Flicking finger

The term Flicking finger, Snap finger or Tendovaginitis stenosans describes a phenomenon in which the freedom of movement of the fingers is restricted due to thickened tendons or a thickened tendon sheath. As the fingers can then only be stretched with external help and, moreover, bending is only jerky, the disease was given the figurative name of "flickering fingers".

What is a quick finger?

The severe form of the flicking finger is a movement-impairing disease of a finger, which is often genetic.

This hereditary disease causes the tendon sheath to swell. As a result, the flexor tendon of the finger can no longer slide easily through the ring ligament. Since the tendon can be held open by the ring ligament, bending and stretching the finger are only performed jerkily. Often the finger that is flickering is also accompanied by pain.

As the disease progresses, the freedom of movement of the finger is increasingly restricted. Women are usually more often affected by the flickering finger than men. The occurrence of the disease in middle-aged women is typical. Children, on the other hand, are relatively rarely affected by a flickering finger.

causes

One cause of the flicking finger is the genetic predisposition. In this case, the flickering finger can already be recognized in childhood. The thumb is often affected. This is also referred to as a congenitally curved thumb.

In addition, a flickering finger can also be a side effect of diabetes mellitus. Amyloidosis or rheumatoid arthritis are other diseases that can cause a finger snap. Likewise, a snapping finger can be triggered by tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tumors are a rare cause of disease and can cause the finger to snap if they occur on bones or tendons. The use of medication only causes the symptoms of a jerking finger in exceptional cases.

Symptoms; Complaints & signs

With a finger that snaps, there are usually quite typical and clear signs, since the entire [movement restrictions movement is very restricted]]. Often, the affected finger can no longer be stretched properly because of a sharp pain.

Even when the patient was at rest, a jerking finger caused severe pain, so a visit to the doctor shouldn't be put off the bench. Anyone who decides to see a doctor at an early stage can count on quick elimination of the symptoms. There should be a significant improvement within a few days.

However, anyone who decides against such treatment must expect considerable complications. The pain in the affected finger increases significantly, so that even small movements will cause severe pain. In addition, there may even be severe swelling on the finger, which can be seen with the naked eye.

Anyone who suffers from a flickering finger should consult a doctor immediately. The existing symptoms can only be alleviated or eliminated with medical or drug treatment. In addition, full and timely recovery is only possible with the right treatment. Otherwise, the symptoms will become significantly worse and worse.

Diagnosis & course

A sign of that flicking fingersThat can already be diagnosed during the clinical examination is the reduced freedom of movement of the affected finger.

The problems with stretching in the morning are usually more pronounced and decrease over the course of the day. Often the finger that is flickering is accompanied by pain when stretching. In addition, with every “jerk” of the finger, a corresponding noise can occur as an acoustic indicator for the finger jerking.

Furthermore, the thickening of the tendon sheath, which causes the phenomenon of the finger flapping, can often be felt above the knuckle. As a result of the diagnosis, the patient is also examined for diseases that could have triggered the symptoms. An X-ray can rule out other causes of the flickering finger.

Complications

A jerking finger initially causes severe pain. If the movement disorder is not treated, chronic complaints can develop. In general, a quick finger represents a severe limitation of the hand's ability to move. Accidents and falls can occur if the finger unexpectedly “jumps”.

This rarely leads to inflammation of the tendon sheath and nodular thickenings. This occasionally results in circulatory disorders and other complications. In the case of long-term illnesses, the snap finger usually also affects the mental state of those affected. In the majority of cases, the buzz is removed by surgery.

However, if the quick finger has existed for a long time, a reduction in extension may remain. In osteoarthritis patients, the procedure may have to be repeated or the symptoms can no longer be remedied with the help of an operation.

In general, complications such as cutting a finger or thumb nerve can occur during the operation. Swelling and bleeding are also a risk for the nerve. The use of painkillers is often associated with side effects. Allergic reactions to the agents and materials used cannot be ruled out.

