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What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition affecting the tendons of the hand. It is a painful condition in which the fingers or thumb get locked in a bending position. There is difficulty in straightening the affected finger. Clicking or popping sound is heard on straightening the finger. Trigger finger can appear in one finger or may involve many fingers at a time.
Though commonly affecting the right hand, it can affect both hands as well. Trigger finger makes a person anxious and frustrated since it interferes with daily life and work. It affects the efficiency of a person adversely, especially while performing tasks to be done with the hands.
Homeopathic Treatment
Homeopathic treatment for trigger finger is very effective. With the use of homeopathic medicines, the intensity of symptoms like pain, stiffness, and frequency of episodes gradually declines.
To treat any case of trigger finger, case details of characteristic symptoms of the person are required to find the underlying cause. The symptoms are important for the selection of the most suitable medicine for the patient. Homeopathic medicines treat trigger finger by correcting the underlying cause –inflamed, thick tendon sheath in most cases. Homeopathic treatment for trigger finger is natural, safe, and has no side effects. These are recommended for mild to moderate cases of trigger finger. In severe and advanced cases with fixed locking of finger, homeopathy is not helpful and conventional treatment is recommended.
Homeopathic Medicines For Trigger Finger
The top homeopathic medicines for trigger finger are Rhus Tox, Ruta Graveolens, Arnica Montana, Causticum, Merc Sol, and Sulphur.
1. Rhus Tox – Top Grade Medicine
Rhus Tox is a highly recommended medicine for cases of trigger finger. It has magnificent action on tendon and its sheath. Any complaint that arises from overuse or overstraining of tendons can be addressed wonderfully with this medicine. Here overuse or overstraining of tendons of fingers is the root cause behind trigger finger for which Rhus Tox is the leading medicine. In case joint inflammation is associated with trigger finger, there too Rhus Tox is effective. It is helpful in cases of trigger finger where there is noticeable rigidity and stiffness in the fingers during initial movement especially in the morning. Patients needing this homeopathic medicine get relief by moving their fingers and hands continuously. The problem may aggravate by resting the hand.
When and How to use Rhus Tox?
Rhus Tox can be used as a first line of treatment in cases of trigger finger where stiffness is marked in fingers. It will reduce inflammation of tendon, its sheath and reduce stiffness of fingers. It can be used in different potencies from low (30C) to high (200C, 1M) potencies. Initially, Rhus Tox 30C is the most preferred potency that can be taken three to four times a day at a three-hour interval. High potencies are usually not repeated too often and homeopathic physician’s advice is a must.
2. Ruta Graveolens – For Overstrained, Inflamed Tendons And Nodes On Tendons
Ruta is a natural medicine prepared from ‘garden rue plant’. It is very effective in treating trigger finger caused by overstrained or inflamed tendons of the hands. Additionally, nodes get formed on the tendons. The fingers get contracted. Tearing or drawing pain is felt in the fingers and hands.
When and How to use Ruta Graveolans?
Ruta can be used in case of pain in fingers and hands where tendons are inflamed along with node formation from over-straining. Though it can be used in varying potencies, the most frequently used potency is 30C which can be taken two to three times a day.
3. Arnica – For Complaint From Overstraining Or Overexertion Of Hands
Arnica is similar in action to the above two medicines. It is well-indicated when trigger finger develops due to over-straining or overexertion of the hands. The patient needing it has soreness and pain in the fingers that gets worse with the slightest touch.
When and How to use Arnica?
When this condition arises from overstraining of hands along with pain and soreness of hands, Arnica can be used. It gives excellent results in 30C potency. Arnica 30C can be taken two to three times a day as per severity of pain.
4. Causticum – For Stiff Fingers With Difficulty In Moving Them
Causticum is a very useful medicine for cases having marked stiffness of fingers. The fingers get bent over the palmar side with difficulty in moving them. These can only be moved with the help of the other hand. Tendons of fingers get contracted and hardened from long-term inflammation.
When and How to use Causticum?
Consider this medicine’s use when fingers are stiff and bent from contracted and hard tendons. 30C is the right potency to use in beginning. Causticum 30C can be taken once or twice a day as per the intensity of complaint.
5. Merc Sol – When There Is Locking Of Fingers / Thumb
Merc Sol is valuable for cases of trigger finger where there is locking of fingers or thumb. The fingers/thumb may be completely bent on the palms. There is excessive struggle to open the locked fingers without assistance from the other hand. Besides, there is stiffness in hands while using them. On moving the hands, fingers make a cracking sound.
When and How to use Merc Sol?
Merc Sol can be used when there is the tendency of fingers or thumb to be completely bent on the palm and get locked there. This medicine will gradually help to reduce frequency and intensity of such episodes though it may not help much in unlocking if the fingers are acutely bent. It can be taken in 30C potency twice a day for good results.
