential Diagnosis
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Flexor tendon injury
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Treatment Options
- Rest and activity modification
- Splinting to limit finger movement
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections (in severe cases)
- Surgery (as a last resort for chronic cases)
Physiotherapy Management
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in treating trigger finger conservatively. At our clinic, physiotherapy goals include reducing inflammation, restoring tendon glide, and improving finger strength and flexibility.
Common Physiotherapy Techniques:
- Ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation
- Soft tissue mobilization and massage
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Tendon gliding techniques
- Joint mobilization
- Therapeutic modalities like paraffin wax or hot packs
Precautions
- Avoid repetitive gripping activities
- Use ergonomic tools or padded handles
- Warm up fingers before tasks
- Don't ignore early signs like clicking or stiffness
- Follow your physiotherapist’s exercise plan consistently