I noticed that my 16 month old baby isn't using her left thumb. We thought at first it was because of a play accident (she was reaching for something in her toy bin and accidentally fell in face first.) but, after seeing an orthopedic doctor we learned it was a trigger finger. We were advised that she will need surgery for it to go away. Is there any other way besides surgery to help her release her problematic thumb??
We really would like other options and utilize surgery as our last resort. Thank you.
Both of my nephews had this, and both ended up having the surgery. It was really not a big deal - and the recovery was easier for the second, since it was a few years later and techniques had improved.
Sorry I can't help with alternatives. I know the thought of surgery can be scary, but I wanted to at least give you success stories of those who did have the surgery.
my daughter had the trigger thumb surgery at 9 months old. the surgery releases the tendon that is "catching" under the thumb. The procedure is super quick (<20min); it's the anesthesia that we were concerned about. It all turned out well and her thumb is normal now. I'd do what you can to get a pediatric orthopedic dr. that is used to working on kids, not just adults.
I believe that surgery should always be a last option even if that suggestion comes from a doctor. If i were you, i would covered all other options as you mentioned...
-You should find a massage therapist who works with kids, have one session with them and ask them to teach you how to do Transverse Friction Massage – that should be performed across the nodule/adhesion on the affected finger to help break it down, reducing its size.
-You should learn the appropriate Stretches – Immediately follow Transverse Friction Massage with passive and active stretches to the affected finger to help thin the tendon.
-You should learn the appropriate Exercises – Immediately follow the stretches with active strengthening exercises for the OPPOSING MUSCLE GROUP, in this case the extensor muscles that extend the fingers and wrist, in order to hold and maintain the length to the tendon that you just stretched
-Hydrotherapy – Ice the affected tendon in a stretched position to maintain the length of the tendon that was just created through the stretches and exercises. Icing the tendon also removes swelling and toxins created through the use of massage, stretches and exercises. Ice the tendon no longer than 1-2 minutes. Take a break for 3-minutes and repeat the ice cycle two more times.
I think you should get a second opinion as well before you get your baby in a surgery and to make sure the diagnosis was correct (yes, doctors make mistakes too).
All the best and good luck!!
L.
I had it in the thumb. I was told to get the surgery. I didn't like that idea so I didn't. Eventually mine went away. Glad I didn't have the surgery.
I have/had trigger thumb! I remember as a young girl it would freeze and It would be sooo annoying. eventually it would move again. I remember telling my teacher one time and she told me to sit down! It probably sounded strange when I think of it now. Anyway, I never had surgery and I don't know when I "outgrew" it, but haven't gotten it in YEARS! If it doesn't really bother her, I'd wait it out. Good luck...
My 3 yr old had this it was noticed when she was 2 it eventually became painful stick all the time she was unable to hold a crayon or pen correctly scissor cutting she wasn't able to grasp the concept this is her right thumb which she uses.Since this henderd her fine motor skills regardless if it come & goes it often does but gets worse as time passes especially if it becomes renjured (we all catch ourselves with our hands)we seen a pediatric plasticsurgeon at Chinldrens Mercy Hospital literally the whole surgery including anestesia the surgery sutures & waking up was all under 20 min. it was quick her recovery time was on the way home we came home & as I wanted to put her to bed she was noway i'm fine got up to play nevr complained it hurt nothing the dessing was changed the next day left on for a few days after went in for a recheck 2 weeks later she was fine.I'm glad I did this for her I did however was hesitant very becasue the Dr. we seen here was an orthopedic & recommended surgery so I wanted a second opinion at a childrens hospital so I did & became more comfortable with the decision I made due to it was uncomfortanle for her it hurt when she popped it out from the locked position unable to use her hands as they were intended.
To help you can rub her thumb with lotion to help ease it out of the locked posiotn or whenever it hurts.Soak in warm water with Epsom salt
