" Trigger Finger " problem

[jorge]

Tell the OT that your top priorities are get back to your normal activities as soon as you can (including playing congas) and to make sure the trigger finger and tendon problems don't come back. Don't let la cabeza dura keep you from doing what you really want to do!

[Tonio]

willie,
good to hear you are recovering from the trigger finger. Totally understand about your wanting to play during recovery.

Back in May I cut my middle finger and pinky on the right hand-right on the middle joints on the extensor (outter) side. Total of 12 stitches and a hand splint for a month. I am still in recovery mode: I cannot completely close my fist or straighten my fingers. So many times I tempted to play congas, but it just wasn't straight enough to play.

Just started OT last week, but this seems to be a long road. I'm with an HMO, and appears most OT does not have knowledge of straightening fingers as its not a regimen of normal human priority, not to mention it took so long before I could start OT.

The joints are still stiff and inflammed. I'm loosing hope from just a few lacerations. I normally heal quickly, but this is taking forever

T

[jorge]

Cadenza, you are correct in that an occupational therapist (OT) is not necessarily a hand therapist. Likewise a physical therapist (PT) is not necessarily a hand therapist. Certified hand therapists can be either OTs or PTs, and statistically, about 85% of certified hand therapists are OTs not PTs. OTs generally have more specific experience with hands and function of hands than PTs, but it really does depend on the individual therapist's training and experience. I was responding to Willie who already has an OT at his job. Generally OTs, even those without hand therapy specialization, can take care of rehabilitation of many hand injuries. Willie, if you continue to get better, just hang in there with your OT. If you are concerned about not healing fast enough, you may want to ask your OT if he or she is a hand therapy specialist. If not, ask if they can refer you to a hand therapist. Also, some surgeons tend not to offer follow up appointments without your asking, so you may want to call and make another appointment to see the surgeon who did your surgery. Ask him or her if there is anything else that can make your recovery quicker.

[jorge]

Tonio, from what you say it sounds like you may have had an injury to an extensor tendon, one of the tendons that straightens out the joints of your finger. Different tendons straighten out the different joints of the finger. 2-3 months sounds long for recovery from a simple skin laceration, although it is still possible. I suggest you see an orthopedic surgeon, a hand surgeon, or a plastic surgeon, whoever your local surgeon is who does hand surgery in your HMO. Ask him or her to evaluate your finger for a possible tendon injury, and if it is not that, ask them why you cannot straighten your finger completely.

Tonio, did your hand injury occur on the job? If so, you are probably eligible for Workers' Compensation insurance in your state. Workers' Comp would pay for any medical care related to that occupational injury, and you would not be limited to doctors or therapists in your HMO. You would have to go through the Workers' Comp bureaucracy and file an application, and there may be a statute of limitations limiting the time you have to file. In New York it is 2 years but it varies by state, I don't know what state you are in.

[Tonio]

Cadenza, Jorge, thanks for your help !!

I am learning alot about therapy practice in general- such a vague term as there are many facets in the medical field.

Jorge,

Tonio, from what you say it sounds like you may have had an injury to an extensor tendon, one of the tendons that straightens out the joints of your finger. Different tendons straighten out the different joints of the finger

Yes, I believe it is the PIP joint ? I was never told whether or not if I had any tendon injuries. I am covered by Kaiser Permanente, and learning that it feels like just being a #, not a person, and that you need to ask about everything -which I have no knowledge of. Anyway, my assigned OT seems to be the local "hands" and arms therapist in my area. She has me doing manual bending excersises. Whats odd is that I need to manually bend the 3rd joint (can't remember the acronym). I just don't understand how that joint can be affected other than the tendon is involved. Even my Ot can't believe my conditon. Perhaps the tendons were knicked? Generally speaking the PIP (2nd joint) is holding back from the fingers being straight. I did get some finger springs for extension, but seems to stop blood flow and adds pressure on the outter finger. will post pics , if I can find one.
I will check with the orthopedic side.

I am in San Diego, Ca (california), and my injury was not during work.

Thank you for your help, I am totally ignorant of medical things.

Willie, sorry to impede on your thread, but I thought keeping it in 1 thread would be better for anyone else that may come across these issues.

T

[Tonio]

Here's a pic

[jorge]

Tonio, although I can't make a diagnosis or give medical advice over the internet, that is looking more and more like an extensor tendon injury, and it needs re-evaluation. Find out who is the hand surgeon for your HMO (could be an orthopedist, plastic surgeon, or a hand surgeon) and make an appointment as soon as you can. Tell the surgeon's receptionist who makes the appointments this is urgent, you think you have a tendon injury, and you need the earliest appointment available.

Cadenza, you are right, things vary by geographic area. Around here (Northeast US) PTs who do hands are less common than OTs who do hands.

[Tonio]

Jorge, Cadenza, I really appreciate your suggestions! Gives me more information to work with for a recovery, and get back to playing !!

T