WHAT IS A TRIGGER FINGER ?

Do you notice a locking or catching sensation when you bend and straighten your finger? You may be experiencing symptoms of trigger finger. This condition is a swelling of the tendon — or tendonitis — that controls the flexing of a finger or thumb.

What Causes Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a painful condition in which your fingers or thumb catch or lock when you bend them. It occurs when inflammation narrows the sheath — or membrane — that surrounds the tendon in the finger (as shown in the picture provided). If the condition is severe, your finger may become locked in a bent position.

Symptoms of trigger finger vary from mild to severe and include:

# A popping or clicking sensation while you move your finger.

# Finger stiffness, often in the morning.

# Tenderness or a bump in the palm or at the base of the finger.

# Finger locked in a bent position.

# Finger catching or locking in a bent position.

Factors that put you at a higher risk of developing trigger finger include occupations and hobbies that involve prolonged gripping. People who have rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes are also at higher risk of developing this condition.

Additionally, trigger finger may be a complication associated with carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.

Trigger Finger Treatment

Trigger finger treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury.

Most of the time, your doctor will have you start with rest and take time away from the activity causing the problem. They may also have you wear a splint at night to help keep the finger in an extended position. Over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can be taken to help relieve pain and inflammation.

Additionally, steroid injections may be used to minimise your symptoms. This nonsurgical treatment involves the injection of a steroid medication near or into the tendon sheath so that it can glide freely again. Steroid injections are usually effective for several months; however, it may take a couple of shots before you see results.

If these treatments don’t provide relief, your doctor may suggest surgery, also called tenolysis or trigger finger release. This is an outpatient procedure that is performed with a local anaesthetic. During the treatment, your doctor will make a small incision at the base of the finger and open the sheath around the tendon so that the flexor tendon can glide more easily.

Recovery time is typically only a couple weeks to regain full use.

Understanding the symptoms of trigger finger can help you regain mobility and get you on the road to recovery faster. Welcare Hospital offers top-level orthopaedic care for any hand concerns you may have, all in one location. Make an appointment today for yourself or your loved ones in need to start your healing journey!