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.
Soursop Tea
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.
Bromelain
Posted by Plantsower (Burson, Ca) on 07/09/2013
★☆☆☆☆
Bromelain for trigger finger... I was so hoping this would help me. I took two bottles of this with no results. I'm off to try other things.
Foods to Avoid
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/20/2013
I believe I read that low magnesium causes this but I also think that dehydration would contribute. Since magnesium pushes the calcium in and out of the cells and also aids the salt to hold the water in the cells then it would affect the joints as well.
With no water cushioning the joints, they would get sticky and very painful. Try a multi vitamin and multi mineral supplement and drink water half an hour before eating.
Hang From a Monkey Bar
Posted by Mark (Texas) on 03/26/2016
I will try this. My trigger finger is not painful and usually lets up as the day goes on but I play guitar (not for a living, just to live a little) and do not want it to progress to a point that I can't play anymore.). Thanks for the hint.
Respectfully, Mark
Bromelain
Posted by Troy (Madisonville, Ky) on 07/19/2012
how r your fingers doing now? need an up date please....
Bromelain
Posted by Ascot (Wyandotte, Michigan) on 07/20/2012
Of all the postings, this sounds not only the simplest, but the most positive, so much so that I have ordered bromelain to give it a try with the understanding that what may work for one, might not work for another.
Over the Counter
Posted by Ava (Naples) on 04/23/2012
★★★★★
Trigger fingers and thumb is caused by inflammation in the joint. Simply take one Anti-inflammatory pill every day. I took Ibuprofen, one a day. In about two weeks or less it will be gone. I had a trigger finger in the right hand and trigger thumb on the left... now totally gone.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Dora (Houston, Texas, Usa) on 10/13/2011
★★★★★
I want to thank Ted for the advice on how to cure Trigger finger. Also liked to share that I put Aloe vera on my finger and it is helping with inflammation of the finger.
Thank you very much to you all who shared such of important information. God bless you. Dora
General Feedback
Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 08/17/2011
Hi Sue, traditionally you hit the ganglion cyst with a huge book and it bursts. (the bible was the book of choice). I have done this and it goes down and sometimes comes back up so you just repeat the "cure", until it stays away. Hope this helps. Lily.
General Feedback
Posted by Carla (Acworth, Ga) on 09/02/2011
Sue,
I had a ganglion cyst on my right wrist for several months- it was right in the joint and you could only see it when my wrist was bent- very painful. The doctor drained it twice and it always came back- but each time he mentioned hitting it with a book. The last time it came back I had someone us a Very large hard cover book to smack it. It has been about 5 years and it has not come back yet.
Just be careful with the joint!
General Feedback
Posted by Alex (Orlando ) on 08/16/2016
Ganglions are fluid fill sacs. If you don't disrupt the sac they usually return. Surgery is an option where the sac is removed or if you break the sac I.e. smash with a book you must apply direct pressure for a few weeks with a pressure dressing to hopefully prevent the sac from forming again.
General Feedback
Posted by Pamela (Marlborough, Connecticut) on 10/04/2010
Also I have been having trouble with my knuckles being swollen for months, when to a doctor who gave me to cortisone shots in one hand and said I had trigger finger. I don't have any clicking in any fingers so I think he is wrong and the shots only helped for a week, which also cost 600.00 for the visit. I am desperate for help. I have been taking pain pills for weeks that only help so much. Thanks for any help Pam
Warm Water Soak, Ultrasound
Posted by Zoltan (Manitou Springs, Colorado) on 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.
Warm Water Soak, Ultrasound
Posted by Hal M. (Jupiter, Florida) on 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.
Avoid Citrus
Posted by Uchiki (Koloa, Hi, Usa) on 01/27/2011
My trigger thumb only occurs at night when I am sleeping. I recently had carpal tunnel release (3 mos. Ago) after 25 years of living with the disease. The surgeon said I had a very narrow sheath. He now says that is most likely the reason for the trigger thumb. Why now? By the way I have been eating lots of oranges, tangerines and grapefruit in the last couple of months. Do I continue to drink lemon water to alkalize?
Gayle's Bandaid Method
Posted by Lisa (New York, New York Usa) on 02/04/2012
★★★☆☆
Yes I use tape and it was getting better now its hurting again I am trying b-6, red river clay, arnica, traumeel, mend-me-shop home ultrasound, was feeling better but I had vitamin c, chocolate and caffeine today and now it hurts again. I am trying alkalyzing drops and I must lower the acid.
Just purchased the book Balancing Body Chemistry about over acid how this creates all disease. Great book. Thing is vit c is very important. I take Ester c where am I going to get that from now if not from this? Also I love dark chocolate. Green tea keeps me up at night even if I have it in morning.. Looks like acid foods cause the flare up. I bicycle a lot and grip the handle bar. Hate trigger thumb but refuse to go for the cortisone shot. It has helped people in one shot but I am afraid to weaken the tendons there. Also taking type 1 collagen, msm thought I bought it the other day for good but here it is again.
