From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories:
Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Natural Treatment for Trigger Finger
Author: Natalie Meiri, D.C. Posted: 7/21/24
This was a 56 year old patient who was an office worker. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call her Ziona instead of her real name. Ziona was a patient who was treating with me for her back and hip problems originally. Then one day, she told me her 2nd and 4th fingers on her right hand were getting stuck” when trying to extend from a flexed position. Also, she reported having to extend the involved finger passively with her other hand. Often, she reported a dull ache in the palm of the right hand.
Ziona had a history of occupational overuse with her fingers. Furthermore, this was especially true for grasping maneuvers. She didn’t know how it started and couldn’t remember any injuries to her fingers. Ziona herself thought it was a trigger finger.
Ziona’s examination
Upon examination, she had limitation of range of motion at those fingers with certain movements. A small nodule was palpated at the base of the involved finger. It was mildly tender to pressure or gripping.
She would be referred out for further evaluation to her primary care doctor if there was no improvement within 12 visits.
Chiropractic West Palm Beach: the Cause of Trigger Finger
Firstly, the cause is due to the flexor tendon of the fingers pulley system dysfunctioning. Tendons are bands of connective tissue that attach the muscles to the bone enabling the muscles to move the bones. So the tendons of the fingers pass through at the base of the proximal (near) phalanx of the thumb or finger.
Secondly, through inflammation (e.g. due to autoimmune disease), trauma, repetitive injury, congenital/genetic (e.g. juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) variation and hormonal factors, the tendon sheath enlarges. This happens proximal to the pulley system. Next, it is caught as the finger or thumb moves into extension.
Thirdly, this is a form of stenosing tenosynovitis. Moreover, there is hypertrophy (abnormal enlargement) and inflammation of the tendons and its sheath. Subsequently, resulting in catching and locking sensations due to the inability to slide smoothly within its sheath.
Fourthly, trigger finger pain shows up as an unusual ache, stiffness, discomfort or progressive pain in the palm of the affected finger. Frequently, a distinct snapping or clicking sound becomes increasingly noticeable while trying to extend or flex the finger digit.
Fifthly, Trigger finger frequently affects the dominant hand, with the thumb and ring finger being the most commonly affected digits. Additionally, there will be a tender nodule or swelling at the distal (far) palmar crease of the hand effected.
Ziona’s West Palm Beach Chiropractic Treatment
The goal of Ziona’s treatment was started with a focus to relieve pain. Next, conserve and restore the mobility of the finger joints. Finally, to preserve and strengthen surrounding musculature.
Treatment consisted of:
-Chiropractic manipulation or mobilization of the finger, and associated regions consisting of her hands and wrists.
-Soft tissue manipulation (cross friction /myofascial release, pressure points, postisometric relaxation) to the muscles and soft tissues (i.e., tendons, ligaments) involved.
-Home exercises for self stretching and strengthening muscles.
-Nutritional support for osteoarthritis were recommended (i.e., glucosamine sulfate, boswellia, horsetail, SAM (S-adenosylmethionine), Vitamin E, Niacinamide, Vitamin C) were recommended.
-Recommendations for modification and avoidance of aggravating activities
Ziona got pain relief and improved function in her fingers within a few visits. She no longer reported her fingers being “stuck”.
Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Natural Treatment for Trigger Finger
Your West Palm Beach chiropractor offers a range of treatments to bring pain relief for a variety of conditions. A West Palm Beach chiropractor can treat trigger fingers naturally. Contact us at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment with a chiropractor in West Palm Beach today or to learn more about Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Natural Treatment for Trigger Finger.