Tag Archives: finger popping

Numbness or Tingling in the Hands or Fingers

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Anything that reduces the blood supply to the wrists, hands and fingers can cause nerve damage, and this damage creates the feeling of numbness or tingling in that area of the body.

A variety of activities and conditions can contribute to this reduced blood supply. Sometimes repetitive motions over a long period of time, such as in a work, hobby or sports setting, can be a factor. Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to peripheral areas of the body, resulting in nerve damage. Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis can also cause this condition, as can certain chemotherapy drugs used for cancer treatment.

Some of the most common conditions causing numbness or tingling are:

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon in the body. Tendons attach muscles to bones, and are responsible for helping to create movement. Normally tendons glide smoothly, but when they become inflamed, this process is affected. Stiffness, pain, and sometimes tingling is noticeable. Sports or other injuries can cause this sudden inflammation, but so can repetitive motions from working on a computer, repetitive manufacturing jobs, sewing, playing a guitar or other activities.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage through the wrist that houses and protects the median nerve, running from the hands all the way up the arm. When this tunnel becomes inflamed, pressure is placed on this nerve and pain, numbness and tingling can occur. Some people are genetically more prone to this condition; others can develop it over time from repetitive motions involving the wrists and fingers.

Trigger Finger or Trigger Thumb

Again caused by inflammation, in this case the tendons in the fingers, this condition causes a finger or the thumb to become “stuck” in a bent position, and then to snap back when it releases, much like a trigger releasing. Early signs of trigger finger can include stiffness when you move the finger, your joint “popping” when you move it, or a bump at the base of the finger. Repetitive grasping or gripping motions are usually the source of this condition. If not treated properly, the digit can become permanently bent.

The most important step to take when you are experiencing numbness or tingling in the hands is to start with a proper diagnosis of the cause of the condition. It is best to consult a doctor who specializes in treating the hands and the upper body, as these are delicate structures involving complicated interactions between the tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones and muscles.

Most causes of tingling and numbness can be treated with a variety of non-invasive techniques, and will successfully resolve with proper treatment and time. Sometimes a surgical intervention is necessary, and in this case you definitely want a hand surgeon; an orthopedic doctor with specialization in the hands, wrists and upper body.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hand, finger, wrist or upper extremity pain, contact Dr. Rehman today. She will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the root of the problem, and will design a comprehensive treatment plan to help you attain a full recovery.

Call the office today at 586-532-0803.

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Early Warning Signs of Trigger Finger

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Odd things happen to our joints and our appendages as we get older. Sometimes these quirks can be ignored, and they work themselves out. But other times, it is best to take heed of what the body is trying to tell us.

Trigger finger is one such condition. Initially it may begin with stiffness of the finger in the morning. Typically it occurs in your dominant hand, with one finger involved, but sometimes multiple fingers or the thumb are affected.

Later, you will begin to notice a clicking or popping sensation when you move your finger. You may notice tenderness or a bump at the base of your palm.

As the condition progresses, the finger will pop back from a bent position, much like a trigger releasing. When the condition is at its worst, you may not be able to straighten the finger at all.

Why is this happening?

Tendons allow the fingers to move, and attach the muscles of the hand to the bones in the hand. These tendons are covered by a protective sheath. When this sheath become irritated or inflamed, the normal gliding motion of the muscles is impeded. Sometimes a nodule or bump can form, and this protrusion can get caught on the edge of the tendon sheath. When it breaks free, the result is the popping or clicking of trigger finger as the finger straightens.

Who is at risk?

Women aged 40 to 60 are more at risk of developing this condition than men. People whose occupations or hobbies require repeated gripping are more likely to be affected, and individuals with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop trigger finger.

The good news

Most treatment for trigger finger involves conservative methods such as resting the hands, applying cold packs and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. For more advanced problems, a corticosteroid injection may be performed, and specific occupational therapy exercises prescribed for remediation. Sometimes splinting of the finger is used, to keep the finger in the extended position at night for up to six weeks.

If the condition is severe, surgery could be required. This is typically performed in an outpatient operating room, and patients go home the same day. The surgeon makes a small incision in the palm of the hand, to cut the tendon sheath to allow the nodule to move freely. Most people can move their fingers freely following surgery, but soreness will be noticeable in the palm. Most of the recovery is complete within a few weeks, but physical therapy and exercises may be required to return the hand to full function over a period of several months.

How can I know for sure?

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms of trigger finger, reach out to a qualified orthopedic doctor, such as Dr. Rehman, for a full and complete evaluation. The hands and fingers are delicate appendages, and it is best to consult with a doctor who specializes in this area of the body. Dr. Rehman and her team of hand therapists are the best qualified to diagnose and prescribe treatment to return your hand to full range of motion and strength. And as always, early intervention is most likely to generate the most favorable outcome. Contact Dr. Rehman for more information or with questions. 586-532-0803

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Why Does My Thumb Lock and Then Pop?

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If your thumb gets stuck in a bent position and then “pops” or clicks upon bending it back into a straight position, you may be experiencing trigger thumb (also called trigger finger). Trigger thumb symptoms range from mild to severe and include stiffness, popping, and even locking for extended periods of time. You may also have visible symptoms such as an actual bump at the base of the thumb.

What causes trigger thumb?

Trigger thumb is caused by a narrowing of the sheath covering the tendon in your thumb. Oftentimes, people’s work or hobbies can result in this condition, especially if you are continually utilizing your hand. Occupations in which trigger thumb is common include tradesman (those that work with hand tools each day), farmers, and even musicians, because they’re continually relying on their fingers and thumbs to make repetitive movements.

How is trigger thumb treated?

Typically trigger thumb is treated by an Orthopedic Doctor trained in the treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions. X-rays or lab tests typically are not necessary; the condition can be identified with a physical exam of the hand and fingers. Trigger finger can usually be treated through conservative methods that include one or more of the following:

  • Resting the hands
  • Applying cold packs
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Trigger finger exercises
  • Occupational therapy
  • Short-term splinting

Activities known to aggravate trigger thumb should be limited during the healing and recovery process. Your hand doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen to help comfort you, and speed up the recovery process. A corticosteroid injection may also be administered by your doctor.

In extreme conditions, hand surgery may be recommended to restore normal movement and functionality. Midwest Hand Therapy provides the highest quality assistance for each patient and their individual condition. If you are suffering from trigger thumb, or trigger finger, please contact our office today.

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