Finger Tendonitis

A tendon is a fibrous structure, which acts as a connector between the muscle and the bone. Inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon is known as tendonitis. Every finger has two tendons. Inability to bend one or more joints along with pain indicates finger tendonitis. It is also known as flexor tendonitis. It is caused due to a number of factors, primary among them being overuse.

• Tendency to collect fluid around the tendons and joints
• Repetitive and/or strenuous activity
• Injury to the tendon

• Pain and tenderness in the entire flexor tendon. The pain is closer to the joints.
• Aggravation of pain occurs due to repetitive activity or movement. Sometimes there can be pain, when the person tries to bend the finger or also against resistance.

• Swelling and inflammation at the spot where the tendon goes into the finger bone.
• Aggravation of pain at night is another symptom.

The main aim of the treatment is to relieve pain and reduce the inflammation of the tendons. Let's take a look at some treatment methods, which can help you alleviate the condition.

Rest is the most important treatment method which you will have to implement if you want to relieve yourself of the condition. Taking adequate rest always helps.

Application of an ice pack will also be able to soothe the condition. It can also be alternated with a warm compress. Alternate ice pack and warm compress helps in increasing blood supply to the area, which helps in the healing process.

Avoiding contact with the finger and keeping it on an elevation also proves to be beneficial in treating the condition. You may opt to keep the finger in a splint for 10 to 14 days.

There is number of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications available. However, you would want to consult your health care professional before you take any one of those.

There are several exercises, which can also prove to be helpful in treating the condition. However, before performing any of them, you need to consult your medical practitioner.

There are homeopathic medicines which are said to be useful in treating this condition. These medicines reduce the painful symptoms and also speed up the healing process.

If the pain is unbearable and the condition does not subside, then surgery is the last option. Usually, there is no need for this, as the condition subsides due to a combination of the above treatment methods.

There are exercises which are helpful in treating this condition. I would, however, like to point out, that these are not strength testing exercises. Hence, you should perform these exercises gently. If you try all your might on these exercises, chances are that the condition may flare up.

# 1 Hold your fingers facing upwards and gently pull back the large knuckles as much as you can.

# 2 Fold your fist and touch all the fingers at the center of the palm. When you pull your fingers into a fist make sure that all the three finger joints are bent.

# 3 This is similar to the second exercise. Here, you will touch the fingers to the center of the palm but this time, do not fold the fingers; they should, instead, be straight.

If you do not find relief from this condition after a few days, it is recommended that you talk to your healthcare professional about the same. He will be able to judge the condition and chalk out a rehabilitation program for you.