Trigger Finger
Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies for Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Rule Out the Water

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Deirdre (CT) on 01/15/2021
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I want to give an update to my trigger thumb issue that I wrote about last summer. I tried many of the remedies listed on EC, topically and internally, and none helped at all. After one of my thumbs basically froze in place because the tendon was so inflamed, I decided to see a hand specialist about it at the end of September. He gave me a cortisone shot in each thumb and said it would take several weeks to heal. There was definitely improvement after about 3 weeks, however the rest of my fingers were still feeling oddly arthritic.

As mentioned in my first post on the subject, besides a possible karate training injury, I had also purchased a Berkey Stainless Steel Water Filtration canister and started drinking the amazingly purified water right around the same time the trigger and arthritis finger symptoms appeared out of the blue.

Well, when healing was still moving very slowly a month after the cortisone shot, I decided to stop drinking the filtered water from my Berkey just to rule it out. Well guess what. Within a few days, all arthritis and trigger finger symptoms in both hands COMPLETELY disappeared!

People often mention to avoid distilled water because it can deplete critical nutrients from your body. However they rarely mention the same about purified water. Just wanted to put it out there that if you have sudden onset of arthritis in your hands (or elsewhere for that matter) or trigger finger, you might want to change your drinking water source and see if that helps.

It was an easy fix, but took a few months to figure out!

I hope this information helps someone else.

Replied by Madelyn
(Idaho)
01/15/2021

This is fascinating Deirdre.

What type of water did you start drinking instead?

I've been drinking Berkey filtered tap water for years. Might be a good idea to change things up for a while!

Marshagail
(Southeast usa)
04/23/2024

It's the aluminum in the B system! Just read about it & was v surprised. I use only distilled water & add in the minerals - several mineral supplements available but I just shake some Himalayan salt into the gallon jugs when I open them - sure makes my nails grow! Sooooo much healthier since I stopped drinking faucet (fluoride) water!

Replied by Tanya
(Bc)
08/05/2021

Okay that's fascinating because I also have a stainless steel Berkey with the black Berkey filters and my issue started around the same time. I'm going to try drinking the municipal water and see if it makes a difference.

Thank you for the due diligence and the update, it is appreciated!

Adrian
(Oregon)
09/21/2022

Correlation does not imply causation. I highly recommend distilled water. Please do not go back to your municipal supply. I've provided a few links that will hopefully clarify some of the misnomers behind distilled water and reasons why people should be drinking it.

Tap water analysis- Three reason why I drink distilled water https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7d2Q4ONZJM

Distilled water - What doctors and people say https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27Xqfz5wZY8&t=696s

"Fluoride: Poison on tap" https://www.vissestormdds.com/news/44-fluoride-poison-on-tap-full-documentary

People should get their minerals from food, not water.

Replied by Deirdre
(Connecticut)
08/05/2021

Hi Tanya,

Yes, various water filtration devices can certainly pull essential vitamins and minerals from the body, so we all need to be watchful of that.

Please look into the research for high dose Vitamin B-6 for trigger finger. It can take up to 6 months for it to work depending on how bad your fingers are when you start, but there is research dating back decades showing that carpal tunnel and trigger finger are caused by b-6 deficiency caused by hormonal changes, especially in women. There's a great book on the subject called Vitamin B-6 Therapy by John Ellis, MD published in 1999 that anyone with these issues should read.

I had to go in for a second cortisone shot a couple of weeks ago in just one thumb, which got triggered (!) again from lifting my heavy elderly dog... The shot takes a couple of weeks to kick in, but helps immensely. I am just finishing up my first month of B-6 therapy, but hoping it will do the trick. My other thumb is fine now, no more symptoms.

Wishing you fast healing!


Sea Salt and Rice Wine Poultice

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Wendi Patterson (Oklahoma, City) on 10/08/2015
★★★★★

Trigger Finger:

Get sea salt that you buy for aquariums. Not just regular sea salt. Go to an Asian store and buy rice wine. Take a pan and heat the salt and then pour the rice wine into the pan. Make a poultice and wrap the affected area with the poultice in gauze. I place surgical gloves on my hands and wear it over nite for about two nites

Check it out and see the results.


Sesame Oil

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Joyce (Easley, Sc) on 07/21/2014
★★★★★

I started getting the pain and 'clicking' in my thumb 2 years ago. Doctor recommended surgery.

My thumb was to the point that I could no longer move it without excruciating pain.

I started taking a couple of teaspoons of sesame oil each day orally for another issue I was battling and started noticing the pain going away on my thumb and getting mobility back. It felt 100% cured. A few weeks ago, it started to stiffen again, I took the sesame oil again, and it stopped again. Never read about this, it just happened.

P.S.

I was taking some oral oregano also at the time, but not for as long as the sesame, but wanted to mention in case it had helped a little also.

