Snapping finger on the hand. Treatment without surgery, folk remedies, what is it, causes, diagnosis

The functionally active parts of the body are the fingers. Painful joint on the arm or a snapping finger causes discomfort and restricts a person's activities. In such cases, medical attention and treatment are indispensable.

Stenosing ligamentitis or snapping finger syndrome. Reasons for development

The disease is characterized by difficulties in the process of flexion-extension of the finger due to abnormal processes in the tendon sheaths and ligaments. Ligamentitis develops as a result of professional activities associated with fine motor skills of the fingers.

A snap finger on the hand (treatment depends on the severity) is a condition in which one of the fingers gets stuck in a flexed position. The joint can bend or straighten with a click, like a trigger that is squeezed and released.

People whose work or hobby requires repetitive grabs are at greater risk of developing trigger finger. The syndrome is more common in women and in everyone who suffers from diabetes, gout, rheumatoid arthritis.

Tendons are fibrous cords that attach muscles to bone. Each tendon is surrounded by a protective sheath. A clicking sound occurs when the tendon of the affected toe becomes irritated and inflamed, which interferes with the tendon's normal sliding movement through the sheath.

Prolonged irritation of the membrane leads to the formation of scars, thickenings, tubercles (nodules) in the tendon, which further impede the movement of the striated muscles.

More often, the syndrome occurs as an isolated phenomenon due to monotonously repetitive movements traumatic for the tendon. Sometimes the disorder is a co-morbid condition resulting from an underlying medical condition associated with tissue inflammation in the hand, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

The syndrome affects any joint, including the thumb. More than one finger can be touched at the same time, or both hands can be involved. Symptoms usually appear in the morning, when straightening or grasping an object with a finger.

Classification of pathology

Snapping finger is one of the most common degenerative diseases of the ligaments in the area of ​​the hand. The form of treatment for the disorder depends on the degree of pathology.

Ligamentitis develops depending on the type of ligaments on the arm that are involved in the inflammatory process:

• Knott's disease (clicking finger). The syndrome can develop in all of the flexor tendons of the fingers. More often it affects the most tense fingers, that is, the middle and thumb, as well as the ring finger. If the finger is bent, then it can only be stretched with increased force or with the help of the other hand. When stretching, a clearly audible click occurs, which can be painful.
• Kervain's disease. This form of stenosing ligamentitis only affects the extensor tendons in the first tendon region of the wrist. The syndrome is more common among women, due to the daily monotonous performance of physical or household chores.

Development stages and symptoms

Signs can progress from mild to severe and include:

• stiff fingers, especially in the morning;
• a clicking sensation when the joint moves;
• the formation of a nodule on the palm at the base of the affected finger;
• pinching or fixing the finger in a bent position;
• decreased hand performance.

The syndrome develops in accordance with increasing symptoms.

Stage one

At the initial stage, nonspecific pain occurs in the area of ​​the annular band, and sometimes in the joints of the fingers. In the future, the free sliding of the tendons becomes more difficult, which can be compensated for by applying more force. The stage 1 period lasts 1-2 months.

Stage two

The degree of pain depends on local irritation during the click. In stage 2, the finger is often completely motionless. A person's ability to work drops sharply, and the average duration of stage 2 can be from 2 to 7 months.

Stage three

At stage 3, the finger can be completely blocked, and periodic pains appear. After injections, the symptomatology subsides, but the characteristic clicking in one finger continues, limited mobility in the joint area.

The last, chronic stage can last for years, with periodic remissions and exacerbations.

Is clicking your knuckles harmful?

Cracking fingers is a very common practice, mainly because people use it to relieve tension. This alone will not cause arthritis, swelling, or harm to the arm. The sound that is heard when clicking comes from the rupture of bubbles that are in the fluid articular membrane.

The joints are the point of contact where the bones meet, and they are covered in thick synovial fluid. The capsule surrounding the joint is stretched and enlarged, while its pressure decreases. When this happens, dissolved gases in the synovial fluid form bubbles. They then “explode”, producing a characteristic clicking sound.

The gas needs ½ hour to dissolve in the liquid. This means that the gap between clicks should be at least half an hour. Rapid and repetitive sprains and contractions of the articular ligaments lead to soft tissue injury, loss of more synovial fluid, a natural lubricant that prevents friction between bones.

If this regular daily habit is repeated over many years, then in theory the cartilage will be damaged and the ability of the joint to grip an object will decrease over time.

