Anatomy
The finger extensor tendons run from the wrist to the palm of the hand and the fingers are surrounded by tendon sheaths in several places.
Tendon sheaths palm:
A. Vagina synovialis communis mm. flexorum
B. Vaginae synoviales tendinum digitorum
C. Vagina tendinis m. flexoris pollicis longi
D. Vagina synovialis communis mm. flexorum
E. Vagina synovialis tendinis m. flexoris carpi radialis
Cause of the problem
Tendonitis (tenosynovitis) is caused by mechanical irritation of the inner lining of the tendon sheath due to repetitive repetitive movements of the tendon, causing the tendon sheath to become ‘inflamed’ (inflamed). In some cases, the flexor tendon swells and can get stuck in the tendon sheath, locking the finger in a flexed position.
Symptoms
Pain along the extensor tendon of the finger, where swelling and crackling can sometimes be felt during movement. At the same time, there is pain when trying to bend the finger against resistance. In jumping finger, the finger can lock in a bent state, after which the finger can suddenly stretch accompanied by a clicking sensation (jumping finger, trigger finger).
Examination
Diagnosis is made by clinical examination where there is tenderness along the extensor tendon of the finger with worsening on activation (trying to bend the finger). If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, an ultrasound scan can be used as a supplement,
See ultrasound scan of the extensor tendon(s) on two fingers
Spring finger is often diagnosed solely on the characteristic description of a locked bent finger that can suddenly be stretched.
Treatment
Relief from pain-inducing movement is a crucial part of treatment, combined with gentle range of motion exercises to maintain mobility. If relief is not successful, medical treatment may be considered in the form of arthritis pills (NSAIDs) or ultrasound-guided injection of adrenal cortex hormone into the tendon sheath (Cushman DM, et al. 2021, Fleisch SB, et al. 2007). If rehabilitation and medical treatment are not effective, surgery is an option (Amirfeyz R, et al. 2017).
Rehabilitation
Usually, you can immediately start cardio training in the form of running and rehabilitation according to the guidelines under rehabilitation, general.
Complications
With long-term tendonitis, the tendon can be damaged and rupture, and the bending function of the finger can suddenly be partially cancelled.
