Medically known as Stenosing Tenosynovitis, Trigger Finger is a condition where tendons of your fingers become thick and your finger movement becomes restricted. This restriction in movement causes the finger to bend and it gives rise to severe pain and makes that finger incapable of performing any function. It is more prevalent among women.
The thumb, ring and middle fingers are more commonly affected. Trigger Finger is more of a symptom rather than a disease. People with hypothyroidism, diabetes, amyloidosis, and rheumatoid arthritis are prone to this. It may also be a result of repeated gripping of things such as musical instruments or repeated use of the fingers without rest. Herbal remedies for Trigger Finger is not well tested, but there are herbs that relieves the pain by reducing the inflammation.
Best Herbal Remedies For Trigger Finger
Turmeric
Turmeric can be one of the most effective herbal remedies for Trigger Finger because it contains an active anti-inflammatory agent, curcumin, which has been used since ages as an essential ingredient in traditional medicine.
Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin also reduces substance P, which is a neurotransmitter, triggering senses of pain to the brain. This active compound is also used to treat other inflammatory pain caused due to myalgia and other autoimmune conditions. However, one should be careful about the appropriate dosage and use it under the guidance of a medical practitioner.
Emu Oil
This oil is extracted from the fat of emu and this natural oil is used as a potentially strong anti-inflammatory agent. The essential fatty acids present in the oil makes it one of the probable herbal remedies to treat Trigger Finger. This oil can be used in dressing salads or simply as oil to cook light food. The oil gives out EFAs which produce energy in the body to enhance growth and rejuvenation of cells.
Wheatgrass
This is a common ingredient of various medicines as well as cosmetic creams due to its various herbal properties. It is commonly grown from wheat seeds and while the shoots are young they are crushed and the juice from the shoots is used in several medicinal preparations.
The bioactive molecules present in the juice helps to cure conditions like Trigger Finger. It is highly anti-inflammatory, helps in fighting skin disorders, and improves blood circulation in the body.
Hyaluronan
Though not a herb exactly, Hyaluronan, medically called Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound in the human body and has medicinal properties that can act as a treatment for Trigger Finger. One of the major causes for Stenosing Tenosynovitis is the decrease of lubrication in the joints and connective tissues.
Hyaluronic acid, taken in form of a medicine, acts like the lubrication synovial fluid for the joints and relieves the pain in the joints. Any disease associated with the damage of connective tissue (Trigger Thumb, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Eczema, Psoriasis, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Tarsal Tunnel syndrome, etc.) can be treated with this natural compound.
Evening Primrose Oil
Many herbalists recommend taking evening primrose oil that effectively alleviates trigger finger. All that is needed is applying this oil generously to the affected finger at least twice a day, every time using around 2 tsp. of the oil is enough. This should be practised for several months to see positive results.
Primrose oil is extremely beneficial for rheumatism and joint pain, thus it is good for treating the trigger finger condition. Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are several other herbs that can provide temporary relief. But it is important to diagnose the cause for this condition and treat it accordingly for a permanent solution.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.