topic Re: Trigger Finger Treatment in Wellness

Trigger Finger Treatment

LogoFan — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 18:32:01 GMT

I have read other posts regarding this issue. I have not yet been diagnosed, but believe this is my problem.

One thing that was not discussed is how long the recovery is from this very simple surgery. Only asking because I am a senior and on my own and just wondering how long I may be unable to use my left hand where symptoms are happening.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

petitelady7 — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 18:38:21 GMT

This procedure is a piece of cake! After the surgery, a bandaid was placed on the area where the incision was, and in a couple days I was good as new.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

deeva — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 18:44:44 GMT

I had this surgery three years ago. I took one pill for pain post surgery, that was all I needed.

The recovery time for me was around two weeks, mostly because of the stitches.

After 10 days they were removed and the few stretching excercises weren't painful.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

gizmogal — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 18:56:44 GMT

Fear not! Recovery was pretty much super easy and brief. I'm 71 and I live alone. I had the surgery on my right thumb. If there's a finger you need for everything it's your thumb! And it was my dominant hand. I thought I'd not be able to tie my shoes or hook my bra with the dressing on. Not true. My surgeon dressed the hand in such a way that I had most of my right hand fingers free to do everyday tasks. The top half of the thumb was uncovered and that was useful.

I came back to the surgeon in 3 days and the dressing (gauze wrapping and tape) was removed and reduced to nothing more than a bandaid. I was then allowed to get it wet in a shower and replace the bandaid after patting the wound dry. The stitches (only a tiny few) remained for another week. Once the stitches were removed, I was free to get use of my full hand while I practiced restoring the thumb to flexibility and dexterity.

Surgery was completely successful. The thumb was weak and needed a little physical therapy to be completely dexterous. The hand surgeon's PT staff demonstrated proper exercises on my left hand and then made me commit to doing the few different routines a few times a day at home until my right thumb was just as good as my left. It took a month for this to be just a memory.

Trigger never was apparent again from day one of the surgery. My "hospital" time, from saying hi to saying bye, was about 2 hours as an outpatient. My neighbor took me, waited, and drove me home. I had no post-op pain that a Tylenol couldn't handle. There isn't even a scar to show off; the tiny incision was done in the crease of my thumb joint where it meets the palm.

I was a little scared and it was silly now that I look back. Trigger finger is common among diabetics, especially, (I am one) but not unheard of in the rest of the aging population. I took an unsuccessful cortisone shot hoping to free the tendon, but submitted to surgery when it was clear I had to have a better cure.

No worries, nominal discomfort, easy rehab you do at home, and very little inconvenience for bathing or dressing or handling utensils, etc.

Because it was my right hand and i has the same concerns as you--I didn't know how much recovery i might make in any given interval-- I signed several blank checks in advance of the surgery so I could easily pay bills or cover finances while the thumb healed. Highly recommended to sign a couple of checks to use as needed if your trigger finger is on your dominant hand. Otherwise, just take all this in stride. I needed no help at all, I was alone and not young and it was just a few days of dressing, then bandaid then nothing.

Good luck. You'll be fine. Hope I helped.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

ahoymate — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 19:33:58 GMT

My experience with an orthopedic surgeon & trigger finger was a shot of cortizone in the finger. Went away, no more issues.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

chickenbutt — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 19:40:56 GMT

I had a trigger thumb for a year or so a while back. While I was in care for my broken arm the doc said he could operate but I read a lot of problems with the surgery so I finally figured it out myself and fixed it.

I got one of those thumb gard things that you slide over the thumb and tape it on, so it will stay. But, being a hand-washer and having to use my hands, I found that needed tweaking. So I removed the tape and put it on with two band-aids so I could slip it off when I needed. That was it was easy to remove, yet it stayed on nicely when I wanted it on.

Then, when I was not doing anything I would take off the brace and massage the joint. I probably just spent minutes a few times a day massaging the joint. It didn't take too long and it was totally gone. Been gone for a couple of years now, so I don't think it's coming back. I cannot attribute any medical site for that. It just came out of my crazy brain.

All it cost me was the thumb brace thingie and a couple of band-aids. It's one of those kind of aluminum looking things that has padding in the middle and it slips over the top of the finger like an old-timey clothes pin or something. I hope that makes sense. Cost a couple bucks.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

LogoFan — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 19:44:29 GMT

Thanks to all who responded so quickly. My problem is actually not my dominant hand. Also I have not yet seen the orthopedic hand specialist. Having to wait one month for appointment. In the beginning I thought maybe was carpal tunnel syndrome; but seems more like issues I have seen about topic here (trigger finger). My hair stylist was actually person who told me to look up this condition.

