Trigger Finger
Quality care provided by an Orthopaedic surgeon
Trigger finger or thumb (or stenosing tenosynovitis) causes 'locking' or 'catching' feelings in the fingers when performing straightening or bending motions. After these sensations are experienced, the finger snaps into place, this movement often being compared to the pull and release of a trigger.
Pain, stiffness and movement restriction are often caused by this condition. In turn, this inhibits an individual's capacity to engage in daily activities and working duties. Usually, trigger finger occurs in the fourth finger (ring finger), but all digits can experience this condition. In severe cases, a bent finger may lock in this position; however, this is rare.
Causes of Trigger Finger
The flexor tendons' motion may be restricted if pulleys within the tendons become swollen or inflamed. Flexor tendons connect the finger bones and forearm muscles and are fibrous cords. These tendons extend through the hand and can glide efficiently during various finger movements because they are encased by a protective sheath (pulleys).
Trigger finger may be developed due to the following:
- Overuse - Hobbies and occupations that require frequent and repeated hand movements or gripping for lengthy periods
- Age - Individuals between 40 and 60 years of age are at a greater risk of trigger finger development.
- Gender - Trigger finger is more common in women.
- Health conditions - Including rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
- Carpal tunnel surgery - Trigger finger is often associated with carpal tunnel syndrome and flexor tenosynovitis.
Symptoms of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger symptoms often arise after intense and prolonged hand use (including grasping or pinching movements). Symptoms may include:
- Pain and tenderness as a result of finger bending or stretching
- Finger stiffness, specifically during morning hours
- The presence of a painful lump at the finger's base
- Sensations of clicking or popping in the finger during movement
- Inability to straighten a locked finger
- Finger becoming locked when bent, and then popping to a straightened position
Diagnosis of Trigger Finger
Dr Brumby-Rendell will discuss your medical history and symptoms and conduct a physical examination to make a diagnosis. Here, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Brumby-Rendell will assess flexor tendon tenderness, tendon sheath swelling or thickening, and finger 'triggering' during movement. X-ray tests are rarely required, as the physical examination provides adequate information for diagnosis.
Treatments
Non-Surgical Treatments
Your condition's severity will dictate the treatment options implemented. Generally, steroid injections are administered into the tendon sheath to begin trigger finger treatment. The finger(s) may also be immobilised using a splint or padded gloves. Specially designed stretching exercises may also be utilised to increase motion range and decrease stiffness. Anti-inflammatory medicines or corticosteroid injections may be implemented for individuals experiencing severe pain due to their condition.
Surgical Treatments
If conservative treatment options are ineffective for rectifying the condition, surgery may be considered. Surgical intervention is a permanent solution and is referred to as 'tenolysis' or 'trigger finger release'. Keyhole surgery is used by Dr Brumby-Rendell to decrease invasiveness, quicken recovery periods, and reduce the likelihood of infection.
In an operating theatre, Dr Brumby-Rendell makes a small incision in the crease of the hand's skin, and surgical instruments are inserted. These small instruments are removed after Dr Brumby-Rendell releases the tendon, and the wound is closed. This surgery lasts a maximum of 10 minutes, and patients do not need to stay in the hospital overnight. A waterproof dressing covers the surgical incision, but this can be removed a few days post-surgery.
For around 2 weeks after the procedure, patients should not engage in movements that create hand stress (including tight gripping or heavy lifting). You will be given an individual recovery activity schedule by Dr Brumby-Rendell to ensure proper healing.
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