Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cassava wax hand immersion combined with ultrasound therapy on pain severity, pain threshold, finger locking frequency, and hand functional ability in patients with trigger finger. We assessed immediate, short-term, and long-term treatment outcomes. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-eight eligible volunteers were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group received ultrasound therapy combined with cassava wax hand immersion, while the control group received ultrasound therapy alone. Treatments were administered three times per week for four weeks.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
participants sat in a comfortable position with their hand placed on a pillow or cushion. Ultrasound gel was applied to the base of the painful finger, and ultrasound therapy was performed for 5 minutes at a frequency of 3 MHz and an intensity of 0.5-1 W/cm. Afterward, the hand was cleaned and immersed in cassava wax heated to 125°F (51.7°C). The affected hand was dipped into the wax for 3 seconds, then removed. This process was repeated for 10 cycles. The hand was then wrapped in a plastic bag and a towel for 15 minutes before the wax was removed and peeled off.
1\. ultrasound therapy Ultrasound gel was applied to the base of the painful finger, and ultrasound therapy was performed for 5 minutes at a frequency of 3 MHz and an intensity of 0.5-1 W/cm.
Narongsak Khamnon
Chiang Rai, Tha Sut, Thailand
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
This assesses the current pain severity using a 10-centimeter scale. Scores range from 0 to 10, where the far left end of the scale indicates "no pain at all" (score of 0), and the far right end indicates "worst pain imaginable" (score of 10). Participants were asked to mark an 'X' on the scale at the point corresponding to their current pain severity.
Time frame: - Time 1: Baseline or Day 1 - Time 2:After treatment, the first time of immediate effect - Time 3: After treatments in 4 weeks - Time 4: 1 month after finishing treatments in 4 weeks.
Pressure pain threshold
Participants were seated, and the assessor identified the location of the myofascial trigger point. This spot was marked with a washable pen. An algometer (a device used to measure pain threshold) was then applied to the marked trigger point at a rate of approximately 1 kg/second. Participants were instructed to signal immediately upon feeling the onset of pain (pain threshold). The applied pressure ranged from 0 to 11 kg/cm. Each participant underwent three measurements, with a 3-minute rest interval between each. The average of these three measurements was then calculated.
Time frame: - Time 1: Baseline or Day 1 - Time 2:After treatment, the first time of immediate effect - Time 3: After treatments in 4 weeks - Time 4: 1 month after finishing treatments in 4 weeks.
Pain frequency
Participants were interviewed regarding the frequency of finger locking symptoms and the number of finger locking episodes per day.
Time frame: - Time 1: Baseline or Day 1 - Time 2: After treatments in 4 weeks - Time 3: 1 month after finishing treatments in 4 weeks.
Disability of the arm, shoulder and hand
This is a questionnaire designed to assess the level of upper extremity impairment. It evaluates the functional ability of the wrist and finger joints, comprising 30 questions related to the patient's daily life activities and work capacity.
Time frame: - Time 1: Baseline or Day 1 - Time 2: After treatments in 4 weeks - Time 3: 1 month after finishing treatments in 4 weeks.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.