Trigger Finger

The key to home care for trigger finger is maintaining tendon flexibility and preventing overload. Extension stretches stimulate the synovial membrane around the A1 pulley to promote synovial fluid secretion and inhibit fibrosis. Warm compresses help absorb edema within the tendon sheath through vasodilation, while cold compresses should be used in 15-minute intervals when acute pain and swelling are severe. Night splinting reduces morning stiffness by 30–40% by preventing tendon compression caused by the finger flexion position during sleep. Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective In Korean medicine, warm compresses align with the principle of expelling cold energy and warming the circulation of Qi and blood. Extension stretching can be viewed as a simple circulation-inducing act that relaxes muscles and tendons. At Dongjedang, we guide patients on post-treatment self-care methods, including warm ginger hand baths (hand baths preferred over foot baths) and finger stretching routines. We also educate patients on daily habits that promote circulation to prevent stagnation even during periods of inactivity.