Trigger finger, one of the most common diseases among office workers

Today, our world has advanced technology that helps us in many ways, such as using a computer to type instead of taking notes or being able to access news just by looking at the phone screen. But the convenience we receive can lead to various illnesses without our knowing. One of the illnesses that is caused by playing with a mobile phone or sitting in front of a computer screen for a long time is trigger finger.

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath of the finger, causing it to thicken, resulting in the inability to stretch or contract the finger normally. The fingers that are often affected are the thumb, middle finger, ring finger, or any finger, and it can occur on both fingers.

Symptoms of trigger finger

The severity of the disease is divided into 4 levels: 

• Stage 1: Pain at the base of the finger. If you press on the front base of the finger, there will be pain but there is no twitching.

• Stage 2: Stuttering when moving, bending, and straightening the fingers

• Stage 3: When bending the finger, it becomes locked, making it impossible for the patient to straighten the finger by themselves. The patient must use the other hand to unbend it.

• Stage 4: Inflammation and swelling occur. The finger cannot be straightened as before. If the locked finger is released, the pain will increase.

Factors that cause trigger finger

• People who have to type and work on computers for long periods of time, or people who use smartphones for long periods of time. 

• Professionals who require manual labor, such as housewives, electricians, carpenters, office workers, etc. 

• People with chronic diseases related to joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis  and diabetes, etc. 

• People who have to lift heavy objects regularly 

• In addition, pregnant women are also at risk of developing trigger finger because during pregnancy, the mother’s hormones change.

Treatment of trigger finger

• Soak in warm water for about 15 minutes to help relieve symptoms. This method is usually done in the morning or after waking up.

• Steroid injections are a way to reduce inflammation of the tendons, but this treatment is risky because if it is not treated properly, it can cause more damage to the tendons.

• Splinting is a treatment that involves wearing a splint to keep the finger straight, not tense or bent too much while sleeping.

• Surgery If the above treatment methods are not effective, the doctor will perform surgery to treat trigger finger, allowing easier finger movement and reducing pain.

Prevention of trigger finger

• If you need to work for long periods of time, take breaks from using your hands.

• Do not break or snap your fingers, as this may cause more inflammation of the tendons.

• Do not lift heavy objects.

• Avoid hand washing clothes.

• If you have stiff joints or tired hands in the morning, soak your hands in warm water and gently move them in the water.

Finger exercises to prevent trigger finger

• Position 1: Open or ทางเข้า UFABET สำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ สมัครวันนี้ รับโบนัสฟรี stretch your hands as wide as possible and hold for 3 seconds.

• Position 2: Touch the tip of your thumb together with the other fingers one at a time, and make sure the other fingers are straight.

• Position 3: Make a pinching gesture. The tips of all fingers should touch together and try to keep the fingers straight. The wrists should be slightly bent. Then spread the fingers apart as far as possible.

• Position 4: Bend all four fingers towards the base of the thumb and hold it tightly. Then spread them out as far as they can.

• Position 5: Raise your arm to shoulder level. Then use the other hand to push your wrist up and down, with your fingertips straight. Hold for 10 seconds. 

• Pose 6: Use a rubber band to help stretch your fingers out. Hold for 10 seconds and release.