Trigger Finger
Hand Conditions
Wrist Conditions
Elbow Conditions
What is it?
Trigger finger is a condition that affects one or more of the hand’s tendons, making it difficult to bend the affected finger or thumb.
If the tendon becomes swollen and inflamed it can “catch” in the tunnel it runs through (the tendon sheath). This can make it difficult to move the affected finger or thumb and can result in a clicking sensation.
What are the symptoms?
There is often clicking of the fingers involved. This can be worse in the mornings. Occasionally the finger can get ‘stuck’ and the patient needs to use the other hand to ‘free’ it up.
There is often pain that runs down the front of the hand, with tenderness in the palm.
what is the treatment?
Injections have a high success rate as a trigger finger treatment, and is the recommended first line.
Splinting can also be helpful, particularly at night, to stop the fingers ‘catching’.
If injections or splinting fail to work, then surgery is recommended trigger finger treatment. This is performed under local anaesthetic to free up the tendon, and provides instant relief from locking.
If surgery is needed, then you will be fully supervised by an experienced hand therapist to guide your recovery and regain your finger flexibility.
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