Steemit Learning Challenge-S22W3; Trigger Finger"
AssalamuAlaikum & Greetings Everyone!
AssalamuAlaikum & Greetings Everyone!
It's me @amjadsharif
From #pakistan
From #pakistan
Q.1 - What's trigger finger? Write in your own words after getting knowledge from the lesson post. (Note: don't add special tests or investigations and detailed treatment in this question. Write the answer precisely).
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is a condition whereby a finger or a thumb forms a contracture with the palm, and then forcibly extends itself as when pulling the trigger of a gun. This occur due to the inflammation or enlargement of the tendon that is within the finger and results in abrasive movements along the sheath it is contained in.
Causes
There are several reasons why trigger finger might occur:
- Repetitive Hand Use: Any motion or work involving gripping or holding objects firmly for long hours more than other work may exert a lot of pressure to the tendons.
- Health Issues: That is why it is also common among patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.
- Age and Gender: It affects the persons aged 40–60 years and is more frequent in women.
Symptoms
Symptoms range from simple pain to complete stiffness of the finger. These include:
- Pain or Tenderness: Mostly at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
- Catching or Clicking: A feeling of stiffness and if the finger is moved, it produces a clicking sound.
- Small Lump: A small swelling may appear where the tendon changed its location or when a tendon was inflamed.
- Locked Finger: As a result, in extreme cases, the finger does not straighten on its own, and someone has to help in the process.
Categories of trigger finger
Trigger finger progresses in stages:
- Stage 1 (Mild): There is minor pain and slight tightness up to stiffness but no finger locking.
- Stage 2 (Moderate): Episodic locking or catching where symptoms clear on their own.
- Stage 3 (Severe): There is often necessity for locking which can be accomplished only with force applied to the free end of the straightened native limb.Those are all considered as indicative of pulley dysfunction.
- Stage 4 (Advanced): The finger stays locked and aches, restricting its function on the hand.
Diagnosis
It often takes an examination of the hand, along with a discussion of the symptoms, to diagnose trigger finger. They may push on the base of the finger to check whether it is swollen or there is a mass. The condition can be confirmed by observing the way in which the finger moves.
Trigger finger affects the use of the hand and can get worst if not treated early. They should therefore seek medical advice if symptoms show any signs.
Q.2 - How would you diagnose a trigger finger? Any clinical investigation or assessment tests?
Diagnosing Trigger Finger: Several physical assessments Rating scale/Frms score Neurological and General examination Cognitive and Mental Status Examination Blood investigations and ECG
Trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis is a pathology causing pain, stiffness or inability to straighten the involved finger. The evaluation of this condition requires a clinical evaluation, history, and a physical examination, and occasionally imaging modalities. Below is a detailed approach to diagnosing trigger finger:
1. Medical History
The first assessment to be made concerning trigger finger is to take history of the patient. Patients are asked about:
- The time of onset, the long duration and the severity of symptoms.
- Tasks or operations that require the use of one’s hands and fingers in several successive cycles.
- You have a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or gout all of which increase your likelihood of developing trigger finger.
- If in any one of the previous history the hand has been involved in any trauma or injury.
It also aids in establishing an understanding of cause or risk factors which may be related to the condition.
2. Physical Examination
It is also important then to strictly examine the finger and the extremity involved by palpation, range of motion, and other clinical tests. The physician typically checks for:
a. Finger Locking or Catching
The classic sign of trigger finger is the minimum snapping or locking of the affected finger each time one tries to move it from being straight to being bent or when the opposite is attempted. It may be felt or observed at this time example this can be felt or observed during the exam.
b. Softening or Node Development
A hard swelling at the proximal palmaraspect of the affected finger is a typical characteristic. This nodule means swelling or thickening of tendon sheath.
c. Range of Motion
The doctor examines the ease with which the patient could move the affected finger as a way of checking stiffness.
d. Pain
It is usually localized over the nodule and the pain increases with movements of the fingers of the affected hand.
