SHARES
Trigger finger is characterised by a finger that gets stuck when bent and clicks on straightening, like a trigger pulled and released. In addition, the finger may be stiff and painful, especially when attempting to grip something firmly. The symptoms can be worse in the morning. This condition affects 2% to 3% of people among the general population, and rises significantly to 10% among diabetics. Scientists believe there is a link between trigger finger and diabetes, making trigger finger one of the several signs that you may have diabetes.
Diabetes is on the rise
As per the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in 2017, there were 82 million adults (age 20-79) living with diabetes in the Southeast Asia region. This includes countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and India.
IDF projects that the number of people with diabetes in SEA Region will increase 68% reaching 152 million by 2045. Diabetes is on the rise in Southeast Asia. For example, as of 2017, prediabetes affects 14% of Singaporeans between the ages of 18 to 69, which may progress to type 2 diabetes if remain uncontrolled.
Nevertheless, people can take steps to reduce their risk of prediabetes by paying attention to signals from the body, and one of the important sign is trigger finger.
What comes first? Trigger finger or diabetes?
It is likely that prediabetes or diabetes appear before trigger finger, as these conditions may go unnoticed if no symptoms were present. Often times, trigger finger signals the need to take remedial steps for prediabetes or diabetes.
Signs of trigger fingers are often mild progressively becoming more severe. Symptoms include a popping or clicking sensation on movement with early-morning stiffness. A bump or nodule may arise at the base of the finger. Furthermore, the finger or thumb may catch or lock in a bent position with a snapping sound on straightening the finger. As trigger finger progresses, it becomes more difficult and painful to straighten the bent finger.
A doctor can diagnose trigger finger by taking a history and a simple physical exam. The doctor will assess for smoothness of motion, pain, and any obvious locking or clicking of the digit. It is critical to see your doctor or hand specialist early to prevent mild trigger finger from getting worse. It may also serve as a warning to undergo prediabetes screening, blood tests, and steps to manage and prevent diabetes.
Prevent trigger finger by controlling diabetes
The Singapore’s Health Hub uses the acronym ‘BEAT’ to reverse prediabetes:
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Be aware of how you can fight diabetes.
Understand that prediabetes is reversible with healthy lifestyle changes that lowers your risk of developing diabetes.
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Eat right to prevent diabetes.
Choose to incorporate plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins while drinking lots of water to achieve healthy eating goals. Limit sweetened or alcoholic beverages.
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Adopt an active lifestyle to prevent diabetes.
Find enjoyable physical activities. Take just 10 minutes a couple of times a day throughout the week to engage in these activities, preferably 150 minutes each week. Start slow and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
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Take control of your lifestyle to prevent diabetes.
A balanced diet with regular exercise can help you achieve a healthy weight, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being. Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels will have a positive impact on your overall health as well as the function of your fingers.
The goal of treating trigger finger
Regaining full movement without discomfort is the goal of treating trigger finger. Reducing the swelling will allow smooth gliding action of the tendon. Taking anti-inflammatory medication as well as massaging and stretching the fingers may help.
The next step in treatment is the use of splinting or a steroid injection to help relieve the trigger finger or thumb.
Surgical intervention may be necessary as a manual release of the affected finger or thumb. Surgery is often followed by hand physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Prediabetes is a reversible health condition presented with stiff and locking fingers or thumb, which may point towards undiagnosed diabetes. If diagnosed with trigger finger, it might be worthwhile to screen for prediabetes or diabetes.
Special thanks to:
Dr Aaron Gan Wei Tat is a Consultant Hand Surgeon heading the Centre for Hands and Reconstructive Microsurgery (CHARMS) of the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre branch. Before joining CHARMS, he was appointed as Consultant in the Department of Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery of the National University Hospital. Dr Gan specializes in hand and wrist sports injuries as well as degenerative hand and wrist conditions. National athletes, professional MMA fighters and other levels of sportspersons count amongst Dr Gan’s patients who have undergone treatment and rehabilitation leading to quick recovery back to sports. Dr Gan is also experienced in treating painful conditions in the hand and wrist with both non-surgical and surgical methods. Tendinosis and arthritis in the hand and wrist are the most common conditions in this group of patients.
Credit: Sherra Vorley
The Centre for Hands and Reconstructive Microsurgery (CHARMS) contributed this article. Read the original article here.
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
