Monday, September 28, 2009

Prevent Trigger Finger

Arthritis often causes trigger finger.


Caused by arthritis, gout or diabetes, trigger finger causes the thumb or fingers to lock in a bent position. The condition causes soreness at the base of the fingers or thumb, or painful clicking or snapping when flexing or extending. Trigger finger often affects farmers, musicians or industrial workers due to the repetitive or forceful movement of the fingers, and occurs most frequently in people between 40 and 60 years old.


Instructions


1. Reduce the activities that may aggravate trigger finger. This may require limitations on work or personal activities that require repetitive gripping motions or forceful finger movement.








2. Perform gentle finger exercises to maintain mobility in the affected fingers Exercises include laying the palm on a flat surface and lifting each finger independently or crumpling a piece of paper or cloth into a ball.


3. Massage the affected finger to reduce pain and promote circulation.


4. Soak your hand in warm water to loosen the muscles in your hand and reduce the pain or catching sensation that may occur during the day. Immerse your hand for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat several times a day if you experience positive results.

Tags: your hand, activities that, reduce pain, trigger finger