6. Sulphur – For Locked Fingers When Grasping Something
Sulphur can be considered in cases where the fingers lock when the person tries to grasp something. There may also be nodules on the fingers and cracking of finger joints in such cases. A tearing pain may be felt in the hands. Burning sensation in palms may attend.
When and How to use Sulphur?
When there is tendency to get locked fingers on grasping some object, Sulphur can be considered. Sulphur 30C once a day can be taken to reduce such tendency. In case no changes occur, higher potencies can be used after consulting a homeopath.
What Are The Causes Of Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger is caused by irritation, inflammation, scarring and thickening of tendon sheath of the fingers and thumb. Tendons are the strong tissue bands that link muscles to the bones. There is a covering on the tendon called the sheath. In normal conditions, there is smooth movement of the tendon within the sheath while bending and straightening the thumb and fingers. In cases of trigger finger, the space between the tendons and its sheaths becomes narrow due to inflammation or thickening of tendons or sheath of the affected fingers or thumb. This narrowing leads to pain and restricts the movement of fingers.
What Are The Risk Factors For Trigger Finger?
1. Overuse of hands with frequent and repetitive movement of hands and fingers puts a person at risk of getting trigger finger. Individuals who carry out regular or continuous straining movements, like gripping something for a prolonged time are prone to getting trigger finger. Persons in certain occupations or activities in which there is a constant straining of the fingers and hands tend to suffer from trigger finger. Musicians, farmers, and laborers are at high risk of developing trigger finger.
2. Apart from overuse, medical conditions like diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of joints) and gout (inflamed joints from high uric acid levels) also make a person prone to trigger finger.
3. Age: Persons between 40-60 yrs of age at risk
4. Sex: Females are more likely to suffer from trigger finger than males
5. Surgery of carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness and tingling in fingers from pressure on median nerve)
What Are The Symptoms Of Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger can affect any finger or thumb, and either hand can be affected. It can affect multiple fingers at the same time.
1. Mild stiffness or tenderness at the base of the thumb or affected fingers. It is the initial symptom. The stiffness is more in the morning or when the person initiates movement. In some cases, the patient may get relief by continuous movement of the fingers.
2. Pain at the base of the affected finger/ thumb. It is felt on movement or applying pressure. With the progression of the condition, pain may be felt even when the hand is at rest.
3. Affected fingers get locked on bending as the disease progresses and the person finds it difficult to straighten locked fingers.
4. Popping or clicking sound on moving or straightening the affected finger.
5. Locking of finger in the bent position which the person may have to unlock with the help of the other hand in advanced cases. At times there is inability to straighten the finger.
6. Formation of nodosities at the base of the affected fingers in palms.
Grading of Trigger Finger
Grade 1: Only pain and tenderness in palm or fingers; there may be a history of bent finger
Grade 2: There is catching (bending) of finger but can be actively extended
Grade 3: Unlocking of finger requiring passive extension (using the other hand to unlock)
Grade 4: Fixed locking of finger
My sister aged around 68 years, on insulin for last 25 years has problem of trigger finger. Is there any Homeo treatment. Appreciate your advice. Regards Krishnan +91″98203 41791 what’s app only as I am traveling now
My sister aged around 68 years, on insulin for last 25 years has problem of trigger finger. Is there any Homeo treatment. Appreciate your advice. Regards Krishnan +91″98203 41791 what’s app only as I am traveling now
I have trigger finger problem in my left hand middle finger since last three months.
I have a typical trigger thumb since a month or two accompanied by soreness, stiffness at nght and morning and a severe pain in the whole of the thumb. I am 60 years old and enjoying a good health so far. Do not have BP, Diabatis or any sort of health problem at all. Please advise and suggest medicines. Thank you.
Dear Dr Sharma
I am having problem in folding my right hand specially in the morning hours and there is quite a lot of pain.My fourth finger from the thumb looks only affected and there is some slight locking while straightening it and a minor sound is heard.This started all of a sudden one fine morning when I got up say like two and a half months back.I just heard that few homeopathic medicines like Arnica Montana, Rhus Tox, RutaGraveolans etc are suitable for this disease. Would you please guide me which one is suitable & required doses for this disease.
Else any other advice.
Awaiting your reply
Dear Doctor Sir;
My wife, Basanti Dash , aged 61 years has developed trigger finger . She had this disease earlier some years back & by surgery tendon is released. Again, after 4/5 years , another finger was effected. Surgery was done. Few months back, another finger got effected. The same is also operated. She does not have Arthritis , nor diabetes. Today, it is found that another finger has shown the symptom of trigger finger finger. Some of my friends suggested for homeopathic treatment. Just now, through Google search, I find some medicines , like Arnica Montana, Rhus Tox, RutaGraveolans etc are suitable for this disease. Would you please guide me which one is suitable & required doses for this disease.
Thanks & Regards.
Harish Chandra Dash
Respectfully,
My little finger in left hand lock up on two joints. I am 58 years old and this is first time happened and about a month when started.
