Réhabital
Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis) Treatment
A finger that locks in flexion then releases with a sharp snap is the classic sign of trigger finger. Caught early, it often responds well to night splinting, manual therapy and tendon gliding exercises.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
Flexor tendons glide within a sheath held by annular pulleys. When the tendon or sheath thickens at the A1 pulley, at the base of the finger, gliding becomes difficult: the finger catches, locks, then snaps past the obstruction. People with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and jobs involving repeated firm gripping are over-represented. Thumb, ring and middle fingers are most often affected.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Repetitive gripping overload
Sustained firm grips irritate the tendon sheath at the A1 pulley.
Diabetes
Risk is clearly higher and response to conservative care can be slower.
Inflammatory conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis and gout promote sheath thickening.
Hormonal factors
Incidence rises in women after 50 and around perimenopause.
Our Treatment Approach
Conservative care combines a splint holding the metacarpophalangeal joint in extension at night, reducing repeated passage of the nodule under the pulley, with differential tendon gliding exercises to restore smooth excursion. Manual therapy releases the palm, lumbricals and palmar fascia, while osteopathy checks the wrist, forearm and even the elbow, often tight from compensation. We also adapt work grips: wider handles, task rotation, anti-vibration gloves if needed. If locking becomes permanent, we refer you for medical assessment regarding injection or surgical release.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A 45 to 60 minute assessment with splint fitting. Conservative treatment succeeds over six to ten weeks in most cases caught early.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Wear the night splint consistently for six weeks.
- Do tendon gliding exercises several times daily.
- Avoid prolonged firm grips during the irritable phase.
- Apply heat before morning exercises.
- Widen tool and utensil handles.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Recent cases respond well to conservative care. Long-standing or permanently locked fingers, and cases in people with diabetes, more often need injection or minor surgery.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in as soon as catching appears. A finger locked in flexion for several weeks needs prompt medical assessment to avoid permanent stiffness.
Why Réhabital Clinic
We combine splinting, specific exercise and manual work across the whole hand-forearm chain rather than relying on a single measure.
Recommended Services for This Condition
Our Core Treatments in Côte Saint-Luc
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Why Choose Réhabital?
Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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