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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
Hello Dr. Sharma,
I have trigger fingers in both hands as well as a cyst at the base of my ring finger on my left hand. I also have a ganglion cyst on my right wrist. The pain in stiffness in my hands is worse at night while sleeping and upon waking. The pain is also worse at night in my wrist where the cyst is located. I have tingling and numbness that radiates to my finger tips. I would like to try homeopathic medicine. Is this something you can help me with?
Thank you,
Rebecca
Good morning ,I have trigger finger in both of my index fingers.They are both locking and are very painful.
Please assist me in overcoming this condition.
I am taking Calc flour 6x for trigger finger. But it is almost one week no big relief. I am diabetic without insulin. In the morning it is severe.
I have a trigger finger on my right hand middle finger. Initially it started with stiffness on waking up and got released after some time. Now it us becoming a regular thing lasting all day ling and also becoming painful. Thanks if you could suggest me a remedy
I am having a problem with my thumb and index finger locking, my index finger locks pointing downward, and now it is happening on both hands. I do landscaping and a lot of weeding which may be aggravating the tendons And causing inflammation? What homeopathic remedy would you recommend? Thank you so much for any help or advice you can give me. I would like to know Which of the homeopathic remedies above you think would be the best for my condition
I have in right hand ring finger pain and some times the finger locks. Pain is below the finger. Pl.suggest medicine. I am taking med.for diabetic
Regards
Sufferring from trigger finger (RH Ring Finger) and Knee joint pain.
Please help
Sir,
I have an Trigger Finger proble in my right Hand.
I have problem in stratening my thumb and also in the morning it gets tightening and there is pain in the thumb also.
So request you to suggest the medicine which is helpful and resolve my trigger thumb issue.
Waiting for you Positive Response.
Shailesh Dhoot
Hi good afternoon.ihave an Tigger fingers problem in my right hand.i l have problems index and ring’ finger both.it is too painful. Please help me with your valuable advice. Highly obliged to you
I am having a problem with my thumb and index finger locking, my index finger locks pointing downward, and now it is happening on both hands. I do landscaping and a lot of weeding which may be aggravating the tendons And causing inflammation? What homeopathic remedy would you recommend? Thank you so much for any help or advice you can give me. I would like to know Which of the homeopathic remedies above you think would be the best for my condition
Hello I am suffering from trigger finger of little finger of left hànd ( I am lefty) and also patient of ankylosing spondylitis and gout. Kindly suggest medicine.
Dr.sahib I am 62 years old & suffering from trigger finger in right hand with stiffness during night for the last 2years. Pl. Suggest some light medicine for the problem .
Suffering from Trigger Thumb in my right hand with pain and cracking sound during bending. It has become very difficult to bend the thumb. The bending appears mechanical and NOT smooth.
I have trigger fingres problem for over 4-5 months with stiffness and mild pain
Any effective homeo treatment fir this, Dr?
I am suffering from trigger finger in my left hand index finger and ring finger. I can move the fingers itself but it moves with a click and slight pain is there. In morning it is more stiff. But i don’t have to use my 2nd hand to move the fingers. Please suggest me homeopathy medicine with doses. I am 43 year of old male. I don’t have diabetes and no BP
I have trigger finger in my left hand index finger and little finger since 2 months
I don’t have any dibetes or BP problems. My middle finger of left hand also shows similar symptoms in the morning but it goes away in the afternoon..
Please advice me any homeopathic med with dose.
Thank you
Suffering from trigger finger cannot bend fingers causing pain and stiffness also have some burning sensations. What homeopathy can help me please.All fingers have problem with bending
Sir im 57 year old patient badly suffered by spondyleptosis caused due to AVM at D10″L1, L2 sunce 31 years completely bed ridden
I have been dignosed with triger thum both side what is recommend
I have trigger finger in my left hand palm. My Ring finger is suffering this ailment. At the base of ring finger some knot like is existing and there is swelling. I can’t bend my ring finger. If it happen it stuck and to straight it I have to use my right hand but it pains a lot while straightening.
I am having diabetes, which is well in control by medicine. I have been talking Glcyphage 500 for the same. And it is almost 8 year ago when I was diogonosed having diabetes.
Suffering from trigger fingure at Right hand ring fingure. Tried first Lycopodium no result Doctor prescribed Custicom 1000 not much result then prescribed CAULOPHYLLUM 30 FOUR TIMES A DAY for 15 days.
Can you suggest some alternative for complete relief.
I have a trigger thumb on the left hand & trigger finger on the right hand. Right hand trigger thumb was operated in 2019.
Thumb… hurts on moving, a little burning sensation & pain at the base. There is a painful node at the base too.
Little Finger…. gets stuck often & is painful then. There is a painful node at the base.
Thank you
I am facing trigger finger problem in my middle finger of right hand. When bending my middle finger gets locked and opens with a thud noise. There is slight pain when pressed. Plz advice. Tnx
.
Sir, Namaskar. I am 69 years old and suffering from this problem since 3 months. The middle finger of my right is stiff and I neither bend it up nor down.There is also swelling at the middle. I tried Arnica, Ruta G. ,. Rhus-tox, Lyco. , Helper Sulp , Lac. Conium, Hypercum , Kali . bich. , Causticum, Viola Odo. APIs. Mol. Cup. Met. It better now. But not cured fully. Now swelling is there (40%) , No stinging pains as before , but it pains at bending up or down. There was also a wound which got well. But there is sensitive pain on the dry wound position.
Will you please suggest medicine to take at this position.
Dear Dr. Sharma:
I have been suffering from Trigger Finger for around the last 3 months. First, it started on the ring finger of the right hand, now it developed on the thumb of the right hand.
Symptoms:
1. Ring finger gets locked if I keep my fist closed for more than 30 seconds, and I feel a little uneasy to make the finger straight, sometimes it pops up
2. If I keep my fist raised (open) for a long time then, it is difficult for me to bend because of the stiffness of the finger. It happens especially in the morning, probably when I sleep I keep my fist open. After waking from sleep, it takes a while (maybe 10 minutes) to make my finder normal. If I keep washing my hands for several minutes, then my finger becomes normal quickly.
3. I do not feel pain for my normal activities but if I work computer especially I keep holding the mouse for a couple of minutes, I feel pain
4. Sometimes, I feel a burning sensation on my palm
I feel mild pain(2 on a scale of 10) when I try to bend my thumb
5. As I work with computers, it is very concerning for me.
I will really appreciate your advice
Best Regards,
Kedar
I am 62 years old with controlled diabetics. I was a cricket player for many years and involved in coaching youngsters.I have trigger finger in the middle and ring fingers of the left hand. There is swelling and pain in the base of the finger. The movement of finger is not smooth. Early morning, it is quite stiff and it is painful to bend finger during morning hours. When the affected hand is put in hot water and Thaila is applied the condition improves for a short while. I have come to know that Homeo medicine is effective for this condition.Please prescribe a suitable medicine and exercises. Thanking you Balachandran.
Dear Doctor Shama,
I have what I believe is trigger thumb, caused by pulling out a lot of large deep roots. My thumb does not hurt, but feels like it is clicking out of joint particularly the middle joint. What remedy should I use?
Thank you
Carine