Trigger Finger: Symptoms, Causes, Evaluation, and Treatment
Are your fingers catching, locking, or stiff when you try to use them? Do you struggle to straighten your fingers after gripping or wringing something out? You might be dealing with a condition called trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis.
Trigger finger is a common and painful problem that affects the tendons in your fingers or thumb. These tendons help your fingers move by connecting muscles to bones, but when they get irritated or swollen, they can cause your fingers to lock up or “trigger.” Below, we will walk through everything you need to know about this condition, including symptoms, causes, how it is diagnosed, and treatment options.
Symptoms of Trigger Finger
The symptoms of trigger finger often start mild and get worse over time. Here are some common signs to watch for:
- Pain and stiffness: The fingers, especially in the morning, can feel sore or stiff.
- Clicking or popping: As the condition progresses, you may notice a clicking sensation when you try to straighten your finger.
- Locking: Eventually, the finger might lock in a bent position, and you will need to force it straight. This can be painful.
- Tenderness: Pain at the base of the affected finger or thumb is common, and sometimes you might feel a small bump or nodule in the palm.
If these symptoms sound familiar, it might be time to see an orthopedic expert at Orthopedic Institute.
Causes of Trigger Finger
While the exact cause of trigger finger is not always clear, a few factors are known to contribute:
- Medical conditions: People with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk.
- Repetitive movements: Jobs or hobbies that require repetitive gripping, like using tools, playing instruments, or even wringing out cloths, can lead to trigger finger.
- Age and gender: Women over the age of 40 are more likely to develop trigger finger.
Orthopedic specialists at Orthopedic Institute have experience treating a variety of causes and can help determine the best treatment for you.
Evaluation of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is typically diagnosed through a physical exam. Your doctor will check your hand and fingers, looking for signs like locking, clicking, or tenderness. X-rays might be used if your doctor suspects other issues, such as arthritis, could be causing your symptoms. The team at Orthopedic Institute in Sioux Falls is skilled at quickly diagnosing and addressing hand conditions like trigger finger.
Treatment for Trigger Finger
The good news is that there are both non-surgical and surgical treatments available for trigger finger, and most people find relief without surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Rest and activity changes: Giving your hand a break from activities that cause pain can help reduce inflammation.
- NSAIDs: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can ease discomfort.
- Splinting: Wearing a splint at night can keep your finger straight and reduce morning stiffness.
- Steroid injections: These can reduce inflammation and often cure trigger finger, especially if you are not dealing with diabetes.
Feeling anxious about an injection?
Getting the care you need should not be stressful. Orthopedic Institute now offers nitrous oxide to help you relax during your procedure. Ask your provider today if nitrous oxide could be right for you.
Surgical Treatment
If non-surgical treatments do not help, surgery might be the next step. During the procedure, the tight band (A1 pulley) that is constricting the tendon is released. This is a quick outpatient procedure, often done under local anesthesia. The experts at Orthopedic Institute have extensive experience performing this surgery, and most patients return home the same day.
Recovery
Recovery from trigger finger surgery is usually straightforward. You will be able to use your hand for light tasks like eating and dressing right away, and the incision typically heals within 1-2 weeks. If you need help regaining full motion in your hand, hand therapy might be recommended. For most people, the surgery provides long-term relief, although it can take several months for all symptoms, like stiffness or swelling, to fully resolve.
If you are looking for care in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the specialists at Orthopedic Institute can guide you through the treatment and recovery process.