Trigger Finger

25 Oct

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a catching or locking sensation when bending or straightening the fingers or thumb. This happens when the tendon that controls finger movement becomes inflamed or irritated, making it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly through the sheath surrounding it. The condition can affect any finger or thumb and is more common in people who perform repetitive gripping motions or have underlying health conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer specialized care for trigger finger, using a variety of treatments to restore normal finger function and alleviate discomfort.

Trigger finger occurs when the flexor tendon, which is responsible for bending the fingers and thumb, becomes irritated or inflamed. This tendon normally glides smoothly through a protective sheath that allows for easy finger movement. However, when the tendon becomes swollen, it can get caught at the entrance of the sheath, causing the finger to catch or lock in a bent position. In severe cases, the finger may need to be manually straightened.

The condition is called “trigger finger” because the finger may suddenly snap straight after being bent, similar to pulling and releasing a trigger. Trigger finger can affect one or more fingers at the same time and can occur in both hands.

Causes of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is often caused by repeated or prolonged stress on the fingers, but it can also develop due to underlying medical conditions. Common causes and risk factors include:

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

The symptoms of trigger finger often start gradually and may worsen over time, particularly with continued use of the affected finger. Common signs and symptoms include:

Diagnosis of Trigger Finger

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing trigger finger involves a thorough physical examination and, in some cases, additional imaging tests to assess the extent of the condition and determine the best treatment plan.

1. Physical Examination: The doctor will examine the affected hand, checking for signs of tenderness, swelling, and triggering (locking or catching) during finger movement. They may ask you to bend and straighten your fingers to evaluate the severity of the condition.

2. Imaging Tests:

Treatment for Trigger Finger

Treatment for trigger finger at Dr. Burke Orthopedics focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and restoring normal finger movement. Both non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available, depending on the severity of the condition.

1. Non-Surgical Treatments:

2. Surgical Treatments: Surgery may be recommended if non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief or if the finger becomes severely locked in a bent position. Surgical options include:

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from trigger finger depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. For non-surgical cases, most patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks to months with proper rest and activity modification.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a full recovery and a return to pain-free movement.

Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Trigger Finger?

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer expert care for patients with trigger finger, providing both conservative and surgical treatment options based on the severity of the condition. Our team of orthopedic specialists is dedicated to helping patients relieve pain, restore hand function, and prevent future issues. With advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, we ensure that each patient receives the best possible care for their specific condition. Whether you need non-surgical management or advanced surgical options, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is here to guide you through your recovery journey.