Steemit Learning Challenge-S22W3; Trigger Finger

Hello teacher, @ashkhan
It was good studying in your classes for the week. Find my entry as a representation of knowledge gained after the classes. I hope they are a true reflection of your expectations.

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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 is a condition that affects our fingers, a part of the body that allows us to grip and perform different ranges of motions while performing tasks. This happens by affecting the tendons within the finger region, causing varying degrees of discomfort.

We have tendons in this region that allow us to bend and twist our fingers as we perform tasks, and when they are affected by way of inflammation, it causes discomfort within the affected area. Due to the nature of these tendons, when they are swollen, they are likely to be locked or stiffened within themselves.

In this entire scenario of locking and stiffness, the victim suffers pain. The discomforting thing here is that the victim may find it difficult to stretch this finger if it is bent, and when it is bent, the victim finds it difficult to stretch it. It all depends on the nature of the damage observed.

Causes:

Trigger fingers can occur in any of the five fingers without any exceptions of occurrence. This condition happens to people whose daily activities entail they grip repetitively daily. Tilers, painters, carpenters, etc, are likely affected by this.

We also find situations where trauma and other form of accidents or injuries cause this condition. These tendons are not as strong as our bones and, hence, could easily get inflamed when exposed to any form of trauma.

Medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are also possible causes of trigger fingers. These underlying ailments are likely to weaken the tendons at intervals which hence causes trigger fingers.

Symptoms:

One of the first symptoms of Trigger Finger is pains and inflammation around finger regions. This pain is persistent when we want to perform movements and other tasks with the fingers. Usually, when there is inflammation, we may find reddishness of the area and swelling.

Presence of clicking and locking sensations each time the finger is put to use. The presence of sensation differentiates some cases where we observe clicking sounds on some individual's fingers without sensations.

Difficulty applying the full range of motion while using fingers. This is a result of stiffness and locking conditions with commensurate pains. A situation where the fingers can't be fully strengthened or bent for gripping, as the case may be.

Not when still in its early stage, we observe mild.pains.and inflammation, and probably with the presence of a clicking sound. But when chronic, we observe severe pain and locking sensations. At this chronic stage, we both experienced clicking and locking sensations with more pain.

How would you diagnose a trigger finger? Any clinical investigation or assessment tests?

Diagnosing Trigger Fingers

Though History Taking:

We must take into cognizance the type of activities this patient indulges. Activities that predispose him to repetitive use of his arm (fingers) are likely to make him susceptible to this condition.

It is also advisable to enquire about the patient's medical status to ascertain if there is a presence of any underlying condition. Underlying medical conditions like diabetes and arthritis are possible causes of trigger fingers.

We can also go extra by asking the patient if he has pains with those finger regions. He is in the best position to say what exactly is going on through this session.

Through Physical Examination:

By conducting a physical examination of the area, we tend to have first-hand information on this condition. By doing so, we try to observe if the area is inflamed or swollen or if there is a presence of skin tenderness.

At this point, the patient may be asked to stretch and strengthen fingers at different intervals. This is to help ascertain the range of motion covered while carrying out this task. Possibly, this would also dictate the presence of pains and difficulty carrying out the tasks.

Through Imaging Tests:

This is where we adopt more advanced testing to ascertain trigger finger symptoms. In this case, the use of X-ray, Ultrasound, and MRI are adopted for this purpose and the essence of the ability to observe possible tendon damage within the finger region. These are clearer methods to quickly ascertain damages within these areas.

Through Special Tests:

Trigger Finger condition could be passed through some special testing to ascertain the condition and level of symptoms inherent in the patient.

We have the Trigger Finger test, which helps to evaluate patients' ability to grip any close object. This is observed to evaluate the possibility of discomfort and difficulty while carrying out the tasks.

Just like thought in the class, we have other special testing procedures for Trigger Finger and they all serve their purposes.

Through Physical Interventions:

I believe before delving into this stage, we must ascertain the condition through all the other listed diagnostic procedures. The physical interventions help provide therapy for days and weeks for purposes of regaining the supposed and ideal range of motion and stiffness-free condition.

We have various physical interventions available for this purpose. We have the "Finger Extensor Strengthening," "Trigger Finger Stretch," "Tendon Glides," etc. These are all practical physical interventions that help remedy the condition, and this may take days or weeks.

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.

Finger Extensor Strengthening:

I will be using a rubber band for this test while it is placed on the finger tips. This help to create some form of finger strengthening among all the five fingers. The in and out movement help in releasing stiffness.