Trigger Finger: All the Information You Need

What is a trigger finger?

A disorder known as trigger finger, which affects the flexor muscle system of the fingers, is marked by discomfort, stiffness, and a sense of locking that prevents you from extending your finger. It is referred to as "stenosing tenosynovitis" at times. The ring hand is the most often impacted digit, although it can affect any finger, including your thumb. It is "called trigger thumb" if your thumb is involved.

Trigger finger causes

Patients with diabetes & rheumatoid arthritis are more likely than other people to acquire this illness, albeit the majority of cases lack a clear explanation. This syndrome is more frequent in women than in males, and it is more likely to occur in those whose jobs or hobbies entail repetitive gripping activities.

What signs of trigger finger are there?

It is challenging to extend (straighten) a finger with a flexed (bent) posture when a few fingers catch or lock. The term "trigger finger" refers to the finger's quick clicky release when it does stretch. There can be pain involved. The signs frequently worsen at night or first thing in the morning.

Typical signs include:

  • On the hand's palm side, there is a soft bump near the tip of the finger.
  • A locking, popping, or catching feeling when moving the finger.
  • Discomfort when bending or straightening the finger.

How can trigger finger be identified?

The diagnosis is often determined clinically (i.e., based on the patient's history and the results of the examination). You will be evaluated and given an assessment at LBO at your initial session. Occasionally, persons with this illness only express pain complaints and soreness at the palmar region of their relevant MCP joint.

It is crucial that you receive a precise diagnosis by an orthopedic professional because other hand disorders might exhibit similar symptoms.

What is done about it?

Shots of steroids

The signs and symptoms of this ailment can be managed with steroid injections into the more proximal (upper) area of your flexor sheath (near the base of the index finger). However, the symptoms could not go away or come back within a few months. Up to three steroid injections are often given since, in around 50% of patients, symptoms can be relieved without the need for surgery. 

Surgery

If surgery is necessary, it can be done under local anesthesia and only entails splitting the A1 pulley. In the case of trigger finger in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, flexor tenosynovectomy (the elimination of the inflammatory lining of the tendon) is typically more appropriate than other treatments.

During your visit, Mr. Philip Mathew, a hand and wrist surgeon who specializes in particular, will be able to go into more depth about the advantages and disadvantages of surgical therapy.




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