HFL 11x17_The Answer for Your Trigger Finger

For those who do not know what trigger finger is, it is an inflammation of tendons on the palm side of the hand. These tendons allow you to bend your fingers, so when you develop trigger finger, it can make it difficult to perform daily tasks.

Hands for

SPECIALTY EXPERTISE For Shoulders, Arms, and Hands

Living

NEWSLETTER

Finally, The Answer forYour Trigger Finger ACustomBrace CanHelp!

www.handsforliving.com

Hands for Living 9

th

Celebrating our

ANNIVERSARY!! June, 2011 - June, 2020

NEWSLETTER Living Hands for

SPECIALTY EXPERTISE For Shoulders, Arms, and Hands

Finding The Answer for Your Trigger Finger A Custom Brace Can Help!

Are You Living with a Trigger Finger? A trigger finger is an inflammation of tendons on the palmside of the hand, causing pain on the palm side of the hand, just below thefingers. It canalso causepain in thefingers themselves, and/or up into the forearm. The tendons allow you to bend your fingers, sowhenyoudevelop trigger finger, it canmake it difficult tomove your finger normally or to perform daily tasks. The tendons are meant to glide with ease, so when they become inflamed, this limits the smooth gliding of the tendon, and can result in “clicking” or “popping” of the finger, a finger that won’t bend at all, or a finger that won’t straighten without help. Fortunately, at Hands for Living, we can help treat your trigger finger soyou canget back to livingyour life comfortably. Formore information, contact us today. HowDo I Know If I Have Trigger Finger? Inmany cases, it can be difficult to determine the cause of trigger finger. It is possible that your trigger finger may be caused by repetitive grippingof certain tools, such as a drill or wrench.While anyonecandevelop trigger finger, it ismorecommon for thosewho are diabetic, arthritic, or who have sustained a previous injury to

the palm of the hand. It is also very common for perimenopausal women, and the exact reason it starts is not well known. If you are wondering whether or not you may have trigger finger, some common symptoms include: • Pain in the palm of the hand

• A nodule or bump in the palm of the hand • Tenderness at the base of finger(s) or thumb • Swelling at the base of the finger(s) or thumb

When you arrive for your initial appointment, your hand therapist may ask you to perform certain hand movements or press on specific spots in your hand and forearm to determine if you do have trigger finger. A common test may includemaking a fist and then trying to straighten the fingers. If the affected finger(s) or thumb stays curled before suddenly popping back into a straight position (as if releasing the trigger of a gun), it is a sign that you likely have a trigger finger. It is this “popping” that gives “trigger finger” it’s common name. Contact our hand therapists today at 425-368-7943 or visit our website at www.handsforliving.com to find out how we can help you from your home or office or in our clinic.

www.handsforliving.com

HowWill ACustomBrace Help RelieveMyTrigger Finger?

At Hands for Living, we can create a custom brace specifically for your needs, aimed at blocking some of the motion of the affected finger(s) or thumb to prevent the “triggering” or pain. Our braces serve several functions and benefits, such as managing pain and promoting healing. Our dedicated hand therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation to examine the current levels of mobility in your hand/fingers and determine what brace will be best for you. From there, they will design a personalized treatment plan and custombrace that will help relieve pain, improve your range of motion, and increase strength in the affected hand and fingers. Additional benefits of customorthotics for the treatment of trigger finger include: 1. Speeding up recovery. If you have developed trigger finger, a custom brace can be created to assist in your recovery. Your hand therapist can also design a rehabilitation

program that specifically addresses your needs, focusing on helping you recover as quickly as possible. Thismay include strength and range of motion exercises (depending on what you need), in addition to your custom brace. 2. Preventing Additional Injuries. Custom braces can help aid you in avoiding additional injury to the affected hand/ finger(s) by allowing your body tomovemore freely and comfortably. Your hand therapist can also teach you several different exercises you can do with your custom device to make sure the affected area is still maintaining strength and function. Additionally, your hand therapist will help you learn tomaneuver with your device in new ways that will help you stay active while reducing the chance of additional injury during your recovery. 3. Potentially Avoiding Surgery. In some cases, a custom brace may help you avoid an invasive surgical procedure altogether. Any surgery has risks - of infection,

