What Is Trigger Finger?
If you wake up with your finger stuck in a bent position, feel a pop when you try to straighten it or have to use your other hand to open your finger, these may be symptoms of Trigger Finger. “Triggering” commonly happens at night or in the morning after sleeping with the hand in a fisted position for a long period of time. Triggering can also happen with activities that require repeated gripping or pinching, such as holding a pen. Learn more about the symptoms, causes & treatment of trigger finger.
Symptoms of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger or trigger thumb happens when the tendons in your finger or thumb become inflamed. Tendons are the bands of tissue that connect muscles and bones. The tendons that bend your fingers travel through your palm and into your fingers. They move through a covering called a “sheath” and pass through a series of pulleys that hold your tendons close to your finger.
If your tendons are inflamed and there is swelling around them, they can get stuck in the sheath or as they goes through the pulley. When this happens, bending the finger pulls the inflamed tendon through a narrowed sheath, making it snap or pop.
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How Do You Get a Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger can be caused by “overuse” activities that require repeated gripping or pinching. It is more common in people whose work or other activities require gripping tools (such as a dentist or hygienist) or other repetitive tasks for long periods of time. Other causes include health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. It’s also not uncommon for it to occur without a known cause.
Treating Trigger Finger
Resting your finger is the first step in treating your trigger finger. Wearing a finger splint such as the Oval-8 Finger Splint rests your finger by limiting your finger motion, giving your finger a chance to heal. Oval-8’s can be worn during the day and at night.
If your symptoms continue, your healthcare provider may also prescribe anti-inflammatories or a steroid injection. If it still does not improve, surgery may be recommended.
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Our blogs are educational in nature and are not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Because your condition is unique to you, it is recommended that you consult with your health care provider before attempting any medical or therapeutic treatments. We are always happy to answer questions about products mentioned in our blogs, however, we cannot provide a diagnosis or medical advice.
Can the splints be worn overnight while sleeping?
Patricia, Yes the Oval-8 finger splints may be worn overnight.
How do I know what size to order? I want to try it on my big knuckle of my index finger. Male, 5’10”.
Hi Tom, To determine what size Oval-8 you’ll need, use a flexible measuring tape to measure around the joint of the affected finger. You may also visit your local jeweler and ask to have a ring sizer to measure the affected finger joint. For more information the Oval-8 Finger Splint Guide has everything you need to know about how to choose, fit and wear the Oval-8
should I keep in these splints on at night or throughout the day?
I have showed my trigger fingers to many pain management doctors and they all usually recommend me certain oil massages on my hand.
I would love to try the splints because these oil remedies are not working.
Hi Jason,
The Oval-8 Finger Splints are a very effective treatment for trigger finger. Please see the reviews from our customers. https://www.ohmyarthritis.com/Shop-Splints/Finger-Splints/Oval-8-Finger-Splints.html While we are not medical professionals, we can provide some guidelines for you to consider on when you should wear your Oval-8 for trigger finger. Basically it depends on when you generally experience the triggering and how severe your triggering is.
• If your finger tends to be stuck in a bent position at night, you may consider wearing it during sleep.
• If you experience your finger sticking or triggering during daily activities, consider wearing it through the day.
• If you have problems with your finger popping or getting stuck during the day and at night, consider wearing it full time.
It is important to wear the splint until the triggering stops completely when the splint is removed. If you wear the splint consistently and the triggering does not improve after 2 to 3 weeks of wear, please consider discussing your problem with your healthcare provider or a Hand Surgery specialist as soon as possible. I hope this helps answer your questions.
Where can these splints be purchased? At Walgreens??
Hi Karen,
The Oval-8 Finger Splints can be purchased at ohmyarthritis.com and on amazon. They are not available at Walgreens.
I have a small finger bent by Duputrenes Contracture to about 60’degrees. Will these splints help to stretch it so I can play the clarinet using that finger? If so, how and how long should I use it at a time? Your information does not mention Duputrenes as a condition, thus my inquiry. Than you for any advice.
Sincerely,
John Coyle
Hi John, Thank you for reaching out to us about your finger condition. Unfortunately the Oval-8 Finger Splint is not intended to be used for Dupuytren’s Contracture and at this time we do not have any products available specifically for this condition. We are currently researching the possibility of offering post-surgery splints for Dupuytren’s in the near future. Please read our blog https://www.blog.ohmyarthritis.com/i-cant-straighten-my-fingers-dupuytrens/ for more information on Dupuytren’s. You may also want to visit this link on our website https://www.ohmyarthritis.com/Learn/Helpful-Resources/ to find a hand specialist near you who can make certain you have a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.