Trigger Finger: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
By Dr. Andrew Baertsch
Discover the common hand condition known as trigger finger and learn about the effective treatment options available at Northland Plastic Surgery.
Introduction
Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a common hand condition that affects the tendons responsible for finger movement. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and a characteristic clicking or locking sensation in the affected finger. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for trigger finger, as well as how the board-certified plastic surgeons at Northland Plastic Surgery can help you find relief.
What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger occurs when the tendons that control finger movement become inflamed and irritated. These tendons glide through a protective sheath called the tendon sheath. When the tendon becomes swollen, it can create friction as it moves through the sheath, leading to the symptoms associated with trigger finger.
The most common location for trigger finger to develop is at the base of the finger, just before it meets the palm, in an area known as the A1 pulley. This pulley is a crucial part of the tendon sheath system, helping to keep the tendon in place as the finger moves.
Causes of Trigger Finger
Several factors can contribute to the development of trigger finger, including:
- Repetitive hand movements: Occupations or hobbies that involve repetitive gripping, grasping, or finger movements can put extra stress on the tendons, leading to inflammation.
- Inflammatory conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, can increase the likelihood of developing trigger finger.
Age and gender: Trigger finger is more common in adults over the age of 40 and tends to affect women more frequently than men.
Symptoms of Trigger Finger
The symptoms of trigger finger can vary in severity and may include:
- Pain and tenderness: You may experience pain or tenderness at the base of the affected finger, particularly when bending or straightening the finger.
- Stiffness: The affected finger may feel stiff or difficult to move, especially in the morning.
- Clicking or popping sensation: As the condition progresses, you may notice a clicking or popping sensation when moving the finger, as the tendon slides through the inflamed sheath.
- Locking: In more advanced cases, the finger may become locked in a bent position, requiring you to use your other hand to straighten it.
- Nodule formation: A small, painful bump or nodule may develop on the tendon, contributing to the clicking or locking sensation.
Diagnosing Trigger Finger
If you suspect you have trigger finger, it’s essential to consult with a qualified hand specialist, such as the board-certified plastic surgeons at Northland Plastic Surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon will:
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Perform a physical examination of your hand and fingers
- Assess the severity of your condition
- Discuss your treatment options
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
For mild to moderate cases of trigger finger, non-surgical treatments can often provide relief. These may include:
- Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate your symptoms and allowing your hand to rest can help reduce inflammation.
- Splinting: Wearing a splint at night can help keep the affected finger in an extended position, reducing pain and stiffness.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections directly into the tendon sheath can provide rapid relief by reducing inflammation. This is often the first line of treatment and is highly successful in many cases.
Surgical Treatment for Trigger Finger
If non-surgical treatments fail to provide adequate relief or if the condition is severe, surgical intervention may be necessary. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Northland Plastic Surgery offer a minimally invasive procedure called trigger finger release.
During this outpatient procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision in the palm and carefully release the constricted portion of the tendon sheath. This allows the tendon to glide smoothly once again, eliminating the clicking, locking, and pain associated with trigger finger.
Recovery and Results
After trigger finger release surgery, you can expect a relatively short recovery period. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions, which may include:
- Keeping the incision clean and dry
- Wearing a protective splint for a short period
- Performing gentle hand exercises to promote healing and maintain flexibility
- Gradually returning to normal activities as your surgeon advises
Most patients experience significant relief from their trigger finger symptoms following surgery and can return to their daily activities within a few weeks.
Why Choose Northland Plastic Surgery?
At Northland Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for patients with hand conditions like trigger finger. Our surgeons have extensive training and experience in hand surgery, ensuring that you receive the most advanced and effective treatment options available.
We understand that every patient is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to care. Our team will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing the pain, stiffness, and clicking associated with trigger finger, know that you’re not alone and that effective treatment options are available. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Northland Plastic Surgery are here to help you find relief and restore normal function to your hands.
Don’t let trigger finger hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Northland Plastic Surgery today and take the first step toward regaining control of your hand health. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing the care and support you need to get back to the activities you love, pain-free.