Trigger Finger and Its Alarming Relationship with High Blood Sugar

This article explores the connection between high blood sugar and trigger finger, how this condition develops, and what can be done to manage it effectively.

Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where one or more fingers lock or catch when bent, causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement.

While commonly associated with repetitive use or injury, research has shown a compelling link between trigger finger and high blood sugar levels, particularly in people with diabetes or prediabetes.

What Is Trigger Finger?

A trigger finger occurs when the tendon that allows the finger to bend becomes inflamed or develops a nodule, restricting its movement through the surrounding sheath. This can lead to:

• Pain at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
• A popping or clicking sensation when moving the finger.
• Stiffness, especially in the morning.
• In severe cases, the finger is locked in a bent position.

The Link Between High Blood Sugar and Trigger Finger

1. Collagen Glycation and Tendon Stiffness

High blood sugar leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which occur when sugar molecules bind to proteins like collagen.

Over time, AGEs cause tendons to become thicker, stiffer, and less elastic, increasing the likelihood of developing a trigger finger.

2. Microvascular Damage

High blood sugar damages small blood vessels, reducing blood flow to tendons and impairing their ability to heal from micro-tears or inflammation.

This contributes to the development of fibrotic nodules in the tendon sheath, a hallmark of the trigger finger.

3. Chronic Inflammation

People with diabetes or poorly controlled blood sugar levels often experience low-grade chronic inflammation, affecting tendons and their sheaths.

This inflammation exacerbates the swelling and friction that trigger finger patients experience.

4. Higher Prevalence in Diabetics

Studies have found that trigger fingers are significantly more common in individuals with diabetes than in the general population.

In one study, nearly 10% of diabetic patients were found to have trigger fingers, compared to only 1%-2% of non-diabetic individuals.  (Kuczmarski et al. 2019; Makkouk et al. 2008).

Managing Trigger Finger in the Context of High Blood Sugar

If high blood sugar contributes to the trigger finger, addressing the root cause is essential for effective treatment and prevention.

1. Blood Sugar Control

• Aim to keep blood sugar levels within your target range through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and, if needed, medications or insulin.
• Monitor your HbA1c levels to ensure long-term control.
• Mastering Diabetes: Prevent Hypoglycemia with Smart Medication Adjustments
• 102 Easy Ways to Lower Post-Prandial Blood Sugar Without Meds
• Comprehensive Guide for the Reversal of Insulin Resistance

2. Non-Surgical Treatments

• Splinting: Wearing a finger splint can limit movement, reduce inflammation, and allow the tendon to heal.
• Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching exercises can help restore tendon mobility.
• Corticosteroid Injections: These can reduce inflammation in the affected tendon sheath, providing temporary relief.

3. Surgical Options

• If conservative treatments fail, a minor surgical procedure to release the constricted tendon sheath can restore finger movement.

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Prevention and Lifestyle Modifications

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet: To reduce systemic inflammation, incorporate foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid refined sugars and processed foods that exacerbate blood sugar spikes.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Great Player In Blood Sugar Control
• Flaxseed: Lowers Sugar And Awesome Source of Valuable Omega 3
• Knowing Omega-3 And 6 Imbalance: Health Effects And How To Fix
• Stay Active: Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and tendon health.
• Walk After Meals to Prevent Sky High Blood Sugars
• Early Intervention: Address finger stiffness or pain early to prevent worsening symptoms and the need for surgery.

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Take Away Message

The connection between high blood sugar and trigger finger highlights the far-reaching impact of glucose metabolism on overall health.

Managing blood sugar levels not only reduces the risk of developing conditions like diabetes but also helps prevent complications like trigger finger.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of trigger finger and have a history of elevated blood sugar, consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Personal note:

I used to have trigger fingers on four out of ten fingers. I also had painful hand joints at that time. I also had some fingers that were partially bent, and I don’t know why.

I consulted a hand surgeon, and I got a steroid injection in the finger, oral steroids, and physical therapy without substantial improvement.

After losing 30 pounds, the trigger fingers and joint pains were gone.

I didn’t associate them initially, but I realized the connection between insulin resistance and hand problems as time passed.

Nowadays, whenever someone complains to me about trigger fingers, I ask them if they had gained weight before the problem started (and hence increased insulin resistance), and usually, the answer is yes.

Trigger fingers are reversible with diet, watching your blood sugar, and exercise.

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References

Image credit:

• Video of trigger finger: Doc James Wikipedia Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
• Trigger finger By RCraig09 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=131823404.