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Posted By Richard Davison
An employee has recently reported he is suffering from Trigger Finger. I knew nothing about the condition until this case was reported to me. I have since discovered it is a condition where a finger (or fingers) locks in place when bent in towards the palm. This is experienced when a nodule develops in one of the tendons connecting the finger bone to the muscle of the forearm and is thought to arise from inflammation or scarring.
The employee is essentially a manual labourer and there is obviously a possibility that the condition is exacerbated by his job. We are exploring the possibility of finding an alternative role/duties etc. However, in the meantime, I want to identify what other measures we can consider. Does anyone have experience of dealing with similar problems or can anyone offer any advice regarding methods of work, PPE etc. which may help to alleviate the condition?
Many thanks in anticipation of any assistance.
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Posted By SteveD-M
You should seek medical advice. Essentially work rotation (rest) can help to alleviate the condition. However as the tendon slides in and out of the tendon sheath and gets stuck this can come about for no reason at all.
Trigger finger is more common in people with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, and in people on dialysis. In these situations you will have other symptoms of the condition and the trigger finger is just one feature.
You need to get some clear occupational health advice. This may be able to be sought through your insurer...?
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Posted By Bob Youel
have you a HAVS management system in place; as if not you should look at setting one up as TF can be associated with working with vibrating hand tools. Additionally contact an occie health provider to assist
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Posted By Richard Davison
Thanks to you both for your advice. I have contacted our insurer and also requested the permission of the individual to speak direct to his GP regarding the matter. In this case HAVS doesn't apply as he doesn't use vibrating tools - he's just driving a brush & a shovel most of the time. Thanks again for your help.
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Posted By john thos 147
I used to have trigger finger a few years ago ( I was a pallet repairere and it was my belief that holding the trigger on saws and nail guns caused it. ( never prooved).
It can actually be linked to diabetes as can other RSI's So worth sending to OHP.
PPE such as anti vibration gloves helped me but they are expensive.
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Posted By joolz040770
I would refer to your Occupational Health Physician for advice before purchasing any PPE. You may need to look at reduced duties for a set period of time due to a reduction in manual handling capabilities and I strongly advise you to carry out a person-specific risk assessment and review continuously - at least monthly.
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Posted By Arran Linton - Smith
Richard,
Your employee needs medical attention as they may well have a Dupuytren's contracture.
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Posted By floorsander
I run a floor sanding company and suffer from trigger finger. i have seen a consultant who told me there are two forms of treatment, 1/to inject cortizone into the tendons which helps the inflamation reduce this is supposed to be 70% successful. 2/to cut the tendon sheaves to release pressure. I had the injection yesterday, he warned me it would be painful, he was not joking!. I will report back if it has helped or not. I am looking at anti-vibration gloves but the jury seems to be out if they help or not.
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Posted By Ian
Its now six days since the injection and my initial report is my fingers are better!, although there is still occassional locking. I have invested in anti vibration gloves so i will report back on their effect when I use them on my next job
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Posted By clairel
Just a word of caution about anti-vibration gloves. I never recommend them because and ex-colleague at the HSE (an occ health specialist) said that there was mixed opinion about them because they caused people to grip harder and therefore could actually aggravate the problem. This ex-colleague never promoted their use.
Just a thought. Don't think of them as a solution as they may not be for everyone.
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