Springfinger: Primary Symptoms And Treatments

Spring finger is a disorder that restricts the movement of the finger and can prevent it from bending. It usually gets stuck. To stretch or bend it, break it, as a spring does when it stretches and then loosens.

A problem in the long tendons, also called flexor tendons, causes this disorder. These tendons slide through a kind of tunnel – the tendon sheath – that surrounds them. When the vagina becomes irritated and inflamed, the  vagina narrows and makes movement difficult.

In the most severe cases, the spring finger locks in the bent position and cannot move. It is more common in women and people with diabetes.

Symptoms of spring finger

Jumping finger can occur in any finger on the hand including the thumb. In fact, it almost always hits more than one finger, even on both hands. The disorder develops gradually  and usually begins with persistent pain in the root of the finger.

The initial symptoms of spring finger are usually the following:

• A knot appears at the root of the finger down towards the palm.
• The muscle at the root of the finger feels sore and sensitive to the touch.
• There is a feeling of stiffness in the finger,  especially in the morning.
• When making a movement, the  finger makes a cracking sound.

As the spring finger develops, it gets stuck in the bent position and stretches suddenly. In more developed stages  , it gets stuck and can not stretch again at all.

Diagnosis

The basis for the diagnosis of spring finger is a physical examination by a doctor. When the patient makes a movement in the affected area, it makes a clicking sound, which is characteristic of this disorder.

The physician will perform a physical examination by  asking the patient to open and close his hand. The doctor will also check the palm and root of the finger as well as inquire into pain and signs of blockages. After that, it is possible to confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment of spring finger

The treatment of spring finger depends on the condition of the finger and the time that has elapsed between the occurrence of the disease and the doctor’s examination. Generally speaking, there are three ways to deal with it:  Medicine, Therapy, and Surgery.

Medicine

The use of drugs helps to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, which facilitates movement. Generally, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and other similar drugs. This measure serves to improve the symptoms,  but it does not solve the problem.

Physical therapy

Springfinger can also be treated with therapeutic physical therapy such as the following:

• Rest:  Grabbing and holding things or operating vibrating machines is avoided for four to six weeks. If rest is not possible, a padded glove should be used.
• Rail: It allows the finger to remain stretched and worn only at night. It is usually used for a month and a half.
• Gentle exercises:  Some exercises to stretch the hand can be performed to improve movement.
• Heat and cold: The  alternation between heat and ice helps reduce swelling and pain.
• Immersion in hot water: Immersing the hand in warm water several times a day helps to soothe the tendons and relieve the symptoms.

Operation

When medication and therapy do not work, surgery should be performed. Sometimes the following procedures are tried before an operation:

• Injection with steroids:  Introduced into the tendon sheath, where it helps reduce inflammation. It can be effective for a year or more, but sometimes it is necessary to apply it more than once.
• Solution through the skin: It consists of inserting a thick needle into the inflamed tendon after giving anesthesia, which loosens the pressure that blocks the tendon.

If these procedures do not work, then the patient will need surgery. It is a procedure without hospitalization, which consists of an incision in the affected area to cut the tendon sheath. The biggest risk is infection or that the operation is not effective.

Risk factors for spring finger

There are some individuals who tend to develop springfinger more easily. The known risk factors are as follows:

• Age:  Persons over 40 and under 60.
• Diseases:  Being diabetic, suffering from hypothyroidism, suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or having tuberculosis.
• Having undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Repetitive activity:  Performing tasks or jobs that require repetitive gripping movements.

A disorder with various treatments

Springfinger is a disorder that can significantly alter the quality of life. In these cases, therefore, most of all, it is advisable to adapt to the new disorder and avoid gripping movements. If these movements are impossible to avoid, then it is important to evaluate effective measures to protect the hand.

It is important to note that none of the available treatments are one hundred percent effective. However, a high percentage of patients get better after injections with steroids, and there are also successful solutions with surgery. So the  forecast is good.