Trigger Finger

What is trigger finger?

Stenosing tenosynovitis, widely known as trigger finger, is a condition where a part of the flexor tendon called the A1 pulley, which enables you to bend your finger, gets inflamed and swollen.

The inflammation makes it hard for the flexor tendon to glide smoothly through the tendon sheath, causing pain, stiffness, and problems when you bend or straighten your finger.

It's not completely clear why some people get trigger finger. However, there are risk factors that increase your chances of developing this condition. These include:

• Having rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
• Repetitive hand actions
• Using heavy hand tools

This condition can develop in any of your fingers but most commonly affects the ring finger. You can also get trigger thumb. Trigger finger can affect anyone, although it’s more common in women.

What symptoms does trigger finger cause?

Trigger finger symptoms are initially mild but worsen over time. You might get a tender bump at the base of the affected finger near your palm and feel pain when you bend your finger.

You're likely to hear a popping or clicking sound when you move the finger and feel a catching sensation or locking of the joint.

Your finger could freeze in a bent position and suddenly straighten. A severe case of trigger finger leaves you unable to straighten a bent and locked finger.

How is trigger finger treated?

The team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center offers effective nonsurgical treatments for trigger finger that could include:

• Resting your hand
• Avoiding activities that cause pain
• Splinting the finger at night
• Physical therapy
• Oral anti-inflammatory medications
• Anti-inflammatory steroid injections

Injecting steroid medications into the tendon sheath causing your trigger finger might resolve your symptoms for several weeks. If your condition doesn't improve after two injections, your provider at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center might discuss surgery with you.

The procedure the team uses to treat trigger finger is called tenolysis or trigger finger release. It involves dividing the A1 pulley so your flexor tendon can move more freely.

To find the best treatment for your trigger finger, call Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center today, or book an appointment online.