Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a hand deformity where a finger becomes stuck in a bent position. As the name implies, it can often look like the finger is stuck in a bent position of pulling a trigger. Although common in the index finger, trigger finger can develop in any finger and is referred to as trigger thumb when it occurs in the thumb.

Untreated trigger finger can become debilitating and interfere with work, hobbies, and other activities. Fortunately, this condition is manageable and there are a number of effective treatment options.

If you’re interested in learning more about this condition and potential treatment options, take a moment to review the following information. BEST Health System is dedicated to patient education and we’ll be glad to answer any questions or help you learn more about our treatment options. Please feel free to reach out at any time.

Causes

Trigger finger is primarily a repetitive motion injury that occurs due to activities that involve frequent bending and unbending of the fingers. It is also believed that stenosing tenosynovitis may be related to conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis that cause inflammation in the finger tendons.

Trigger finger develops when the sheaths that protect the tendons and the pulleys that allow the fingers to bend become thick and inflamed. When the finger tries to bend, it can become caught on these inflamed tissues, making it progressively difficult to bend back. Eventually, it can become stuck in the bent position.

Conservative Treatment

Once your doctor reaches a diagnosis, treatment for trigger finger generally begins with a course of conservative treatment options.

Therapies that can be effective in helping manage and relieve trigger finger include:

Periods of rest, particularly if repetitive motion is believed to be the cause
Anti-inflammatory steroid injections lessen inflammation for intermediate periods
Physical therapy, including gentle stretching and soft tissue mobilization techniques
Splinting and bracing of the finger
Over the counter medication, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

It is important to exercise caution when performing any stretches or exercises in the hand as it has the potential for injuring the fingers.

Signs and Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger often starts with mild symptoms that become more severe over time. This includes:

Stiff fingers, commonly at the beginning of the day
Lumps at the base of the finger that gradually become harder
Catching or popping sensations when bending the finger
Inability to straighten fingers when bent
Trouble with motor functions, including pulling with fingers and gripping

Symptoms of trigger finger can worsen over time, so it is highly beneficial to take a proactive approach to seek diagnosis and treatment if you have experienced any of the above symptoms. Always see a qualified professional for any hand or finger pain that does not improve in a short period of time.

Diagnosing Trigger Finger

Meeting with a physician to diagnose symptoms that may be related to trigger finger should include these steps:

A review of your medical history
Questions about symptoms and normal activities
Range of motion testing
A hands-on examination to detect tenderness or nodules in the palm and fingers

Often diagnostic imagery such as X-ray or MRI is not required to diagnose trigger finger but it may be useful in ruling out another condition. Coming prepared with as much information as possible about your symptoms, lifestyle, and how long you’ve been dealing with finger mobility issues can help speed along the diagnostic and treatment process.

Surgery

Like many hand conditions, surgery for trigger finger usually only becomes an option if symptoms are severe and not responding to nonsurgical therapies. The goal of trigger finger release surgery, or tenolysis, is primarily to prevent permanent stiffness from developing.

In trigger finger release surgery, the surgeon will typically enter through a small incision in the wrist and use microsurgical equipment to carefully divide the inflamed pulley in the finger. This should allow the tendon to glide more easily through the protective sheath. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Patients are generally encouraged to begin moving their fingers immediately, although full recovery typically occurs over a period of weeks or months. After any procedure, the surgeon should provide detailed instructions for incision care and a schedule for rehabilitation and resuming normal activities.

Get in Touch with the BEST Health System Team to Learn More About Trigger Finger Treatment

For information on becoming a candidate for conservative and surgical options to treat hand conditions such as trigger finger, contact BEST Health System. Our experienced and compassionate staff has decades of experience helping patients get back to the people and activities they’ve been missing and regain quality of life.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms or recieved a diagnosis and need treatment, BEST can help. Take the first step towards relief today.