Trigger finger ????

[pauln90]

For over 12 months I have had problems with middle finger on right hand. when waking or grasping things the finger curls into the palm and was painful to straighten. For the last 3 months the pain when trying to straighten the finger has increased dramatically so that every day tasks like showering ,dressing even putting hand in pocket to withdraw change can be very painful. I have seen GP and she sent me for xray which has not shown any abnormality and she says she will send me for further examination. I now find that the middle finger on my left hand is showing the same symptoms ie is beginning to stick towards the palm. Bearing in mind that I cannot tolerate anti inflammatory drugs what can I do to reduce the pain. I have been on Dihydocodeine for 10 years for back problems and this does not alleviate the pain. Any advice would be appreciated

[Sqad]

Bilateral trigger finger (both hands) is unusual.

X-Rays will be normal as trigger finger is a disorder of tendons and not bone.

Bilateral trigger finger MAY be associated with rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes and this is why you are having blood tests to rule out the aforementioned conditions.

The situation so far..you can't take NSAID's and dihydrocodeine is not relieving the pain so the next step is surgery.

Try and find out if there is a hand surgeon in you area...an Orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in hands.

[isitjustme]

Could be a carpal tunnel problem, make sue that your Doctor does a thorough check.

[WELSHYORKIE]

I suffered from trigger finger in my right hand ring finger and it was sorted out by a couple of cortisone injections right into the joint - hurt like hell but did the job

[starone]

I have had trigger finger in both hands (not at the same time). I had cortisone injections in my right hand which cured that and then later on my left hand which was not successful and so had to have surgery, which was. It is only a small operation (but still uncomfortable) and you don't have to stay in the hospital - just a day ward. Worth it in the long run - it is a very debilitating condition.

[pauln90]

Many thanks for the replies it is much appreciated

Paul

[NoMercy]

I work in orthopaedics and I am seeing more and more cases of bilateral trigger finger, De Quervains and carpal tunnel syndrome.

This things can be treated conservatively (physiotherapy and painkillers) or you can ask to have a steroid injection (Marcaine, Lignocaine and Kenalog). If symptoms return or steroidal injections fail to alleviate your symptoms then a surgical release can be performed under local anaesthetic as a day case.

[RATTER15]

Looks easy, no sweat!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DISCFr0YeiM

[NoMercy]

On the generic lists I can slot 15 of those into one day!