I like the hot water idea, the tape, the vitamin b6, garlic capsules and natural antiinfalammotory. When is this going to end? if it is diet related, looks like I am giving up so many foods nothing left to eat of things that I love that are also good for you such as some dk choco, caffeine is also beneficial in some levels, tomoto sauce is lycopene have to give all this up? What fun is there in eating now?? As it is I have given up most offending fattening foods but love certain things. Need to be food nun? once and for all what the heck is this trigger thumb and lets be rid of it!! I think I will try the acupuncture.
Gayle's Bandaid Method
Posted by Ange (Grifton, Nc, Us) on 03/13/2013
I love this method and it makes sense. Thanks for the information. I am going to try it!
Turmeric
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.
Rule Out the Water
Posted by Madelyn (Idaho) on 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!
Rule Out the Water
Posted by Tanya ( Bc) on 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!
Oregano Oil, Sesame Oil
Posted by Peg (Upstate Ny) on 02/07/2016
Just joining this conversation. I started having bad pain in my thumb last summer; I work as a gardener so I figured I sprained it and just "overdid" it. Also I do a lot of freelance work online on my laptop. Went to an orthopedist and he says it is trigger finger (also have this in my ring finger of right and left hands) and is suggesting cortisone or surgery for the thumb. The surgery idea scares me a bit and I am no way getting a steroid injection. One friend suggested acupuncture and I have read about good results from this. Also the taping! Sounds like that would help; I got a thumb brace but it seems to make the pain worse.
The dietary suggestions to ease inflammation intrigue me too, as I have done a lot of research in this area already. So much conflicting info out there! One "anti-inflammation diet" I read about suggested basing the entire diet on corn and wheat; huh? I try to avoid grains and processed foods but this winter have been sliding a bit on that. I take calcium-magnesium-zinc supplements 2-3x a week.
The sesame oil story I also found intriguing; and also wondered if the oregano oil was useful at first. Oregano (essential) oil is a very strong anti-microbial, but I have not used it (I prefer to use tea tree or lavender internally, for upper respiratory infections, a drop in a small spoonful of honey 2-3x a day works great when a sore through is coming on). I already knew fresh pineapple was very healing for inflammation; I eat fresh fruit first thing every morning, which is alkalizing (the confusion over "acidity" in the diet is not surprising since many acidic-tasting foods like citrus actually increase alkalinity). I want to try cutting out all wheat and dairy for a couple of weeks and see if that helps; the wheat is not too hard for me but cutting out dairy will be!
So, diet and acupuncture and taping are going to be my first line of treatment; after that I will consider surgery. The pain has gotten very bad and my right thumb looks bent. :-( I appreciate everyone's anecdotes and advice.
Acupuncture
Posted by Donald (California) on 12/15/2016
★☆☆☆☆
I never had any results with acupuncture,, Had it once for sinus problems and was super painful....Has anyone tried B6 ...has to be activated form ....I am going to try today,,, I have one index finger I cant bend and one ring finger that has painful trigger locking symptoms early in am when wake up
Surgery
Posted by Kathryn S. (Stockbridge, Ga) on 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.
Distilled Water
Posted by Ruth (Raleigh, Nc) on 11/05/2016
★☆☆☆☆
I already drink distilled water and it hasn't done anything to help my trigger thumb and middle finger on my left hand. Last year, I had surgery on my right thumb to address triggering of that thumb.
Sesame Oil
Posted by Suguna (Penang, Malaysia) on 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
Sesame Oil
Posted by Monica (Palo Alto, CA) on 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!
DMSO and MOM
Posted by Yani (Uk) on 07/02/2015
Please, what is DMSO?
EC: DMSO = Dimethyl sulphoxide, a by-product of the wood industry and used as a solvent.
Soursop Tea
Posted by Heather (Belgium) on 01/12/2017
How did you make the tea from the flesh and hot water?
Magnesium
Posted by Mike (Denver, Colorado) on 10/04/2013
Dave: Dead sea salt has 100mg of magnesium per gram and costs 1 cent.
Bromelain
Posted by Plantsower (Burson, Ca) on 10/02/2013
Magnesium gives me diarrhea. :( I am now going to try B6 and an exercise that I just learned:
"I grabbed the ball with my fingers only (no thumb) I could roll the ball from finger tips to my wrist, bending my hand more and more as I went. Furthermore, if I braced my wrist with the other hand, I could choose where the hand and wrist actually bent and stretched the most. The tangible rewards were straightforward: a clunk in the wrist and relief in the hand. "
from http://www.doctoryourself.com/handson.html
This sounds worth a try. This person went on to say it took effect in about three weeks. Unfortunately, they didn't say how many times a day to do it. I'll have to wing it.
Bromelain
Posted by Gramma_elaine (Minnesota) on 09/16/2022
Use magnesium glycinate which does not affect the intestines. Mag. oxide is horrible and of virtually no health effect. I think magnesium citrate might be safe as well.