3. Clinical Tests and Maneuvers
To confirm the diagnosis, the physician may perform specific tests:
a. Triggering Test
The patient is requested to open and close his or her hand. If the finger sticks or becomes locked then one understands that there is a triggering mechanism within the tendon sheath.
b. Palpation Test
Palpation is done on the volar aspect of the initial phalanx of the affected finger to feel for tract prominence, oedema or a nodule when light pressure is applied on the base of the finger.
4. Imaging Techniques
While trigger finger is primarily a clinical diagnosis, imaging may be used in uncertain cases or for ruling out other conditions:
a. Ultrasound
By use of an ultrasound, the examiner is able to observe the tendon or the sheath that has been thickened or narrowed. Recommend Lately, it has been useful in sensing any relating inflammation.
b. X-rays
Although routine X-rays are rarely necessary for patients with trigger finger, they may be prescribed to exclude other bone and joint disease such as arthritis or fracture.
5. Differential Diagnosis
During the diagnostic process, the physician may consider and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as:
- Dupuytren’s Contracture: Impairs functional activity of fingers with a permanent bending because of the thickened fascia.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Being linked with expansive joint pain and swelling especially in fingers.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Might be associated with pain and stiffness at the fingers but mostly a nerve compression.
Trigger finger diagnosis is essentially clinical and by examination. Sometimes additional imaging such as ultrasound may be done in special circumstances most especially in airplanes. Treatment of the condition in the early stage means that there will be no worsening of the symptoms and the hands will work effectively.
In addition, trigger finger if not treated may lead to a stiffer finger and thereby result to functional disability. Consequently, going for treatment as soon as possible when experiencing ANY form of the sign is crucial.
Q.3 - Try to practice at least 3 exercises that you have learned from the lesson. Share images, gifs or videos while practicing preferably gifs or videos.
Isometric Strengthening of Finger Extensors, Trigger Finger Release and Massages of the Flexor Tendons on the Back of the Hand
Today, I decided to focus on improving the strength and flexibility of my fingers by practicing three exercises: Flexor Pak, Stretch Trigger Finger and Massaging of Finger Joints. These exercises are very useful in improving the functionality of hands and such as reducing stiffness or pain on the fingers. In the rest part of this paper, I will discuss my experience on each of the exercise as mentioned below.
1. Finger Extensor Strengthening
This exercise aims at strengthening the extensor muscles of the fingers which are so important in the process of the fingers flexion and extension.
- Steps I Followed:
For the fingers, including the thumb, I wrapped a rubber band around them.
Slowly, I pulled the rubber band further afield by unfisting my fingers and extending them.
After holding the position for a few seconds I slowly lowered my hands back to the position they were in before performing the kicking action. - Practice Experience:
I repeated the exercise with my right hand, then the left, and repeated this three times; doing 10 repetitions for each hand. At first the response was slightly-folded, but when I tried stretching it I was able to do so after several attempts. This one was a good one that I could sense the muscles working as I went through it.
2. Trigger Finger Stretch
The exercise intended to enhance finger flexibility and ease the tightness that is normally accompanied by the trigger finger.
- Steps I Followed:
I bent my affected finger straight and with my other hand, I tried to bend it towards the palm.
I held this position for about 15 seconds and then released. - Practice Experience:
Now this stretch was easy and nice. I paid attention to avoiding pressuring the muscles too hard and to the gradual character of the stretching. It meant relief right then, and the stiffness that was once experienced in my fingers disappeared.
3. Massage of Finger Joints
Oiling and exercising finger joint enables the increase in blood flow around the area as well as the reduction in stiffness/ inflammation.
- Steps I Followed:
I joined the two sides so that they could be of equal width then to minimize the friction which I came up with the idea of rubbing some oil on my fingers.
With my thumb and index finger I then bent and rolled each of them in clockwise and anticlockwise manner for as long as one to two minutes.
I did this for all the fingers on both my hands. - Practice Experience:
The massage given to me was good and such refreshing one. The finger joint flexors became more flexible and the heated affect on my hands after the massaging was very refreshing.
Some musings & conclusions relative to the Exercises
Performing these exercises was interesting. This was proved as each particular exercise fortified the other one, created distinctive action on finger flexibility and muscle solidity. The Finger Extensor Strengthening built up the muscles needed to better resist movements, the Trigger Finger Stretch increased the flexibility of the fingers, and the Massage of Finger Joints was a way to relax the joints and get the blood circulating properly.
