Stenosing () Self-care Guide

Introduction Trigger finger can be classified into 4 grades according to the severity level

Grade I Pain/ History of catching Grade II Demonstrate catching, but can actively extend the digit Grade III Demonstrate locking, requiring passive extension Grade IV Fixed flexion

Home care Acute stage (Active ) Trigger finger is known as stenosing Resting pain, warm and tenosynovitis. It occurs when inflammation narrows swelling of the affected finger the space within the sheath that surrounds the are common at the acute stage. in the affected finger due to repeated finger flexors Rest and avoid repetitive fingers motion. Prolonged irritation of the can movement, use of ice pad to produce scarring, thickening and the formation of cover the inflammation site (3 nodules in the tendon that impede the tendon's times per day, lasting 15 min each time) can help to motion and locked the finger in a bent or straight relief the symptoms. position. Trigger finger can affect any finger, Chronic stage: especially the . As the active inflammation subsided, home exercise Cause program can be started according the therapist’s People whose work or instruction: hobbies require prolong and 1. Stretching exercise and massage repetitive gripping actions, Passively pull the finger carrying of heavy objects, into an extended position typing, using computer mouse or phone are at higher to stretch the affected risk of developing trigger finger. The condition is finger flexor. Repeated 10 also more common in people with rheumatoid times each lasting for 10 or metabolic disease such as . sec. Deep friction massage at the nodule site can Sign and Symptom also be applied. 2. Hot pad Early of trigger finger Immersed the into a warm water bath or included finger stiffness or soreness particularly in covered with hot pad (Water temperature <45ºC) the morning or after work, finger catching or locking for 15min in the morning and at night can help to in a bent position which might need another hand to improve the circulation and soften the tight straight the affected finger. muscle tendon.