Bromelain
Posted by Gertzjr (Madison) on 08/06/2020
Wanna bet? If I use too much mag oil it triggers my ibsd. Be careful and start slow.
Foods to Avoid
Posted by Margaret (Grants Pass, Or) on 05/18/2013
I have trigger finger in my middle finger. If acidity causes it, does that mean I should avoid ACV? Also, I drink a lot of kefir that I culture at home. Kefir is acidic, and I wonder if that could be "triggering" it. I'd hate to have to give up kefir and/or ACV because of all the health benefits associated with them, but I do want to get rid of the trigger finger.
Gayle's Bandaid Method
Posted by Kathy (Pa) on 03/16/2016
More then likely it felt better from the cortisone shot which will work for about 9 months. After getting the shot it can hurt for up to 2 weeks from my experience. I had it in my right thumb and got the operation. I house clean so I cannot not use my hands. Now it is in left hand and already had 2 shots but I now do not have insurance so I am stuck and will try some of these remedies.
Hang From a Monkey Bar
Posted by Caloy (Pearl City, Hawaii) on 03/12/2013
Thank you so much for sharing.... I will definitely try that today and I will update you with the results. Mahalo!!!
Hang From a Monkey Bar
Posted by Plantsower (Burson, Ca) on 07/09/2013
Caloy: Have you had good results?
Bromelain
Posted by Violet (Adelaide, Australia) on 10/29/2012
I started with vitamin b6 almost 3 weeks now but no sign of improvement. Getting anxious now and anyone can update after taking bromelain? just want to make sure it works. thanks.
Bromelain
Posted by Diane (Atlanta, Ga) on 11/02/2012
What is the amount of bromelain that one needs to take three times a day to possibly cure trigger finger/thumb?
Bromelain
Posted by Coryd (Las Vegas, Nv) on 03/27/2013
Dear Miriam, I too am from Las Vegas, NV and have recently contracted Trigger Thumb and have been suffering for about 5 weeks. Just wanted to find out if you're making progress and still feeling better as a result of the Bromelain.. I have an appt with a hand specialist next week and I want to go in well equipped with as much information and possible solutions at that time. Where do you get Bromelain? I have only heard if it remotely. It would be great to not have to suffer this out for any longer than I have too. It is annoying AND painful!!
Ted's Remedy Feedback
Posted by Revsheryl (Silver Spring, Md) on 04/28/2012
I am taking fish oil and BioFreeze it helps. I am a knitter. Slowing my speed -less physical and mental stress adds relief. Sheryl
General Feedback
Posted by Sue (Hillsboro, Mo) on 08/17/2011
Hi everyone. Has anyone had a ganglion cyst or a hard "knot" in the hand prior to the trigger finger? If so what can be done nonsurgically for the gangion? My husband is having this problem and so does his father. The doctor just wants to keep doing surgery on my father-in-law. Thanks!
Vitamin B6
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.
Acupuncture
Posted by Joyce (Mystic, Ct.) on 06/21/2010
hi, i am receiving acupuncture treatments for my "trigger thumb." however, this is a new thing for my practitioner. do you happen to know the exact points used so i can tell her. thank you!
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.
Warm Water Soak, Ultrasound
Posted by Claudia (California, US) on 10/25/2014
Hi. Have any of you tried cayenne on a band-aid?
Warm Water Soak, Ultrasound
Posted by Jon (Florida, US) on 11/24/2014
Warm Water Soak, Ultrasound
Posted by Monica (Palo Alto, CA) on 06/29/2021
Can you please let me know which hand held vibrator you used? Is it small enough for children? Thanks
Avoid Citrus
Posted by Aurora (Mason City ) on 03/30/2023
I think the same thing is happening to me, as I started to eat one orange a day and started to get trigger finger. I am wondering if the orange supplies magnesium or potassium or both? I remember reading about someone eating oranges to supply one of those minerals and suggesting that you eat a little sea salt, to not unbalance the minerals, just a thought. I will start to eat a little salt with my oranges and see if that would fix it.
Gayle's Bandaid Method
Posted by Hal M. (Jupiter, Florida) on 07/09/2015
★★★★☆
I have tried many approaches without success. I started the bandaid method two days ago and I think it is helping on my left middle finger. I am not sure about locating the tape. Seems that three quarter inch wide tape wrapped between base of finger and second joint from tip keeps it straight best. Is that right?
Gayle's Bandaid Method
Posted by Pat Mulcahy (Victoria Bc) on 10/31/2015
Squeezing rubber ball or squeezing anything exacerbates the problem. An absolute no-no.
Gayle's Bandaid Method
Posted by Lorraine (Wisconsin) on 01/18/2016
How did this Gayle..tape her thumb? In the bent or straight position ? To another finger ? It wasn't specific.
Turmeric
Posted by Teresa (Killen, Al) on 02/07/2012
How much turmeric?