Unfortunately I have related concerns about this. I was diagnosed with positional vertigo almost 10 years ago. I sleep only on my left side and keep my head elevated with a "dog bone" type pillow. As a result my left hand ends up under that pillow at night. Am now trying to keep my left hand out from under my head/pillow to help with symptoms. Sleeping habits are difficult to change. Also, I have a spinal condition called Spondylolisthesis which affects my lower back with constant pain and left leg with a permanent weakness in calf area from sciatic nerve on left side only.

I will need to discuss whether or not what is happening with both specialists to be sure not related to nerve issues on left side of body from spine. All I can say is really hate getting older. Seems like new issues never end.

Once gain, thanks for the input and reassurances regarding this surgery.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

chickenbutt — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 20:00:49 GMT

I don't know if you're having a lot of pain with this but if you are you might want to try putting it in one of those finger brace things for much of the time and see if that makes it at least let up.

Mine had gotten to the point that it was extremely painful and that was why I took it into my own hands, so to speak, to make it go away.

I don't know if it was the finger cot or the massaging, or both, but it's 100% gone.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

deeva — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 20:27:26 GMT

@ahoymate

You were fortunate. After having three injections over eighteen months, my surgeon and I both agreed this was no going to solve my problem.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

willdob3 — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 20:39:28 GMT

@LogoFan

My PCP was scheduling surgery for for this for me when I happened to read that it can be caused by B6 deficiency. I decided to try supplementing before surgery because all surgeries are hard on our bodies and, if it was a deficiency issue, surgery would not correct it.

My problem resolved itself quickly - and completely - with supplementation. No surgery necessary.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

Azcowgirl — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 21:05:09 GMT

My trigger finger resolved itself also. I was told that surgery was the only solution, so I’m glad I held off and gave my body time to correct itself.

Best of luck in getting the solution that works best for you !

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

msgb — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 15:40:55 GMT

To help with the trigger fingers I developed, the doctor gave me a shot of cortizone and in a day or two it was if nothing had ever been wrong.
If you are in need of something more or even the shot I hope all goes well.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

LogoFan — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 16:49:53 GMT

I am really thankful for all responses here. I hesitate to take any action before seeing Ortho Hand Surgeon on the 23rd of this month. Especially because of all of my underlying medical issues.

I am not always in same amount of discomfort, stiffness or numbness, Mine is in the index finger of left hand. I was experiencing pain in both hands from the base of thumbs down to just above wrist. That felt like arthritis pain and responded to topical pain meds like apercreme w/lidocaine. A few months ago I was feeling very minor numbness sensation in left thumb just at the tip of thumb. Did not think anything of this feeling it was so minor. It was only about 5 weeks ago that I suddenly felt stiffness/numbness in index finger. This is when I became concerned and made appointment with Ortho specialist I have never met; but I have been a patient with the group for shoulder issues over the years at Rush Medical Center here in Chicago, IL.

I will try vitamin B supplements as soon as I can. I am homebound and coordinate either pickup when out for appt with hired driver; or a delivery from drug store Online.

Thanks again.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

LogoFan — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 16:57:13 GMT

@willdob3 wrote:
@LogoFan

My PCP was scheduling surgery for for this for me when I happened to read that it can be caused by B6 deficiency. I decided to try supplementing before surgery because all surgeries are hard on our bodies and, if it was a deficiency issue, surgery would not correct it.

My problem resolved itself quickly - and completely - with supplementation. No surgery necessary.

@willdob3

Looks like available in either 50 or 100 mg. Which did you try, and are you continuing to use this? I take a daily senior vitamin every day.

Thanks

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

willdob3 — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 18:32:56 GMT

@LogoFan wrote:
@willdob3 wrote:
@LogoFan

My PCP was scheduling surgery for for this for me when I happened to read that it can be caused by B6 deficiency. I decided to try supplementing before surgery because all surgeries are hard on our bodies and, if it was a deficiency issue, surgery would not correct it.

My problem resolved itself quickly - and completely - with supplementation. No surgery necessary.
@willdob3

Looks like available in either 50 or 100 mg. Which did you try, and are you continuing to use this? I take a daily senior vitamin every day.

