Ava Romero
Golf trigger finger is a common injury among golfers, caused by the repeated gripping and swinging of the club. The condition is characterised by inflammation of the flexor tendon sheath, resulting in the locking or catching of the finger or thumb, making it difficult to move or straighten. Treatment options include rest, splinting, OTC pain medications, steroid injections, and in severe cases, surgery. Prevention is key, and golfers can reduce their risk by adjusting their grip, using tape to modify their grip size, and wearing gloves for improved grip and protection. Additionally, stretching exercises before, during, and after golfing can help prevent and manage symptoms. Seeking early treatment is essential to avoid chronic conditions and ensure a swift return to the golf course.
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What You'll Learn
Rest, splinting, and OTC pain medications
Resting your hand and finger is one of the most effective ways to treat and manage pain and symptoms from a trigger finger. It is important to give your finger time to heal, which could take several weeks. Rest your affected hand and finger as much as possible until the swelling improves and you can bend the finger again. Taking a few days off golfing can help prevent the symptoms of golf trigger finger from worsening.
Splinting is another way to treat trigger finger. Strapping your affected finger or thumb to a plastic splint can ease your symptoms by stopping your finger from moving. If your finger is particularly stiff in the morning, it may help to use a splint overnight. According to a 2020 report, splinting for six to nine weeks can allow for gradual improvement.
Over-the-counter (OTC) oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and topical pain relievers are first-line treatments for mild trigger finger. These anti-inflammatory medications help reduce pain and inflammation, improving your finger's ability to move.
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Stretching exercises
Golfing puts a lot of tension on muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The repeated gripping and swinging of the club can cause inflammation of the flexor tendon sheath, leading to golf trigger finger. This common injury causes a finger or multiple fingers to "lock up" in a bent position, resulting in pain and limited movement.
To treat golf trigger finger, it is recommended to rest the affected hand and perform gentle stretching exercises. These exercises can help alleviate pain and stiffness, as well as increase the range of motion in the thumb and fingers. Here are some specific stretching exercises that can be done to treat golf trigger finger:
Fingertip Bend Exercise:
- Hold the finger just below the top joint.
- Bend the tip of the finger while keeping the rest of the finger still.
- Unbend the finger back to the starting position.
Tip and Middle Joint Bend Exercise:
- Hold the finger just above the knuckle at the base of the hand.
- Bend the tip and middle joints of the finger while keeping the rest of the finger still.
- Unbend the finger back to the starting position.
Passive Wrist Stretch:
- Lay your hand out flat on a table or solid surface with your palm facing downward.
- Gently lift each finger, one by one, as high as it will go without causing pain, and then lower it back down.
- Repeat this stretch 10 times on each finger, 3 to 4 times per day.
Finger Spread and Bend:
- Spread your fingers as wide as possible.
- Bend your fingers so that your fingertips touch the top of your palm.
- Straighten your fingers and spread them wide again.
- Then bend your fingers to touch the middle and bottom of your palm.
- Open your fingers wide again.
- Repeat this sequence several times, at least twice per day.
In addition to these targeted exercises, it is important to stretch before, during, and after a game of golf to prevent and treat golf trigger finger. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is advised to consult a doctor or physiotherapist for further treatment options, such as splinting or steroid injections.
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Steroid injections
Trigger finger is a common reason for referral to hand specialists. Steroid injections are often recommended as a first-line treatment, particularly for the thumb, which has shown increased efficacy compared to other digits. The injections are generally safe and effective, with a success rate of around 66%.
The procedure involves numbing the affected area to minimise pain and then using a small needle to inject the steroid directly into the tendon sheath. This helps reduce inflammation and improves finger mobility. Most people notice improvement within a week, with complete relief achieved within three weeks in some cases.
There are different techniques for administering the injection, including the classic method of injecting into the superficial tendon sheath through the A1 pulley. Other techniques involve injecting extra-synovial superficial to the tendon sheath or targeting the proximal phalangeal portion of the tendon sheath through a lateral approach. The choice of technique depends on various factors, including the patient's comfort and the injector's experience.
It is important to note that while steroid injections are generally safe, there are potential risks, including pain, bleeding, steroid flare reactions, and rare risks of infection, tendon rupture, and possible failure to improve. As with any medical procedure, it is essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance and treatment.
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Surgery
During the procedure, the surgeon will numb the patient's hand and wrist with local anaesthesia to ensure comfort. The inflamed tendon is then separated from the muscle, releasing it and restoring finger function. This type of surgery is often recommended when other treatments, such as splinting, hand therapy, or integrative medicine, have not yielded satisfactory results.
It is important to note that surgery for golf trigger finger is usually a quick and simple procedure. Patients can often return to golfing within a couple of weeks. However, recovery times may vary, and some individuals may require a longer healing period.
In some cases, surgery may be followed by a period of rehabilitation, including exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons in the fingers, hand, and forearm. These exercises can help prevent the recurrence of trigger finger and improve finger mobility.
While surgery can be an effective solution for golf trigger finger, it is important to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Each case of trigger finger is unique, and a specialist can provide personalised advice and guidance based on the patient's specific condition and needs.
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Adjust grip and use gloves
Golf trigger finger is a common injury among golfers due to the repeated gripping and swinging of the club. The condition is caused when the protective sheath that surrounds the tendons in the fingers becomes inflamed, resulting in the finger locking up in a bent position. This can cause pain in the palm, trouble gripping, and difficulty moving the fingers.
To prevent and treat golf trigger finger, it is important to adjust your grip on the golf club and consider wearing gloves. Here are some tips to help you:
Adjusting Your Grip
- Avoid holding the golf club too tightly. This can put excessive pressure on your fingers and contribute to trigger finger.
- Tape can be used to adjust the size of your grip. This can help ensure a more comfortable and secure hold without needing to grip too tightly.
- Explore different grip positions to find what works best for you. The ideal grip will vary from person to person, so experiment to find the most comfortable and controlled grip for you.
Using Gloves
- Wear golfing gloves to provide extra padding and protection for your hands. Gloves can improve your grip and reduce the need to exert excessive pressure with your fingers.
- Consider using compression gloves, which are specifically designed to reduce inflammation. They provide gentle pressure on the painful nerves and joints in the hand, allowing the wearer to maintain their range of motion while managing pain and inflammation.
- You can even find gloves designed for sleeping, which provide compression and support while you sleep, promoting overnight healing.
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Frequently asked questions
Trigger finger is a condition in which a person’s finger locks or catches if they try to straighten or bend it. It is caused when the flexor tendon sheath that the tendons in your fingers run through is inflamed, inhibiting smooth movements during finger extension.
The symptoms of a trigger finger include painful locking and snapping of the finger or thumb, difficulty moving the finger, and issues gripping objects. The finger may also become stuck in a bent position.
Treatment options for a trigger finger include rest, splinting, and over-the-counter pain medications. Steroid injections may be recommended to reduce swelling and inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be required to free up the tendon.
To prevent a trigger finger, it is important to stretch and rest your fingers. Adjust your grip on the golf club to ensure you are not holding it too tightly. Wearing golfing gloves can also improve your grip and protect your hands.
Yes, gentle stretching exercises such as the fingertip bend can help alleviate pain and stiffness associated with trigger finger. Massage can also be beneficial.