Replied by Suguna
(Penang, Malaysia)
02/05/2015

I'm having trigger finger since last Sept 2014. Isn't can be cure if I'm taking the sesame oil as you said. I don't do any injection or surgery. If I consume sesame oil.. How many time per day need to take and how much need to take per day. Need your advice. Thank you in advance. Waiting for your reply. Rgds, Suguna
Penang, Malaysia

Replied by Joyce
(South Carolina)
08/16/2016

Be sure to eat a little something before if you use the oregano oil mix. It can be hard on some people's stomachs...and start with one drop and work your way up. Never take pure oregano oil straight, it will burn like crazy.

I did 5 drops pure oregano oil and 2 teaspoons sesame oil in 1/4 cup warm water. I was doing this for a while and then switched to just the sesame oil.

From personal experience, I am also a huge advocate for raw foods for any ailments, staying alkaline and MSM and turmeric for arthritic symptoms.

I strongly encourage you to not seek out surgery. Seek wisdom. Your body was created to heal, you just have to feed it with the things it needs to do its job and cleanse from things you shouldn't have fed it. It is a wonderful machine that was created to run on certain things. Provide it the right tools to do it's job.

Replied by Monica
(Palo Alto, CA)
06/29/2021

Hi! I was wondering if you also had a hard nodule at the base of the finger which prevented the tendon from sliding. Where did you learn about the sesame oil? I am wondering if it would also help with pediatric trigger finger. Thanks!

Charity
(faithville, Us)
06/30/2021

I know B-6 helps trigger finger and this is interesting by Eric Berg on Trigger finger:

How to Get Rid of Trigger Finger Pain | Dr.Berg - YouTube


Soursop Tea

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Linda Davies (Nigeria) on 10/31/2013
★★★★★

I had a problem with my thumb called trigger thumb. A health situation where the finger locks and to unlock is very painful. Tried the hot heat treatment in addition to eating a lot of pineapples which is supposed to contain bromelain, a substance that is supposed to aid the cure. To no avail. By chance I discovered a painlesslump in my anal region. In a bid to get rid of the lump which I feared might be cancerous I started myself on a soursop tea treatment daily. To my greatest surprise not only did the lump disappear, the thumb trigger condition disappeared. I have a friend who suffers from rheumatoid athritis. I will tell her about this and see if it will alleviate her condition.

EC: For those interested in learning more about soursop, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soursop

Replied by Heather
(Belgium)
01/12/2017

How did you make the tea from the flesh and hot water?

Replied by Linda Davies
(Nigeria)
11/10/2017

Used the dried leaves of the sour sop tree. 15 leaves boiled in three cups of water till it reduces to one. Twice a day for a month.


Surgery

2 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  50%
1 star (1) 
  50%

Posted by Dan (Scottsdale, Arizona) on 08/20/2015
★☆☆☆☆

My advice is DO NOT GET SURGERY. This was the biggest mistake of my life as my left hand is my only usable hand. They don't tell you of the possible serious ramifications afterwards. It's been almost 3 months now and although the trigger finger I believe has subsided, the pain has increased and now I have different pain issue's and swelling that hampers it's use. I was better off with the trigger finger. Now my other finger on the opposite hand is beginning the same symptoms. But I can tell you for sure, no more trigger finger surgeries for me. My advice folks, do your research before committing to surgery.

Replied by Broo
(Geelong, Victoria, Australia)
12/05/2015
★★★★★

I had a cortisone injection and it worked for about 2 weeks. Then it returned, probably worse than before the injections. I went to see my doctor and asked for a referral to a plastic surgeon but the surgeon who operated on my carpel tunnel moved to another city so I went to see a a plastic surgeon who mainly worked on wrinkled women. I got out of there and got another referral to a very good surgeon in Colac (Vic). 4 weeks later and I was on the operating table in Colac hospital and my hand had 2 small stitches at the base of the finger. I saw a big improvement by the next morning but with my hand bandaged up, I had to wait another week for the stitches to come out. Its been around 2 and half weeks and although my finger is still a bit tender there is no more locking up and I am expecting the finger to keep improving. Apart from the initial cost for the first visit, around $70 and the anaesthetists which was paid by the hospital there have been no other out of pocket expenses.

Replied by Kathryn S.
(Stockbridge, Ga)
09/21/2017

I realize this post is 4 years old but for others in the same position I wanted to add this: I have had 3 trigger finger surgeries and 2 for Dequervain's tenosynovitis. All successfully cured the stenosising tenosynovitis. I had complications on one surgery with a cyst that debeloped at the base of one finger after surgery that has caused considerable pain and as it is over the tendon interferes with the finger straightening fully. I have it drained at the doctor's office and this helps considerably. I would recommend surgery for anyone with this condition if it is what your doctor recommends. It does work and the majority of time without any sort of complications. This individual's experience and my one with the cyst are the exceptions and not the rule, and will not prevent me from getting further surgery if required. Surgery does work and the relief from triggering and its resultant pain is almost immediate.

