subject: Defeating Painful Symptoms Of Trigger Thumb [print this page] Trigger thumb could be a common repetitive strain injury that may cause vital impairment in hand strength, dexterity, and daily functioning. The condition is characterized by pain, catching or "locking" of the thumb, and can result in issue performing everyday tasks. Although there are a number of organic causes of trigger thumb, environmental factors (e.g., workplace conditions, repetitive tasks and job demands) sometimes play a vital role.
Trigger Thumb, or stenosing tenosynovitis, as it is known within the medical world, is the result of acute trauma inflicting micro-tears or a chronic overuse injury involving the flexor tendon that runs through the thumb. Specifically, the flexor pollicis longus tendon develops nodules or adhesions on it, which in turn leads to increased friction because the tendon passes through the pulley system, ensuing in the irritation and swelling of the tendon and the associated nodules on the tendon. This inflammation and irritation will increase the size of the nodules or adhesions, inflicting the dysfunction to greatly increase as the thumb is flexed over and over. Basically, the nodule or adhesion on the affected tendon in the thumb gets trapped because it passes through the pulley system because the thumb is flexed however the thumb cannot come back via extension in the same smooth manner thanks to the adhesion or nodule obtaining stuck or "catching" as it tries to pass back through the pulley system. Because of this, the thumb tends to lock down into the palm of the hand furthermore produces painful catching or clicking that is commonly associated with Trigger Thumb.
Trigger Thumb is a additional common injury in girls than men, and it's additional often noticed in individuals that are suffering from chronic illnesses. Rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, for instance, are common correlates of Trigger Thumb. The explanation for this seems to be caused by the speed in that folks heal from injury, and individuals with chronic disorders like diabetes and arthritis tend to heal at a a lot of slower rate. But, movement also plays a significant role in the manifestation of the malady. Repetitive movements and increased tension, stress and strain on the hands through significant lifting, typing, and long hours at a steering wheel can result in Trigger Thumb as well.
There are many treatment choices for reducing the pain and impairment associated with thumb and finger triggering. Often rest and over-the-counter medications are enough to bring temporary relief and probably scale back the speed of onset because of reduced irritation and swelling of the tissues. Individuals wanting for long-term treatment for Trigger Thumb, but, are advised to consider applicable stretches and exercises that promote the integrity of the muscles and tendons in the hand and forearm. Stretches that facilitate skinny and lengthen the affected tendon and exercises that increase circulation and break down the developing adhesions and nodules, most usually formed from scar tissue, are very important. Though surgery is the most used technique of treatment, it's way from effective. Non-invasive exercises promoting the stretching of the flexor tendons and strengthening the extensor tendons shows nice promise in preventing and treating this disorder.