Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Trigger finger?

Was wondering if anyone has ever experienced trigger finger and its relationship to AS? It sounds very plausible that it could be one of the finer benefits. lol. Been pretty painful. Saw Rheumy Monday and she wants me to see a hand specialist. See him on April 10. Just wanted to know if any of you here had also had a bout with it and what was the outcome?

Thanks,
Glenn

No. That's one I can't say has happened to me

I'd never heard trigger finger mentioned as a medical term, always a movie quote. It doesn't happen often but occasionally my finger kinda pops or doesn't straighten right or something. My right pinky is the main one. Doesn't bother me enough I've ever mentioned it to my doctor.

Trigger finger is an acute inflammation of, usually, the index finger. In a more general sense the term is dactylitis, to cover any digit - toes or fingers.
Dactylitis does not occur in RA and is characteristic of the spondylarthropathies.
Over the years I've blown out three toes, but no fingers, fortuneately. Very painful.
They usually resolve in a few weeks or months but lasting joint damage may be present.

I looked up dactylitis and although I have RA, I have had a swollen thumb, so stiff I could not move it. I also had a finger I could not move for a few days before I recieved my RA diagnosis.

Yes from over here gd7. Have had trigger finger for many years - like since 2003 (or thereabouts). Goes in bouts. First bout lasted about a year. Was vile. Left ring f inger would lock and only way to unlock would be to bang it open - owie ouch!. Then middle finger of left hand went and did likewise. That lasted about six months. Then right hand ring finger went. That lasted on/off for about six months. Then nice and clear for a time then back, but not quite so horrible as first time around, ring finger left hand - with occasional echo by middle finger. Been with me now for about three years. Occasionally totally locks down and I have to prize it open. IF am careful about NOT curling fingers up then not too bad.

NO doctor has ever but never been interested or even remarked even though I tell em. Water off the duck's back!

But, I keep on reminding em. Don't think there is a cure, but would be nice if it were acknowledged...

I had the same thing Molly had, except I can use one hand to straighten out the ring finger of the other hand. It started in my left had for a couple of years, off and on, then moved to the right hand. It stops and starts over a period of time. I haven't been bothered by it for a good 6 months. I wonder if/when it will come back.

Er, no - trigger finger is a TOTALLY different thing to dactylitis!

Trigger finger is most often associated with the tendon sheaths of usually the 4th and 5th finger at the base of the fingers. It kind of 'catches' as it slides under the little slip of ligament that holds it down at each joint - like a frayed rope, then on the way back it gets stuck.

Best treatment is localised corticsteroid injection if caught early, or else a tendon release - quick and easy surgery. Sometimes they will resolve on their own, but if they are consistent, then you usually need a hand surgeon's attention.

You're right Louise - sorry!

The term I was thinking about was 'sausage digit' - thats the term often used for the spondylarthopathies.

Hi, When I had My carpul tunnel done last year there was a fellow also there waiting to have surgery to release his "trigger finger"

He was only in for about 10 mins and was done with a local in day surgery.

Carol