There are two many medicine mentioned and hard to pick what I can use. Appreciate any suggestion.
dr.sharma, sir !!
i am vinod gandhi,age 51 staying mumbai,virar,suffering last 1 year trigger finger problem.right hand second finger and last one. so much paining, cant sleep properly,cant bend fingers properly 2 fingers, sir kindly suggest me homiopathic medicine. will be greatful to u.
There is a swollen nodes at the bottom of my left thumb. It stucks in straight or bent position.It is very painful while straightening by right hand.
Age 36/male
Normal uric acid.
Kindly suggest the right medicine
I am suffering from trigger finger. I am diabetic since last 25 years . Taking insulin. Recently CABG was done. Please suggest me.
Hi. I have a trigger finger on a middle finger left hand. It locks during a night sleep. In the morning I have to unlock it using another hand. During a day I don’t have it. Looks like Rhus tox is the one. Let me know your thoughts please. I’m a homeopathic pharmacist and I think it’s right selection of a remedy
my middle and ring fingers in both the hands pain, I am able to bend the fingers fully but the pain is more while doing so. There is no sound in the process of bending the fingers. I am eighty one.
In the winters the pain increases. Kindly suggest remedy. Thank you
Trigger finger. Pain in middle and ring fingers of both hands
I have trigger finger on the right hand middle finger very painful and swollen don’t want surgery what else can be helpful
I was suffering from trigger finger long back and tendon lock was operated at Silchar Medical College by Orthopaedic Surgeon and I was relieved some extent. Now I face movement problem of my left ring finger. I am advised by doctor to take pain killer and locally use oxalgin nano gel. pain relieved but movement still stiff. Kindly advise for homeopathic treatment, if any.
Swapan
Thank you for your help. My left ring finger initially locked in the folded position due to an injury to the base of the finger. Now I cannot fold it at all but only if i push into a folded position and then it springs out straight. There is no pain unless I try to close it without pushing it. It will still lock in the folded position and must be forced open. The pain is between the knuckles between the end of my finger and the middle. This has been going on for over 8 months.
Any suggestion is greatly appreciated.
Sir,
The problem is when the finger is folded , it does not open easily. It gets locked and opens with pain.
The base of the finger seems to have swelled and a hard point can be felt on the palm which is not there in case of other fingers except the middle one of thr right hand.
Right now taking acidum benjoicum-200.
Please guide.
Sir, my left hand thumb gets locked and and there i severe pain at the root of the thuumb and at the wrist. I cannot move my finger, cannot play tabla. Please inform me the solution and proper homeopathic medicine so that I can gain my normal life. Please inform me if this disease is completely curable or not.
Thank you for this article, Dr. Sharma. I have trigger finger in my left hand, middle finger. I just had a cortisone shot, but have yet to feel any relief. I have ruta grav, rhus tox, arnica, etc. Ruta and rhus are in both 6c and 30c. That is all that is available to me. I have been taking arnica, but stopped. I tried ruta and rhus, but am unsure of the dosage schedule. I understand that lower potencies are called for, but just do not know how often to take. I have used ruta with great success in the past. I am hoping to find the same with this current issue, which has been going on for about 2-3 months. Thank you for your help.
my small finger on the left hand becomes locked. Particularly much more in night and morning.two middle finger on the right hand is stiff.right palm also paining. Can you pl suggest me what homeopathic medicine I should use for speed recovery.Thanks sir.if I get one line reply on that I will be great ful to you.thanks again sir.
I am suffering trigger finger in my left hand ring finger for the last seven days.If I put pressure on my palm at the joint of ring finger,it trigger pain.In the morning,the finger gets locked,but gradually it started moving by putting extra pressure to move the finger or by the help of my other hand.I am also suffering from osteo arthritis for last three years in one femmur bone.Kindly suggest the best homeopathy medicine for me.
i AM SUFFERING FROM TRIGGER FINGER AND TWICE BEEN GIVEN AN INJECTION BUT IT HAS RESULTED IN TEMPORARY RELIEF.
I play harmonium daily for short periods as a hobby. I often type on the computer.
The pain in the Middle finger of my left hand and the middle and ring finger of the right hand comes up intermittently and is slightly aggravated during winters.
The problem is at least 4 years old. I am 80 years of age.
Kindly suggest a remedy. Thank you.
Respected sir
Am ullas kc from kerala kannur
I have an trigger finger disease in my thumb finger and have pain and cant flexible
Is there any possibility of reduce trigger finger in homeopathic
Kindly reply this message and suggest best medicine and doctor
Dear Dr. Sharma,
I am at present suffering from some paint on my fingers and seek your valuable suggestion for overcoming the issue. The main symptoms are like –
01. It is occurring on middle finger of both the hands.
02. Left hand is more painful than right.
03. Right hand middle finger making squeaking noise on folding and unfolding.
04. Left hand middle finger locked in the morning.
05. Left hand pain remains whole day but less as compared to morning.