Replied by Anon
(Anon)
09/21/2017

Yes, surgery does work each time for the current problem . My spouse has had multiple fingers operated on and had the ulnar nerve from the elbow moved over. Now many years later those same fingers are starting to trigger again. He won't try any natural cures to get to the root of the problem, so now he will need more surgery. As his wife, I hate to see him keep getting cut instead of looking for the cause of the problem. I call this the tip of the iceberg and it is stressful that the medical community is scratching the surface and not finding any permanent solutions. I guess it makes a lot of jobs for the medical community.


Turmeric

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Justin (Seattle, WA) on 06/27/2007
★★★★★

I just found you by googling "trigger finger natural remedies" and haven't left the computer for 2 hours! What a great find. Thank you. I will try the manganese and zinc, but aspirin hurts my stomach. Thus far turmeric has done the most good. I'll keep you posted.

Replied by Teresa
(Killen, Al)
02/07/2012

How much turmeric?


Vitamin B Complex

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Mike (Franklin Square, New York) on 10/25/2009
★★★★★

I had suffered with carpal tunnel for 3 years in both hands and got progressively worst to the point that I was only getting 45mins to 2hrs sleep per night. I had tried every cream, every natural vitamin and supplements. Nothing worked, so I decide to have surgery on my left hand first (since I am righty)and presto problem solved,

2 months later I had my right hand operated on and was cured for carpal tunnel. My joy lasted for 3 days after my second surgery, because I developed severe Fibromyalgia throughout my entire body that lasted 7 months. I was actually crippled, if not for my desire to overcome this ailment, I probably would have been hospitalized and I thought I was going to DIE. I got up every morning and took Vicadin and Cymbalta plus a steroid to get through my day. (I promise I will get to the Trigger Finger Cure). I beat my Fibromyalgia by my persistance and crawling to the gym to strenghten my muscles. After I was cured for the Fibro, I developed Trigger Fingers on the left index and thumb and right hand thumb and pinky, I could not pick up anything because the pain and locking effect was so painful.

However, I cured my trigger fingers by not eating fried foods and taking B complex vitamins. Also a chinese acupunturist told me that warm or hot beverages must be drank with all meals. After 1 week of 4 eight ounces of warm water, B complex vitamins, No fried foods, Cod liver oil and hot tea with food---Presto no more Trigger Finger and better health and complexion.

I hope it works for you..


Vitamin B6

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Artsiecl (Waynesboro, Ga, Burke) on 07/23/2011
★★★★★

I am having trouble with a trigger thumb and have been studying lots of things. I over-use my thumb (right one) sewing thru real thick fabric and many layers..... Also paint kid's faces, (sometimes 70 a day)..... I also had been slack in taking my vitamins and minerals..... I also have thyroid problems. Considering all of this, I am trying to do the nutritional thing to cure this. I just read Dr. Jonathan Wright's newsletter where he said that another Dr. recommended 50 milligrams of B6 3 times a day and give it long enough and it will go away..... Probably. I am going to do this with all of the other B vitamins and iodine and lots of minerals.......

I know nutrition helps everything. Also compression helps and resting the sheaths and ligaments in the thumb......

Hope this helps.


Warm Water Soak, Ultrasound

Posted by Wyn2351 (Bangkok, Thailand) on 11/24/2009

Physical Therapy cured by trigger finger. Right now, I have trigger finger (TF) too. Doctor prescribed muscle pain reliever but didn't seem to help so I requested injection which lessened the pain but the clicking is still there. Although my first TF which was in my right middle finger was successfully operated on, I am afraid to do it again I have a new and new graduate doctor (former doctor has become a hospital director) and I'm not sure of his expertise. So, I am doing home remedy (plus doctor prescribed muscle pain reliever. I did this before and I was successful then I got this new TF. Twice a day, put affected hand in warm water for 15 minutes. I use warm water bag. 10 minutes ultrasound (US) (home model used for facial massage) on the palm and sore finger. Just move the US around the palm and back hand. Then follow that with gentle finger exercise with a soft ball or just keep moving fingers--bend every joint or whole finger backward and forward. It hurts at first but pain will lessen as you get used to it and that I think will eliminate the trigger finger. Hope this helps.

Replied by Zoltan
(Manitou Springs, Colorado)
08/01/2012

Try a vibrator on palm of hand, just below the trigger finger. This is the area where surgeons operate to release tendon. I find it shakes it loose within a minute or two.

Replied by Claudia
(California, US)
10/25/2014

Hi. Have any of you tried cayenne on a band-aid?

Replied by Jon
(Florida, US)
11/24/2014

See this interesting article about using Vitamin B6 for Trigger Finger...

http://www.drdach.com/Vitamin_B6_TriggerFinger.html

Replied by Hal M.
(Jupiter, Florida)
07/10/2015

Using a massage vibrator on the nodule along the tendon of my left hand middle finger almost got rid of the nodule in a day.

Monica
(Palo Alto, CA)
06/29/2021

Can you please let me know which hand held vibrator you used? Is it small enough for children? Thanks



Previous Page 1... 2 3 4 5
Advertisement