Your Villa Magazine - Foothill Cities - May - June 2024

HEALTH + BEAUTY Mariem Metry, MS, OTR/L, CHT Clinical Coordinator, Hand Therapy Program Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare The famed educator Maria Montessori once said, “the human hand allows the mind to reveal itself.” It’s true! Our hands do so much for us, allowing us to touch, grasp, manipulate objects, and so much more. Unfortunately, with all of the use our hands get over time, there are also many conditions that can adversely affect hand function—and therefore our ability to engage in daily activities. One of the more common hand disorders is known as “trigger finge .” Trigger finger is a condition in which a finger gets stuc in a bent position and snaps straight like a trigger being pulled and released. It happens when inflammation occurs in the tendon, resulting in a narrowing of the space between the tendon and the protective sheath around it. Risk Factors Trigger finger is mo e common in women and people who have diabetes. It is also common with people whose work requires repetitive gripping. The most-often affected fingers e the thumb and ring finge . However, more than one finger can be affected, and bot hands can experience the condition simultaneously. Symptoms Depending on the severity of the condition, symptoms can vary from simple finger stiffnes (especially in the morning), a locking sensation when trying to bend the affected fing , tenderness, or a bump in the palm at the base of the affected fing . When should you seek medical help? If you are experiencing symptoms of trigger finge , start by calling your primary care physician and requesting a physical examination. Diagnosis of trigger finger is usually based on medical history and symptoms. It can be performed at your physician’s office and should no require laboratory work. Your physician may consider referring you to a certified hand therapist Treatment There are several therapeutic options effective at t eating trigger finge . One of these is a splint. A certified hand therapist can p ovide a custom-made finger splint to keep the affected finger in an extend position, which will help to rest the inflamed tendon and decrease pain. You may also be advised to try activity modification. This means avoiding activities that require repetitive grasping or the prolonged use of hand-held objects. Despite the need to decrease certain activities, your therapist may also suggest gentle strengthening exercises to maintain mobility of the affected fing . Finally, if your symptoms do not improve with therapy, your physician might consider a steroid injection or a percutaneous release surgery. This will likely be considered only if therapeutic options are unsuccessful. Don’t let trigger finger symptoms go unchecked—call your doctor today if you are experiencing discomfort! If a hand ailment is affecting your quality of life, Casa Colina’s Hand Therapy Program offers specialized services to restore hand and upper extremity function. For more information, call 909/596-7733, ext. 3500. What Is Trigger Finger, and What Can You Do About It? 42 | Your Villa Magazine Patio Covers Vinyl Windows | Factory Direct Wood Appearance Without Wood Maintenance www.westcoastsidingandtrim.com No Salesman | 951-735-3379 License # 615917 IT’S TRUE! FREE INSTALLATION FREE FAN UPGRADE! Full Exterior Home Cleaning Maintenance Gutter Cleaning House Wash Exterior Window Cleaning Concrete Cleaning Patio Furniture Cleaning • $1500 for 3000 square foot house • $2000 for 4000 square foot house • $2500 for 5000... etc. First 20 Sign Ups Receive 10% OFF (951) 312-1662 • ABMWindowCleaning.com