painful scarring, and a lengthy recovery time. Fortunately, it is possible that a brace and therapy can often correct the problemwithout the need for surgery at all. Your hand therapist can also provide you with targeted hand exercises that will help your body speed up its natural healing process. While surgery is sometimes unavoidable, it’s almost always better to eliminate the need for an invasive procedure if the problem can be treated with therapy. Contact Us Today! Are you interested in learningmore about how a custom brace can help treat your trigger finger symptoms? Contact Hands for Living today to schedule a consultation and get started on the best course of treatment for your specific needs!

KEEPING YOUR HEALTH IN MIND

Featured Service: Video Conference

We are committed to your health and wellbeing. In the wake of the recent spread of COVID-19, we are taking every precaution. Before and after every session, we are asking our clients and staff towashor sanitize their hands. Additionally, wehave increased the number of timesper day thatwe sanitizeour equipment and facility. To do your part to prevent the spread of this contagious disease, we ask that if you are demonstrating symptoms of coronavirus— coughing, sneezingor fever—please stayhome. Additionally, if you have been exposed to someone who has a confirmed case of the virus, pleasenotifyus immediately, sowe can takenecessarysteps. Your cooperation in this tough time iswhatmakesusable tocontinue toprovidevaluable services toyou andyour family.We appreciate your ongoing support. Reduce Your Risk of Infection with These Tips:

In light of COVID-19, we want to remind our patients that we can help you from the comfort of your home with an easy and secure video call. If you have an elbow, wrist, or hand problem, you can speak with a hand therapy specialist rightwhereyou are to learnwhat is wrong and how to solve your problem.

If you are unsure of whether we canhelpyouviavideo conference, you may schedule a FREE phone call to get answers to your questions before you book your appointment. We are able toprovide general consultation for anyone, anywhere regarding hand conditions, difficulty with daily activities, general self-care routines, ergonomics, andor canhelpyoufind theRIGHT medical treatment if needed. Book your Video Conference Appointment at: www.handsforliving.com or call 425-368-7943 for more information.

Clean Hands Often

Avoid Touching Your Face

Avoid Hugs & Hand Shakes

Keep Distance from Those Who are Sick

Fun & Games SUDOKU

Healthy Recipe: Black Bean Chicken Burritos

• 1 Tbsp canola oil • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn

The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

• 2 tsp chili powder • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp paprika • 1/4 tsp pepper • 8 flour tortillas (8 inches) Optional Toppings:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound ground chicken • 1 green pepper, chopped • 1 sweet red pepper, chopped • 1 onion, chopped

• Sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, thinly sliced cabbage and fresh cilantro leaves

DIRECTIONS: In a large nonstick skillet, cook chicken over medium-high heat 4-6 minutes until no longer pink, breaking into pieces; drain and remove from skillet. Saute peppers and onion in oil 2-4 minutes until lightly browned, crisp-tender. Add jalapeno pepper and garlic; saute 1 minute. Stir in beans, tomatoes, corn, seasonings and chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for about 5minutes until liquid evaporates. Serve in tortillas, with additional toppings if desired.

www.handsforliving.com

Hand Exercise Helps Alleviate Pain and R store Flexibility

Patient Spotlight

FINGER ABDUCTION STRETCH

Stretch your fingers apar t . Use your opposite hand to spread your 1st and 2nd fingers apart. Hold for about 10 seconds. You should feel a stretch between your fingers. Continue and repeat with your 2nd and 3rd fingers, as well as your 3rd and 4th fingers.

“They have been helpful, knowledgeable and made something very difficult much easier to get through... I have great results to show for it.” “ The staff has treated me better than I could have ever hoped for. The entire team has been great. They have been helpful, knowledgeable and made something very difficult much easier to get through. Hillary has been the therapist I see most often, she really cares and I have great results to show for it. I truly cannot say enough positive things.” - C. B.

www.simpleset.net

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

www.handsforliving.com

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker