Common Causes and Conditions of Finger Pain
1. Tendon & Overuse Injuries
- Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis) – Catching/locking of fingers
- Mallet Finger – Tendon damage causing drooping fingertip
- Flexor Tendon Injuries – Pain when bending fingers
2. Joint & Degenerative Conditions
- Osteoarthritis – Bony nodules (Heberden’s/Bouchard’s nodes)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – Symmetrical joint swelling/stiffness
- Gout/Pseudogout – Sudden, severe joint inflammation
3. Nerve Compression Syndromes
- Carpal Tunnel Referral – Numbness in thumb/index/middle fingers
- Ulnar Nerve Entrapment – Tingling in ring/pinky fingers
4. Trauma & Structural Issues
- Fractures/Dislocations – From impacts or jamming injuries
- Boutonniere/Swan Neck Deformities – Tendon imbalance causing finger misalignment
- Dupuytren’s Contracture – Thickened palm tissue pulling fingers inward
Rehab Exercises at Home After and Between TCM Treatments
1. Mobility & Stretching Exercises
A. Finger Extension Stretch
- Place hand flat on table, palm down
- Gently lift each finger individually
- Hold 5 seconds per finger
- Reps: 5x each
- Benefits: Improves extensor tendon mobility
B. Tendon Gliding Exercises
- Sequentially move fingers through:
- Straight → Hook fist → Full fist
- Straight → Tabletop position → Straight
- Reps: 5 cycles
- Benefits: Prevents tendon adhesions
C. Thumb Web Space Stretch
- Place thumb against palm
- Use opposite hand to gently stretch thumb away
- Hold 15 seconds
- Reps: 3x each hand
- Benefits: Relieves De Quervain’s tightness
2. Strengthening Exercises
A. Putty/Grip Strengthening
- Squeeze therapy putty or soft ball
- Hold 5 seconds
- Reps: 10x
- Benefits: Builds intrinsic hand muscles
B. Rubber Band Finger Extensions
- Place rubber band around all fingertips
- Slowly spread fingers apart
- Reps: 12-15x
- Benefits: Counters grip overuse
C. Finger Pinch Strengthening
- Pinch clothespin between thumb and each fingertip
- Hold 3 seconds
- Reps: 5x per finger
- Benefits: Improves precision grip
3. TCM-Inspired Qi Flow Exercises
A. LI-4 (Hegu) Acupressure
- Locate point between thumb/index webbing
- Apply firm circular pressure 30 seconds
- Benefits: Relieves pain, promotes Qi flow
B. Finger Meridian Tapping
- Lightly tap along each finger’s length
- Follow with gentle shaking motions
- Duration: 1 minute per hand
- Benefits: Releases energy stagnation
Precautions & Recommendations
✔ Begin gently – Especially after acute injuries
✔ Use warm soaks (with TCM herbs if available) pre-exercise
✔ Wear splints at night for conditions like trigger finger
✖ Avoid forceful manipulation of arthritic joints
✖ Stop if swelling increases
Frequency: 2-3 times daily for chronic stiffness
TCM Adjunct Therapies:
- Acupuncture at local/asymptomatic points
- Herbal soaks with safflower/cinnamon for circulation
- Gua sha along hand meridians
Note: These exercises complement but don’t replace professional diagnosis. Consult your TCM practitioner for persistent pain or deformities.