Will Trigger Finger Resolve On Its Own?

Trigger finger is a disorder of the tendons in the hand and their ability to maneuver freely. A trigger finger can affect any finger or thumb and leave your hand in a shape resembling pulling the trigger on an invisible pistol. 

The culprit is inflammation in and around the tendons that connect the bones of your fingers with the muscles that move them. Impacted fingers become stiff and unable to move on their own, causing pain when you try. 

The hand, wrist, and elbow specialists at Nevada Orthopedic and Spine Center, with convenient locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, are experts in diagnosing and treating trigger finger. They can help you reclaim normal, pain-free finger movement, including cases that require surgery. 

However, trigger finger can often resolve on its own with rest and conservative care. Here’s what you need to know about the condition, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis. 

Finger tendons 101

Tendons are the link between muscle and bone. As you move a finger, muscle contraction pulls the tendon, surrounded by a sheath, moving the finger bone toward the contraction. 

Problems begin when inflammation impacts either a tendon or its sheath. The tendon cannot slide freely within the sheath, causing trigger finger pain, stiffness, and its characteristic bent-finger appearance. 

Recognizing the signs

Along with the locked position of affected fingers, you might experience: 

• Popping or snapping sensations when you move the affected digits. This is an indication of restricted tendon movement.
• Pain or soreness at the base of affected fingers or thumbs that’s worse when you’re gripping something.
• Swelling or lumps in the palm of your hand
• Pain and stiffness when flexing your fingers toward your palm
• Symptoms that are generally more pronounced in the morning, loosening up somewhat with movement through the day

Occupations and tasks that necessitate frequent firm hand gripping can increase the risk of trigger finger. Playing an instrument or racket sports, working with tools, farming, or gardening can all promote conditions that lead to trigger finger. 

Will trigger finger resolve on its own? 

Yes, sometimes trigger finger can resolve without medical intervention.

Conservative care can also accelerate recovery in many instances. Treating the pain with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, controls both pain and swelling. Taking a break from tasks that stress your hands can also help to relieve your symptoms. 

When you can’t fully rest your hands, wearing splints can provide support while holding your fingers in open positions. Physical therapy for your hands also brings back comfortable mobility to trigger fingers. 

If you’re suffering from trigger finger, book a consultation with the experts at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center today. Call the office at 702-878-0393 or request an appointment online.