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As the name implies, trigger finger is a condition that causes your finger to bend, becoming more difficult to straighten out as the condition progresses. At the first signs of trigger finger, it’s important that you seek help from an orthopedist at Peninsula Orthopedic Associates. The expert team of doctors there helps patients in Daly City, California, address the underlying inflammation in order to regain use of their hands. For treatment of your trigger finger, call or use the online scheduler.
Trigger Finger Q & A
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger is a condition in which the sheath surrounding the tendon in your finger becomes inflamed, causing your finger to bend and even become locked in a “trigger” position.
The condition typically develops over time and affects women more than men. People who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are also more prone to the problem. As well, people who repeatedly use their fingers for gripping are more vulnerable to the swelling that leads to trigger finger. Rounding out the risk factors, trigger finger can also develop after carpal tunnel surgery, especially during the first six months.
If left untreated, this chronic inflammation can lead to scar tissue buildup, which further hampers your ability to use your finger.
What are the symptoms of trigger finger?
As mentioned above, trigger finger usually comes on slowly and is characterized by:
- Stiffness in your finger, especially in the morning
- A popping sound in your finger
- A bump at the base of your finger
- A locking of your finger in a bent position, which you can pop out
As the condition advances, your finger may be left in a locked position, leaving you unable to straighten it at all.
How is trigger finger diagnosed and treated?
When you first come into Peninsula Orthopedic Associates, your doctor sits down with you to review your symptoms and performs a physical exam. If they determine that trigger finger is the culprit behind your problem, they typically recommend the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Splinting
- Exercises to maintain movement in your finger
If these measures don’t produce any results or your trigger finger is well advanced, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to tackle the inflammation in the tendon sheath.
Your doctor can also perform a percutaneous release, wherein they insert a needle to break up any tissue buildup that’s affecting the movement of your tendon. Or they may perform an outpatient surgery that opens up the sheath, depending upon the degree of your constriction.
To explore your treatment options for trigger finger, call Peninsula Orthopedic Associates or fill out the online form to request an appointment.