Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a problem that occurs when a finger remains stuck in a particular posture, generally bent position. Your finger may straighten or bend with a snap – within a fraction of seconds. It is like pulling and releasing a trigger. The condition is also called stenosing tenosynovitis and arises when inflammation compresses the area in the sheath that covers the tendon of your affected finger. In a serious case of trigger finger, you may find your finger locked in the bent position.

It affects the flexor tendons in the fingers and thumb resulting in catching or locking before popping straight out.

Causes

• Inflammation of the sheath and flexor tendons
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Growing age

Symptoms

• Lump/Swelling in the palm
• Catching or popping

Diagnosis

Trigger finger diagnosis doesn’t include any detailed testing as the orthopedist will go through your medical history and conduct a proper physical examination to check the severity of the condition. The doctor may check for areas of pain, locking evidence, and smoothness of motion by asking you to open and close your hand gently. The orthopedist may also check for any lumps on your palm.

Treatment

Non-surgical Treatments

NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen and ibuprofen helps relieve the pain, but doesn’t work quite well for swelling that constricts the tendon sheath or traps them.

Rest: You must avoid activities that involve, repeated grasping, gripping, or prolonged use of any electronics on vibration until you notice recovery of symptoms.

Splint: The orthopedic specialist may advise you to wear a splint during sleep to ensure the affected finger remains in the extended position for around 6 weeks.

Physical therapy: The doctor advises some easy exercises to maintain mobility of the fingers.

Surgical Treatments

Steroid Injection: When no conventional treatment techniques work for trigger finger, the orthopedist may suggest going through the surgical methods. Steroid injections into the tendon sheath can minimize inflammation and allow the tendon to move smoothly. However, it is not suggested for patients with diabetes.

Percutaneous release: After giving you local anesthesia to numb the affected finger, the orthopedist inserts a needle into the tendon tissue. By moving your finger and the needle, the constriction blocking the free movement of the tendon can be broken. The procedure is carried out under ultrasound control.

Surgery: A small incision is made close to the base of the affected tendon/finger, through which the surgeon work and cuts open the constricted part of the affected tendon sheath in the finger.

Make an appointment with us to treat your trigger finger with the best available treatments.