Visual Practice (Optional Addition)
As such, I suggest making a practice of using GIFs or videos while undertaking these practices. These visuals can help light up other people’s worlds who also may find value in structuring their day this way. But make it a point to use the correct form and seek guidance from a specialist if you are working with really problematic fingers.
Altogether it may be stated that these quite uncomplicated exercises are perfect to have fingers well-groomed and hands the more effective.
Q.4 - Share your review after performing these exercises either on yourself, healthy individual or patient.
Finger Extensor Strengthening: The Trigger Finger Stretch: The Finger Joint Massage
When I used Finger Extensor Strengthening, performing Trigger Finger Stretch and applying Finger Joint Massage its positive impacts were the flexibility and strength of the finger muscles. These exercises were tested on myself and to a patient who alleged stiffness and pain in fingers.
Finger Extensor Strengthening
This exercise is very good for finger and palm muscles. One is acquiring a rubber band or light resistance to help in the opening and closing of fingers. I also decided to test it myself, the first few days I experienced mild tiredness in my fingers, but by the subsequent days there was an improvement in the muscle strength. In this exercise, the patient who was having a hard time performing his/her daily activities greatly benefited. In two weeks, the subjects expressed increased strength on their grip as well as enhanced ability to perform tasks.
Trigger Finger Stretch
Trigger finger then leads to stiffness or locking of the fingers and stretching exercise is ideal for enhancing flexibility and lessening the stiffness. Gently pulled my fingers and kept them up to the count of seven. At first, the patient felt a small most not very, but later it went away. From this form of exercise, one of the most important improvements noted was that the finger movements come to be less jerky and painful as time goes on.
Finger Joint Massage
Massage of the joints or knuckles in fingers can be extremely helpful for increasing the rate of blood flow into the finger joints and decreasing the stiffness of the joints. For myself, wearing it also acted as an instant fix – not only was it incredibly comfortable to wear but I could also see how my fingers had much more mobility than before. To the patient, I applied a slight pressure on the joints of the fingers to perform the massages. They were also able to testify to receiving less joint stiffness and pain after just a few sessions in. Bringing nice feelings to a special area of the body for future reference I found this exercise not only soothing but effective for joint health in the long run.
Overall Experience
The general outcome of these exercises was quite impressive. They are quick, easy, and can be done with no or little equipment at all. In my practice, they helped greatly in increasing the strength and pliability of fingers, and easing the pain. The patient also experienced increased mobility and grip strength in their day-to-day activities, they said, after including these exercises in their daily practice.
Thus, these exercises are warmly encouraged for the people who experience finger stiffness, pain, or muscle weakness. In this case, it is probable to build long-term changes for improving fingers’ health and increase their motility.
Invitation:> @josepha, @suboohi, @simonnwigwe
Thank You Teacher @ashkhan for this wonderful Trigger Finger Lecture.
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Thank you for understanding the lesson and sharing your assignment; I hope that you will enjoy this week's lesson and try to implement it in your life if you see any such case.
Observations
Task 1 (2.8/3)
You have shared a great knowledge about trigger finger, its symptoms, causes and it's stages but didn't add the name of stages that are written in the lesson post. I appreciate your effort.
Task 2 (2.7/3)
In the second question, you tell us about how you have to assess a patient by doing physical examination, history taking, special tests and investigations. It would be better to add NCS to assess the nerve involvement. Secondly in such diseases there is no need for ECG, it's related heart conditions carefully add such things in the post. Great.
Task 3 (4/4)
You try the trigger finger stretch, finger joint massage, finger extensor strengthening. You did the finger joint massage stretches, finger extensor strengthening and trigger finger stretch correctly. Always remember to apply heat pack in chronic condition and ice pack in acute condition before performing exercises to relax the muscles and reduce stiffness. I appreciate your efforts.
Overall you made a great attempt to answer all the questions. I appreciate your efforts. But next time try to avoid the above written suggestions. Keep learning and try to implement your knowledge to the people suffering from trigger finger or any type of finger issue. Thank you.
Thank you for your review and suggestions.