Voltaren Gel for Treating Trigger Finger - Uses, Benefits and More

Using Voltaren Gel to Treat Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a common condition causing pain, stiffness, and clicking or locking of the fingers. It involves inflammation of the tendons that bend the fingers. While steroid injections are a common medical treatment, using Voltaren gel is emerging as a potential home remedy for trigger finger relief.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, also called stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when the sheath surrounding the tendons in the fingers become inflamed. This causes thickening and narrowing of the sheath, making it harder for the tendons to glide smoothly. The affected finger may get stuck in a bent position and snap or pop when straightened.

It often affects the thumb, as well as the ring and middle fingers. Trigger finger tends to develop over time, starting with occasional sticking that gets progressively worse. It can be quite painful. Common causes include repetitive gripping actions, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.

Medical Treatments for Trigger Finger

Conventional medical treatments for trigger finger include:

• Steroid injections - Cortisone is injected into the affected tendon sheath to reduce inflammation.
• Splinting - Splints to keep the finger extended may be recommended.
• Surgery - Severing the constricted sheath releases the trapped tendon if other treatments fail.

While steroid injections are effective about 90% of the time, symptoms often return. Side effects like skin depigmentation may also occur. Surgery is usually the last resort after more conservative options fail.

Using Voltaren Gel for Trigger Finger

Voltaren gel contains the medication diclofenac, a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Diclofenac works by blocking inflammatory enzymes and reduces swelling, pain, and stiffness.

Voltaren gel must be massaged thoroughly over the affected trigger finger 4 times per day. The anti-inflammatory properties of the diclofenac penetrate through the skin to reach the inflamed tendon sheath underneath.

Potential benefits of using Voltaren gel for trigger finger include:

• Decreases inflammation and swelling of the tendon sheath
• Relieves accompanying soreness and pain
• Improves mobility and range of motion
• Helps straighten a locked finger
• Fewer side effects than steroid injections or surgery

Research on using topical diclofenac for trigger finger is limited but promising. One small clinical study on 10 patients found that applying diclofenac gel improved trigger finger symptoms after 6 weeks. More extensive studies are still needed.

Using Proper Technique with Voltaren Gel

To increase the effectiveness of Voltaren gel for trigger finger relief, use proper technique:

• Gently massage the gel into skin over the affected finger and tendons
• Move the finger through its full range of motion while massaging
• Apply after any activity that aggravates symptoms
• Use the gel 4 times per day for optimal anti-inflammatory effects
• Consider wearing a finger splint at night to keep it extended

Massaging while moving the finger ensures the diclofenac penetrates down to the inflamed tendon sheath properly. Be patient, as it may take up to two weeks before seeing noticeable improvement in mobility and pain relief.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Diclofenac

The main active ingredient in Voltaren gel is diclofenac sodium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Diclofenac offers anti-inflammatory benefits in several ways:

• Blocks cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2
• Reduces prostaglandin synthesis
• Decreases inflammatory cytokines
• Reduces swelling and pain
• Relaxes tight muscles and tendons

Both the cox-inhibiting and prostaglandin-lowering effects help address the inflammation and swelling of trigger finger in a targeted way. The topical method also allows reaching affected tissues directly.

Voltaren Gel Dosage Information

Voltaren is available as a 1% diclofenac topical gel. The recommended dosage for treating trigger finger is:

• 4 times per day
• About a 2-4 inch strip of gel for each affected finger
• Gently massage into the skin until fully absorbed
• Do not bandage or cover treated fingers

One 60 gram tube contains a total of 600mg of diclofenac sodium. Use the lowest effective dose needed to manage symptoms. Make sure to follow dosage directions carefully when applying.

Side Effects and Precautions for Voltaren Gel

Potential side effects when using Voltaren gel include:

• Skin irritation, rash or itching at application site
• Lightheadedness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Immediately wash off any gel that comes into contact with open wounds or damaged skin. Voltaren does have risks if it gets into the bloodstream, so avoid using excessive amounts. Not recommended for those with NSAID allergies.

Voltaren Gel Compared to Other Trigger Finger Treatments

While Voltaren gel could be a good conservative home remedy for trigger finger, how does it compare against other common treatment methods?

Vs. Steroid Injections

Steroid injections like cortisone provide localized anti-inflammatory effects and often bring fast relief. However, Voltaren gel offers some benefits over injections:

• Avoids risks like depigmentation or fat necrosis from shots
• Gradual onset instead of temporary shot relief
• Daily massage may help tendons re-align
• No limit on number of times gel can be used
• Lower cost than in-office procedures

That said, a single shot may give faster, more complete relief. But Voltaren may be worthwhile before considering injections.

Vs. Trigger Finger Exercises

Doing regular exercises and stretches can help realign the affected tendons and improve finger mobility. How might Voltaren gel enhance the benefits of exercises?

• Reduces inflammation allowing better mobility
• Flexible tendons glide more easily
• Relieves pain from movements
• Softens thickened tendon sheaths
• Restores range of motion to practice exercises

Voltaren gel helps optimize the environment in which trigger finger exercises are performed. The anti-inflammatory effects enhance tendon flexibility and responsiveness.

Vs. Trigger Finger Splints

Wearing a finger splint keeps the affected digits extended, which can encourage straightened alignment. Pairing a splint with Voltaren gel offers combined benefits:

• Splint maintains extension while gel reduces swelling
• Straightened position maximizes gel contact with tendon sheath
• Decreased friction between tendon and sheath
• Gel soothing during continuous splint wear

Together, splints and Voltaren gel work synergistically - the gel reduces swelling and discomfort while splints provide a mechanical assist to mobility.

Vs. Trigger Finger Surgery

FAQs

How often should I apply Voltaren gel for trigger finger?

Voltaren gel should be applied to the affected trigger finger 4 times per day for best results. Massage it in thoroughly each time.

How long does Voltaren gel take to work for trigger finger?

It may take 1-2 weeks of consistent use before noticing significant effects from Voltaren gel on trigger finger pain and mobility.

Can I wrap or bandage my finger after applying Voltaren gel?

No, you should not wrap or bandage fingers after applying Voltaren gel. Allow the gel to fully absorb into the skin with no barrier.

What side effects can occur from Voltaren gel?

Potential side effects of topical Voltaren gel include skin irritation, headache, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Discontinue use if any reactions occur.