When should you go to the doctor?

A doctor should be consulted with this disease. Self-healing cannot occur and the illness makes everyday life for the person affected significantly more difficult. To avoid further complications, a doctor should therefore be consulted at an early stage. A doctor should be consulted if the person concerned suffers from severe pain in the fingers. These pains occur even without a special reason in the resting state and can also spread to the neighboring regions of the body.

Furthermore, the fingers are not infrequently swollen so that the person concerned can no longer move them properly and can no longer work with them. Above all, a doctor should be consulted if these symptoms do not go away on their own and persist over a longer period of time. A general practitioner or an orthopedic surgeon can be consulted for this disease. Further treatment is then based on the severity of the symptoms and is carried out by a specialist.

Treatment & Therapy

When treating the flicking finger the doctor has the choice between conservative methods and surgery. The appropriate treatment method is selected in accordance with the causes and the severity of the disease.

For example, a mixture of an anesthetic and a decongestant represents a more conservative treatment option. This is usually chosen for the lighter form of the flickering finger.The doctor injects the preparations directly into the tendon sheath so that they can work on site. Used in this way, they reduce pain and cause the tendon sheath to swell so that the tendon can easily slide through it again.

In the case of stronger forms of the triggering finger, an operation is necessary, as anesthetic and decongestant can only reduce the symptoms, but cannot completely alleviate them. During this procedure, the doctor opens the thickened tendon sheath so that the tendon has more freedom of movement. Since it can be performed quickly and is not very invasive, this flick finger operation is performed under local anesthesia.

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prevention

During the hereditary form of the flicking finger cannot be prevented, the early detection of a metabolic disease that is triggering it and its therapy may reduce the symptoms. Overstressing the tendon sheath can be counteracted by avoiding one-sided movements and incorrect loads. Regular finger gymnastics can also help prevent fingers from flicking over.

Aftercare

If the triggering finger is treated surgically, follow-up care is then necessary. Since the procedure is an outpatient procedure, the patient can then return home. To prevent sticking or adhesions of the flexor tendons or finger joint contractures, the treated finger must not be stressed too early. However, slight movements are definitely desirable, which also depends on the individual pain situation.

An important step after surgery is to elevate the affected finger. This will reduce pain, swelling and bleeding. The patient usually takes ibuprofen or diclofenac to control the pain. In the acute phase, Novaminsulfon can also be administered as instructed.

One day after the operation, the wound and the bandage are checked in the doctor's office. The other dressing changes can also be carried out by the family doctor. After 12 to 14 days, the threads are pulled. Thereafter, no more bandages need to be applied. In cold water, the patient exercises with his fingers. The cold can reduce the pain. The cold water has a soothing effect. If cold water cannot be tolerated, lukewarm water can also be used.

You can do that yourself

The snapping finger, also known as the snap finger, is harmless, but very uncomfortable. A nodule on the tendon prevents the tendon from sliding smoothly through the tendon sheath or the tendon sheath itself is too tight. The feeling of having lost control of the finger in question is particularly strange.

If the finger is not yet completely blocked, the treating doctors will prescribe anti-inflammatory preparations, such as cortisone. Alternatively, a hand surgery is possible, in which the thickening is removed and / or the tendon sheath is widened. This surgery is not very risky and in most cases it is successful.

However, the affected patient can do some things himself to calm a flickering finger. Orthomolecular medicine recommends taking a high-dose enzyme preparation that reduces inflammation and makes tendons and tendon sheath more supple. High-dose enzyme preparations are available in pharmacies without a prescription, but are not cheap and have to be taken for a few weeks before success can be determined for sure. Not all health insurances cover the costs.

Another anti-inflammatory measure would be to switch to an alkaline diet. Meat, fish, sausage, cheese, grain, sugar and alcohol have to be avoided as far as possible. Instead, we recommend fruits, vegetables, salads as well as soy and whole grain products.