Trigger Finger Treatment in Laguna Beach, CA
At Health in Balance, we understand how frustrating trigger finger can be. The affected digits may lock or catch in a bent position, making simple daily activities like gripping objects or typing difficult. Our personalized treatment plans aim to restore finger function and reduce pain—without medication, steroid injections, or surgery.
What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger occurs when the flexor tendons or their surrounding sheaths in the fingers become inflamed, thickened, or irritated. This can happen in any finger, including the thumb, and can cause stiffness, snapping, or locking of the finger when bending or straightening. Early intervention helps prevent long-term restriction of movement and loss of function.
Common Causes of Trigger Finger
Understanding the potential causes of trigger finger can help you prevent it in the future. For those already experiencing trigger finger, it can be helpful to understand the causes in order to identify what may have caused your condition.
Trigger finger is often the result of one of a variety of factors:
Repeated Gripping or Overuse
Activities requiring frequent gripping or forceful hand use can irritate the tendons and sheath, causing inflammation and thickening.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune inflammation can target joints and tendons, increasing the risk of tendon swelling in the fingers.
Diabetes
Elevated blood sugar can lead to glycation of tendon tissue, causing thickening and stiffness.
Inflammation and Mineral Imbalances
Chronic inflammation or deficiencies in minerals like magnesium can impair tendon health and contribute to trigger finger.
Injury
Trauma to the hand or fingers can cause scar tissue formation, improper healing, and increased risk of catching or locking.
What Symptoms Does Trigger Finger Cause?
Symptoms can vary but often include:
Snapping, popping, or catching sensation when moving the finger
Pain, stiffness, or soreness near the base of the affected finger
Swelling or a tender lump in the palm
Finger locking in a bent position
Effective Treatment Options for Trigger Finger in Laguna Beach, CA?
Health in Balance offers a range of treatments, each addressing different aspects of trigger finger:
Myofascial Release Technique
Releases tight fascia and restores mobility in the hand and fingers.
Shockwave Therapy with PEMF
The main treatment; stimulates blood flow, promotes healing of tendon tissue, and reduces inflammation.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
Supports tissue repair and reduces inflammation when used with Shockwave.
IASTM & Deep Manual Therapy
Breaks down scar tissue and adhesions to improve tendon gliding and reduce stiffness.
FAQs About Trigger Finger Treatment
How do you fix trigger finger?
Most cases respond well to non-invasive therapies like Shockwave with PEMF, manual therapy, and stretching exercises guided by a doctor.
Does trigger finger heal on its own?
Mild cases sometimes improve with rest or ergonomic adjustments, but many benefit from targeted therapy to avoid long-term stiffness.
What happens if you leave your trigger finger untreated?
The finger may become permanently stuck in a bent position, reduce grip strength, and interfere with daily activities.
Is trigger finger a form of arthritis?
No, trigger finger is not a form of arthritis. While they both cause pain and stiffness in the finger, the way they cause that pain and stiffness differs. Trigger finger affects the tendons and tendon sheaths in the finger, while arthritis affects the soft tissue that cushions the joints specifically.
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