Analyzes and diagnostics

The clinical examination provides the physician with most of the information that is important for diagnosis.

He carefully looks at the movement of the hand and individual fingers and scans the joints of the fingers individually. It recognizes swelling, nodules and functional limitations of the fingers.

A visual examination is carried out using an X-ray. In the pictures, the doctor sees where the cause of the discomfort is in the bone or joint. Sonography (ultrasound) may also be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of stenosing ligamentitis without surgery

Snapping finger on the hand, the treatment of which depends on the severity and duration of the syndrome, can be corrected in the early stages with immobilization. The joint should be deprived of movement, for which orthopedic devices are used.

If symptoms are severe or conservative treatment fails, other treatments are used:

Methodology	Procedure
Steroid injection	The drug is injected near or into the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation, sometimes more than one injection is required. For people with diabetes, steroid injections are generally less effective.
Ultrasound treatment	After the palm is numb, the doctor inserts a strong, ultrasound-guided needle into the tissue around the affected tendon. Moving the needle and finger helps to break the constriction that is blocking the smooth movement of the tendon.
Operation	Surgical treatment focuses on cutting the annular ligaments, which interferes with normal movement in the joint. The intervention lasts no more than 30 minutes. The operation is performed under local anesthesia.

Stretch marks, ice, and anti-inflammatory treatments can be helpful. The fastest and most effective treatment is a local injection of cortisone into the tendon sheath around the affected tendon.

Medicines

A drug-treated snapping finger responds well on injection of a corticosteroid, such as methylprednisolone, in combination with an anesthetic drug, lidocaine.

Tendon injections are effective for ½ or 1 year in most patients. In some patients, after 1-2 injections, the syndrome stops and does not recur later.

Doctors in some cases suggest oral anti-inflammatory drugs that may be helpful:

• Naproxen;
• Ibuprofen (Motrin);
• Diclofenac (Voltaren):
• preparations with collagen and calcium: Collagen Ultra, calcium gluconate, Calcium-Vitrum, Calcium-D3 Nycomed, Artros.

Procedures

Recently, extracorporeal shock wave therapy has been promoted as a possible alternative to surgery for treating the syndrome. The findings show that 3 sessions can be as effective as an injection corticosteroids, to improve the severity of symptoms and functional status in patients with classification of the 2nd degree.

Snap finger physical therapy aims to help restore range of motion and strength.

To restore physical activity will help:

• wax therapy;
• hydrotherapy;
• electrotherapy can be used to promote effective healing, and ultrasound and laser treatments can be included.

Doctors do not advise using massage procedures, as they can increase pain and lead to the activity of the inflammatory process..

Exercise therapy

After the symptoms have subsided, gentle exercise may be helpful:

• rotational movement with hands and fingers;
• deviations of the fingers to the sides: inward - outward, left-right;
• clenching and unclenching the fingers into a fist.

Exercises are carried out 3-5 times a day.

Treatment with folk remedies. Recipes for funds and reception schemes

Snapping finger on the hand, the treatment of which is carried out with the help of herbal remedies, is not always amenable to correction, and in some cases may not lead to a positive result. Before using traditional recipes, you should consult your doctor.

Lavender

Lavender oil is often used for sprains and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Its ingredients are sedative and can relax certain muscles.

Oil, 1 ml, applied to the hands, rubbed into the skin for 15 minutes. as part of aromatherapy massage.

Sagebrush

The herb helps relieve symptoms, a painful condition that results from joint inflammation. It should be noted that the plant itself should never be applied directly to the skin, as its compounds are concentrated and can lead to painful burns.

Wormwood infusion:

• Brew ½ hour. l. dried or fresh wormwood in 1 cup of boiling water, and leave for 10-15 minutes.
• Cannot be used for more than 1 hour. l. herbs and insist for a long time so as not to get a strong and bitter drink.
• To remove the bitterness, instead of sugar, you can add mint or anise to the tea.
• Drink several sips 1-2 times a day.

Raw potatoes

A vegetable poultice to relieve inflammation:

• Grate or peel raw, unpeeled potatoes.
• Place the grated potatoes in cheesecloth.
• Place cheesecloth and potatoes over the affected skin area and cover with a cloth bandage to secure in place.
• Leave the poultice on the inflamed skin for 1-2 hours.

Shepherd's bag

The plant is used for muscle atrophy, articular deformities.

