Trigger Finger Physiotherapy Treatment

Both are stenosing tenovaginitis in which sheath of flexor tendon thickness, apparently spontaneously so as to entrap the tendon causes Exact cause is not known de Quervains disease is commonly seen in women due to repeated overuse of wrist. Trigger finger is common in conditions in like rheumatoid arthritis.

Trigger Finger Clinical Features

  1. De Quervains – The common sheaths of abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendon at wrist are involved. Tenderness can be elicited by ulnar deviation of flexed hand.
  2. Trigger Finger – Occurs at retinaculae of flexor tendons of the fingers and thumb in the palm. The flexor muscles are sufficiently strong to continue forcing the tendon through diminished gap in the flexor retinaculum.
  3. The flexor tendon as a consequence gradually develops nodule to it. Finally flexor muscle may force the bulge through retinaculum but the extensor muscles may insufficiently powerful to extend the finger thereafter. Now finger snaps as it passes through constriction and finally locks in flexion from which attempts to passively extend the finger is painful. Commonly found in women. Congenitally seen in 25% of cases and may be present as late as 2 years of age.

 

Trigger Finger Physiotherapy Measures

  • Cryotherapy during acute phase.
  • Thermotherapy, TENS, Ultrasound, SWD
  • Splinting of wrist in functional positions.
  • Active and passive exercises to the wrist and fingers involved.