Trigger finger is a frustrating condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a locking sensation in your fingers or thumb. The discomfort is often most noticeable first thing in the morning or when you try to grip an object. In some cases, you might find it difficult to straighten a finger after it has been bent. Fortunately, simple and gentle exercises can help manage this condition by maintaining flexibility and reducing pain.
Before we dive into the exercises, let’s get a clearer understanding of what causes this annoying “triggering.”
Inside your hand, long flexor tendons run from your forearm muscles to the bones of your fingers and thumb. These tendons slide through a pathway called the “tendon sheath,” which holds them close to the finger bones.
When you have trigger finger, the tendon becomes inflamed and swollen. This inflammation prevents the tendon from gliding smoothly through the sheath, causing it to catch or get stuck. This is what leads to the pain, stiffness, and locking sensation.
While the exact cause is not always clear, factors like repetitive gripping, certain health conditions like diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk. The good news is that it can often be managed effectively with conservative treatments, including specific exercises.
These simple exercises are designed to improve tendon glide, reduce stiffness, and increase your hand’s flexibility.
This exercise gently stretches the individual tendons of your hand.
This targets the flexor tendons on the front of your finger, helping to release tightness.
Tendon gliding exercises are crucial for encouraging the flexor tendons to move smoothly through the sheath.
This exercise helps to strengthen the muscles in your hand without putting too much strain on the inflamed tendon.
This exercise uses resistance to strengthen the small muscles in your hand and improve stability.
Because the flexor tendons originate in the forearm, stretching the wrist can also provide relief.
This simple motion takes your fingers through their full range of motion, helping to reduce stiffness.
Trigger finger can make simple daily tasks feel like major challenges. While these exercises can provide significant relief, they are most effective when part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The skilled physiotherapists at our Brampton physiotherapy clinic can assess your specific condition and develop a personalized plan for you.
Proper physiotherapy in Brampton addresses the root cause of the inflammation, provides hands-on treatment to release tightness, and teaches you the most effective exercises for a quick recovery. Don’t let finger pain hold you back.
If you’re looking for effective trigger finger treatment in Brampton, contact Movement Rehab Inc. today to schedule an assessment. Our team is ready to help you restore movement and live pain-free.
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