Treat a faltering finger

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To step
Method 1 of 2: Using a finger splint
Method 2 of 2: Medically / medicinally treat a sticking finger
Tips

Every finger movement is controlled by flexor tendons. These tendons run from the muscles of the forearm through a small “tunnel”, the tendon sheath, to the fingers. If such a tendon becomes inflamed, a lump can form, making it difficult for the tendon to move through the tendon sheath and causing pain when the finger extends. This condition is called a "snapping finger" or "snapping finger" and is characterized by one or more fingers that lock painfully when bent. This makes stretching difficult and uncomfortable. Learn about the different treatment methods by starting with the 1st step below.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Using a finger splint

Place the affected finger in an aluminum flexi finger splint. These finger splints use a rigid aluminum frame to hold the finger in a fixed position while the inflammation heals. Place the splint on the inside of the finger with the foam against the skin. The shape should match the shape of your finger.
- Aluminum flexi splints (or similar splints) can be purchased quite cheaply at almost any pharmacy.
Bend the aluminum so that the finger is slightly bent. Gently push the splint into a slightly curved shape that is comfortable for your finger. If it is too painful or difficult for the affected finger, you can use your other hand.
- When your curved splint feels comfortable, secure it to your finger with the included strips or metal clips. If not included, use plaster tape.
Wear the splint for at least two weeks. The lump should begin to shrink from the forced rest. After a while, the pain and inflammation should ease, and your finger should be able to make all movements again.
- You may want to take your splint off to bathe and wash yourself. If you do, try to avoid stretching your finger or doing other actions that can make inflammation worse.
Protect your finger. With enough rest, your finger will have the chance to recover on its own. But this requires patience and care to give your finger optimal rest and not strain while it is in the splint. Avoid strenuous physical activities that use your hands, especially sports such as basketball, football, and baseball, which may require catching a fast-moving object. Also, if possible, try to avoid using your splinted finger when lifting heavy objects or pushing yourself off.
Remove the splint and test the mobility of your finger. After a few weeks, you can remove your finger from the splint and try to stretch it. You should be able to move your finger with less pain and effort. If the condition is less, but you are still experiencing some pain, you can choose to keep your splint on a little longer or see a doctor for other options. If the condition has not improved, or even seems to have gotten worse, then it is certainly advisable to make an appointment with your doctor.

Method 2 of 2: Medically / medicinally treat a sticking finger

Use over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory pain relievers. These painkillers are not corticosteroids and are easily available without a prescription. These are, for example, the well-known painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen. They soothe pain, are anti-inflammatory and reduce swelling. For an inflammatory condition like the faltering finger, these anti-inflammatories are a perfect first-line treatment. It provides quick pain relief and reduces complaints.
- But these painkillers are relatively mild drugs. For stubborn instances of sticking fingers, they are not powerful enough to help. Simply increasing the doses is not wise. An overdose of these drugs can damage your liver and kidneys. If your finger continues to bother you, these remedies will not suffice and you will have to take the next step.
Treat with a cortisone injection. Cortisones are natural hormones produced by the body. They are classified by the class of molecules called steroids (note: these are not the same steroids that are sometimes used illegally in sports). Cortisones have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, making them useful for sticking fingers and other conditions caused by inflammation. If the faltering finger doesn't improve with rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, talk to your doctor about a cortisone shot.
- Cortisones are injected directly into the inflamed area - in this case, into the tendon sheath. You can do this with your doctor in a few minutes. However, you may need to come back for a second injection if the first injection provides only partial relief.
- Cortisone injections may be less effective for people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.
For particularly stubborn cases you can consider surgery. If you have given your finger a good long rest, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and also had multiple injections of cortisone, and the faltering finger is still not healed, surgery may be necessary. The procedure consists of cutting open the tendon sheath. As the sheath heals it will widen and therefore be better able to accommodate the nodules on the tendon.
- This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis - in other words; you will not be admitted to hospital for this.
- In general, you will only be anesthetized locally for this procedure. This means that your hand is numbed so that you don't feel pain, but you stay awake yourself.