Comparing a finger splint, paraffin baths, and peloidotherapy for trigger finger
Comparative Evaluation of Finger Splint, Paraffin, and Peloidotherapy Interventions in the Management of Trigger Finger. A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
This tests whether a finger splint, paraffin baths, or peloidotherapy works best to reduce pain and catching in adults 18–75 with a single trigger finger.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Konya Beyhekim Training and Research Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Konya, Konya) |
| Trial ID | NCT07256522 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Sixty adults with a single idiopathic trigger finger (grades 2–3) are randomly assigned to one of three groups: a static finger splint worn for six weeks plus home exercises, paraffin baths (20 minutes daily for 15 sessions over 3 weeks) plus home exercises, or peloidotherapy (45°C for 20 minutes daily for 15 sessions over 3 weeks) plus home exercises. All participants receive education and activity-modification guidance, and a blinded assessor measures outcomes at baseline, week 3, and week 6. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are not permitted during the study and participants are instructed to avoid them for 24 hours before assessments. Daily splint use is recorded and adherence to home exercises and treatment sessions is tracked.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–75 with a single idiopathic trigger finger graded 2–3 who can attend treatments at the study center, have not had recent hand injections or therapy, and do not have inflammatory rheumatic disease or other symptomatic hand conditions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with multiple affected fingers, thumb (pollex) trigger, A3 pulley involvement, grade 1 or 4 disease, recent injections or hand surgery within 6 months, active inflammatory arthritis, or other symptomatic hand disorders are unlikely to benefit from the study interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify a noninvasive, low-risk option that reduces pain and improves finger movement without injections or surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Splinting and paraffin heat have some supporting evidence for symptom relief in hand conditions, while peloidotherapy is less well studied for trigger finger and is relatively novel in this indication.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 18 and 75 years of age and willing to participate in the study * Having a diagnosis of idiopathic single trigger finger, Grade 2-3 Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with triggering in more than one finger * Patients with triggering at the A3 pulley or with Grade 1 or Grade 4 trigger finger * Patients with thumb (pollex) trigger finger * Patients who have undergone any injection or interventional procedure (release surgery) for trigger finger within the past 6 months * Patients who have received physical therapy for the hand within the past 6 months * Patients currently using corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) * Patients with inflammatory or autoimmune rheumatologic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, or psoriatic arthritis * Patients with other musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, de Quervain's tenosynovitis, symptomatic hand osteoarthritis, or Dupuytren's contracture) or neurological diseases (e.g., stroke-related hemiparesis, spinal cord injury, brachial plexus injury, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinsonism) affecting the same hand * Patients with musculoskeletal disorders causing pain and/or limitation in the proximal upper extremity on the affected side (e.g., periarthritis, lateral epicondylitis, mononeuropathy, or radiculopathy) * Patients with significant metabolic diseases (e.g., hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, or uncontrolled diabetes) * Patients with any condition that may interfere with treatment, such as open wounds, rashes, local infections, or active malignant disease of the hand * Patients with a history of hand trauma (chronic or repetitive) * Patients unwilling to complete the self-assessment questionnaires either independently or with assistance * Pregnant women
Where this trial is running
Konya, Konya
- Konya Beyhekim Training and Research Hospital — Konya, Konya, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ramazan Yilmaz, Assoc Prof — Konya Beyhekim Training and Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ramazan Yilmaz, Assoc Prof (MD)
- Email: drramazanyilmaz@yahoo.com
- Phone: +905556232674
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.