Do not take the pain and swelling in fingers lightly, it could be a sign of trigger finger; be careful like this

News Topical, Digital Desk : Tendons (which connect bones to muscles) are considered to be a very important structure for moving the fingers. If the edges of the tendon become swollen and are unable to glide properly, then pain or stiffness is felt when the fingers are bent or rotated and this is called the problem of trigger finger. This problem can occur due to repeated gripping or use of hands. Let us know what it is and how to avoid it.

This is the reason for having trigger finger

When the tendons of the fingers or thumb become swollen, their thickness increases and they are unable to move properly. This causes pain in the fingers or thumb.

Which people are at risk

• People aged 40 or older: People aged 40 or older are at higher risk of developing trigger finger due to wear and tear of the tendons.
• Women: Hormonal factors cause women to have reduced tendon flexibility and an increased risk of developing trigger finger.
• Excessive use of hands: Gripping tools or playing musical instruments puts more stress on the tendons.
• Diseases: Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk of tendon inflammation.
• Previous hand injury: People who have previously had a hand injury may suffer from trigger finger.

these are the symptoms

• Stiffness of the finger: One of the earliest symptoms is stiffness in the finger, especially in the morning. The finger affected by trigger finger may feel tight or have difficulty moving.
• Cracking sound: In case the problem of trigger finger increases, a cracking sound may be heard when the finger is moved. Sometimes it feels like the finger is not able to bend properly.
• Pain or swelling: Pain may be felt at the base of the finger or thumb. In such a situation, lifting things or using the hand may be painful.
• Fingers should move only up to a certain distance: The finger affected by trigger finger can move only up to a limited distance. Tasks like writing and typing become extremely difficult and painful.
• The finger remains bent: When the problem becomes severe, the finger gets locked in the bent position, which becomes difficult to straighten.

Protect yourself from trigger finger in this way

While it's hard to avoid getting trigger finger every time, here are some ways you can reduce the risk:

• Avoid putting pressure on your hands repeatedly- Avoid doing activities that require you to hold something repeatedly. Do not try to move your hands forcefully.
• Give breaks to your hands: If your job or hobby involves a lot of hand work, do not forget to take breaks in between.
• Use ergonomic tools: Use tools that reduce pressure on the hands, this can greatly reduce the risk of trigger finger.
• Stretch and increase hand strength- Regular  hand exercises  make the tendons flexible and increase the strength of the hands.
• Manage your diseases- If  patients suffering from diabetes  or arthritis manage their problems properly then the risk of trigger finger reduces to a great extent.

consult a doctor in such a case

If your finger gets locked in a bent position and the pain is increasing, then in such a situation, definitely consult a doctor.

Read More: Do not take the pain and swelling in fingers lightly, it could be a sign of trigger finger; be careful like this