Thanks

@LogoFan

I do still take it. I’ll have to check the dosage later from home. I take it twice per day and that is how it was advised to take it. Oh, you want to take a specific kind - coenzymated B6, also called P-5-P.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

PH58 — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 20:07:16 GMT

This thread has been very helpful. Last year I had it in my right index finger and it lasted for months and then disappeared. About a month and a half ago, It began quite suddently in both of my thumbs and it's excruciating, sometimes so bad I cannot use my right thumb to hold anything. Opening anything with a cap or lid is very hard and painful. I had xrays done and all that showed was slight osteoarthritis. My PCP told me it was likely occupational which I can understand in my right hand because of the mouse but my left too? I work in an office and all of my work is done on the computer. I am going to try the B-6 supplements.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

LogoFan — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 23:31:44 GMT

@willdob3 wrote:
@LogoFan wrote:
@willdob3 wrote:
@LogoFan

My PCP was scheduling surgery for for this for me when I happened to read that it can be caused by B6 deficiency. I decided to try supplementing before surgery because all surgeries are hard on our bodies and, if it was a deficiency issue, surgery would not correct it.

My problem resolved itself quickly - and completely - with supplementation. No surgery necessary.
@willdob3

Looks like available in either 50 or 100 mg. Which did you try, and are you continuing to use this? I take a daily senior vitamin every day.

Thanks
@LogoFan

I do still take it. I’ll have to check the dosage later from home. I take it twice per day and that is how it was advised to take it. Oh, you want to take a specific kind - coenzymated B6, also called P-5-P.

Thanks so much. Really appreciate help.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

willdob3 — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 03:06:58 GMT

@LogoFan wrote:
@willdob3 wrote:
@LogoFan

My PCP was scheduling surgery for for this for me when I happened to read that it can be caused by B6 deficiency. I decided to try supplementing before surgery because all surgeries are hard on our bodies and, if it was a deficiency issue, surgery would not correct it.

My problem resolved itself quickly - and completely - with supplementation. No surgery necessary.
@willdob3

Looks like available in either 50 or 100 mg. Which did you try, and are you continuing to use this? I take a daily senior vitamin every day.

Thanks

@LogoFan

When I started, I was taking 50mg 3x per day. No way would I take anything that often without thinking it was important but it is easy to find a variety of recommendations.

I had a hard time with that mid-day dose and, while researching, read about the higher amount, 100mg being good for eye health. I took 100mg 3x per day for a while but have been taking 100mg twice per day for a long time.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

LogoFan — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 17:15:51 GMT

@willdob3 wrote:
@LogoFan wrote:
@willdob3 wrote:
@LogoFan

My PCP was scheduling surgery for for this for me when I happened to read that it can be caused by B6 deficiency. I decided to try supplementing before surgery because all surgeries are hard on our bodies and, if it was a deficiency issue, surgery would not correct it.

My problem resolved itself quickly - and completely - with supplementation. No surgery necessary.
@willdob3

Looks like available in either 50 or 100 mg. Which did you try, and are you continuing to use this? I take a daily senior vitamin every day.

Thanks
@LogoFan

When I started, I was taking 50mg 3x per day. No way would I take anything that often without thinking it was important but it is easy to find a variety of recommendations.

I had a hard time with that mid-day dose and, while researching, read about the higher amount, 100mg being good for eye health. I took 100mg 3x per day for a while but have been taking 100mg twice per day for a long time.

Thanks. Will give it a try when I can.

Re: Trigger Finger Treatment

LogoFan — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 19:04:48 GMT

UPDATE:

Saw surgeon's PA on 1/23 finally.

Not very encouraging. Was told dx is trigger finger for middle finger. She was hesitant about steroid injection because I react to steroids. I got the shot and was told that only 50/50 chance of resolving things; takes 2 weeks for full effect; pain is normal; use ice for swelling - and the very minor tingling on thumb of same hand was carpal tunnel symptom.

Thumb did not have issues bending & flexing so guess not related to trigger finger issue. I had a very tiny bump between middle & ring finger that was painful to the touch before office visit that disappeared; but was told that can happen in relation to trigger finger.

Did not discuss carpal tunnel because too much information to remember at one time.

Since the injection middle finger is still stiff and tingling sensation has intensified. Also yesterday noticed a hard bump in hand near middle finger. Not yet ready to call doctor and ask more questions.

@gizmogal did you feel stiffness & tingling in thumb. As I stated here I just feel very mild tingling. Just curious about your experience because this PA mentioned carpal tunnel.

By the way, she said carpal tunnel is definitely not caused by using keyboard, but did not elaborate. I did not ask further questions or explanation of her statement because I wanted to stick to one subject. Interesting!!

@chickenbutt you are fortunate. No home masssage, cold or exercise helped me at all and still does not. Still hopeful since I was told the steroid takes 2 weeks for complete results.

Hopefully some of you will see this post. Can only hope and pray for some results.