• Grind the plant and place in a glass bottle. Pour in alcohol (38-40%) and leave for 2 weeks in a bright place. For treatment 1 tsp. l. tincture is added to tea. It is best to use a massage tincture for muscle pain.
• Place a fresh shepherd's bag in a metal sieve over a vessel of boiling water and hold for a while. After heating with steam, place the plant on a clean cloth and apply a compress to the affected area. It helps well with muscle atrophy.

Needles

The needles are poured with warm water in a ratio of 1: 3, after which they are simmered for 15-20 minutes. Gauze moistened with a solution is applied to the damaged area.

Oats

Oats are one of the richest foods in vitamins and minerals and are high in energy and nutrients.

To prepare a remedy, you need:

1. Take 120 g of oatmeal, pour 50 ml of water, add 1 tsp. l. honey.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. The paste should be warm.
3. Apply the composition to the affected area, leave for 20 minutes, and then rinse the skin with cold water. The combination of warmth and cold gives a good effect.

Burdock leaves

The plant contains chemicals that fight bacteria and inflammation.

To prepare a remedy, you need:

1. Cut the young leaves into small pieces, compact them tightly in a glass jar and place in a sunny place. Within a few days, a gruel with an unpleasant odor forms in the jar.
2. The composition is applied to the sore joint in the form of an application, then wrapping the sore spot with cellophane and a warm cloth. The compress is best done at night.
3. To consolidate the achieved effect, the plant is applied several times and after the disappearance of pain.

Bird cherry leaves

You can make a decoction of the leaves: for this, 20 g of raw materials are taken, boiled in 200 ml of water for no more than 5 minutes. The filtered broth is drunk 3-4 times / day for 1/4 cup. Tincture of cherry leaves: 50 g of raw materials are poured into 1 tbsp. vodka and leave to infuse for 2 weeks. The ready-made infusion is rubbed into sore joints 2 times a day.

Beef bone jelly

It is a natural source of collagen that helps maintain healthy bones, teeth and joints. Gelatin is responsible for protein absorption.

To prepare a remedy, you need:

1. Put meat on the bone (except pork), vegetables (onions, celery, carrots), put spices in a saucepan.
2. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer for 8 hours.
3. Strain the broth twice, add finely chopped meat, garlic and pour into containers. Add a slice of cooked carrot, dill, or parsley for garnish.
4. Put the filling in the refrigerator.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide relieves pain, significantly improves the condition of the musculoskeletal system.

Compresses are used for treatment: 2 tsp. l. it is enough to dilute the drug in 50 ml of water. Then moisten a cotton cloth in the resulting liquid and apply to the joint. After about 1 hour, the tissue is removed and the place is smeared with baby cream.

Eucalyptus decoction

Eucalyptus oil has an analgesic effect and is very useful for sore muscles.

The crushed leaves are poured with boiling water in a ratio of 15: 200, boiled for 3-4 minutes, and then the broth is infused for 10-15 minutes. The filtered solution is added to water (1 tbsp. l. for 1 glass of water). Rub in the composition for at least 3-5 minutes. three times a day, the last time preferably at night.

Blue clay

Healing clay is diluted to the thickness of sour cream, 5 tsp are added to it. l. apple cider vinegar. The mixture is applied to the sore finger, then the joint should be wrapped with a cloth and kept for about 2 hours, then rinsed with warm water. The arm should not be strained during the applied compress.

Pork fat

Fat restores youthfulness to joints and their natural function, and also:

• relieves pain and swelling;
• accelerates local blood flow and delivery of beneficial elements to the joint;
• prevents thinning of cartilage and the growth of bone spines;
• restores joint mobility.

For the treatment of joints, pork fat is rubbed in daily for 1 month.

Bear bile

The substance is able to soothe severe pain, restore impaired motor activity, and remove puffiness. Improves blood circulation in the joints. Zhivokost ointment is applied with light rubbing movements 2-3 times a day.

Arnica tincture

Arnica tincture is an external remedy for bruises, sprains, muscle and joint pain. For arnica applique, mix 1 tbsp. l. tinctures with 0.5 liters of purified water. Moisten a cotton swab or gauze bandage in the mixture, then apply to the joint.

Consequences and complications, prognosis

Nearly all patients recover completely after receiving cortisone injections. Surgical treatment is rarely recommended.

You can prevent the syndrome by avoiding activities that strain the flexor tendons of the fingers in the palms.

Therapies and physiotherapy are considered to be the most effective and simplest snap finger treatments. After treatment of the hand, doctors advise to go through a rehabilitation period in order to completely get rid of the disease.

Clicking Finger Causes Video

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