What Doctors Don't Tell YouThis happens when the tendon in the finger develops a nodule (knot) or swelling in its lining, causing pain, popping, or a catching feeling. When the tendon catches, it creates swelling and inflammation. Sometimes the finger becomes stuck (locked) and is hard to straighten or bend. In addition to trigger finger, this woman also has very tender muscles up her arm to the elbow. She has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (under-active), and is taking medication. She would like to combat the condition without resorting to cortisone injections or surgery. What causes trigger finger? Does anyone have ideas about alternative action she can take? Vitamin B-6 (or better yet, a B-complex) should help the condition some, since it relieves carpal tunnel syndrome. Other treatments include exercise, splinting, massage, and soaking in water or paraffin wax. Trigger finger responds well to homeopathic Calc Phos 6, dissolved under the tongue on going to bed and again on waking; try for a week and review, reducing gradually as the finger improves. (Of course, it is best to see a homeopath as each person is unique – treatments and dosages vary.) Since the problem may be associated with arthritis, also try glucosamine/chondroitin and boswellia (there are some new formulas out now). And capsaicin is another possibility. Finally, if you take statin drugs, make sure you also take Coenzyme Q-10 – this would help to relieve muscle pain and prevent future heart problems.
Daniel Redwood DC
Tom Ferguson MD
