Trigger Finger Treatment

What is trigger finger and how is it treated?

Are you searching for an effective way to treat your trigger finger? This condition can be uncomfortable and annoying since it makes simple tasks like opening a jar or playing a guitar more of a challenge. Fortunately, there are solutions available that can help reduce the symptoms and provide long-term relief from this painful condition.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into trigger finger treatment so you can get back to living your life without worrying about discomfort in your hands or fingers. If you or a loved one is experiencing trigger finger symptoms, book an appointment with OrthoNeuro today. Our hand specialists can be found at multiple locations throughout Columbus, Ohio.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the flexor tendons in the fingers and thumb. It often leads to a sensation of locking or catching when bending and straightening digits, accompanied by pain and stiffness. The advanced condition could leave the finger stuck in a bent position.

While the ring finger and thumb are frequently affected, this hand condition can affect any digit. When the thumb is affected, the condition is called trigger thumb.

Who Does Trigger Finger Affect?

Trigger finger can affect anyone. You may be more at risk of developing trigger finger if:

You suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
You use your fingers and thumb in strenuous activity.
You are advanced in age.

Treating Trigger Finger at Home

There are many things that you can do at home to treat trigger finger syndrome. By treating trigger finger early, you reduce the chances of it worsening. The following are some of the ways you can treat trigger finger at home:

Rest: Allow your hand to rest and avoid activities that worsen the condition.
Splinting: Wearing a splint at night to keep the affected finger or thumb straight during sleep can be beneficial.
Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises can reduce stiffness and improve the range of motion in the affected digit.
Medications: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate pain and inflammation.

Specialist Treatment Options for Trigger Finger

If home remedies don’t yield results, help from an orthopedic surgeon can help reduce symptoms of trigger finger. Orthopedic surgeons can offer the following treatments:

Steroid Injection: Corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath at the base of the affected digit can often resolve the condition. A second trigger finger injection may be considered if needed.
Surgery: In cases where medication and steroid injections are ineffective, surgical intervention may be recommended. The decision depends on the level of pain and functional impairment. Percutaneous trigger finger release surgery involves the release of the A1 pulley, which typically blocks tendon movement. This outpatient procedure is performed under local anesthesia and involves dividing the A1 pulley to allow the tendon to move freely.

Recovery Period

After surgery, patients are encouraged to move their fingers immediately. Some soreness in the palm is common, but elevation can reduce pain and swelling. Although incisions typically heal within a few weeks, complete recovery from swelling and stiffness may take 4 to 6 months. If issues persist, a hand therapist may be recommended.

Preventing Trigger Finger

There are some things you can do to prevent trigger fingers. They include the following:

Maintain Proper Posture and Technique: Learn correct posture and technique for sports or work activities.
Gradual Transition: Ease into new exercises or activities to avoid injury.
Take Breaks: If engaged in repetitive tasks stressing your hands, take regular breaks.

Book an Appointment Today

Don’t let trigger finger disrupt your daily life. Book an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons today. At OrthoNeuro, our specialists will explore the various treatment options to help you regain comfort and functionality in your hand.

We have multiple locations throughout Columbus, Ohio. Contact us today!

Medically reviewed by Scott A. Smith, MD

Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Specialists

YOU USE YOUR HANDS, WRISTS, AND ELBOWS ALL THE TIME. DON’T LET PAIN INTERFERE WITH YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE OR INDEPENDENCE. CALL ORTHONEURO TODAY OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE IF YOU HAVE PERSISTENT PAIN IN YOUR HAND, WRIST, OR ELBOW THAT LIMITS YOUR MOVEMENT OR INDEPENDENCE.

James C. Cassandra, DO

Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon

Gary M. Millard, DO

Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon

Scott P. Stephens, MD

Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon

Desmond J. Stutzman, DO

Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon

“I love this group of Doctors. They have specialists to cover what ever part of the body is in need of treatment. Every doctor i have seen in this practice have had a very good bedside manner and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this practice for all your orthopedic and neurological needs”

Teresa H.

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