Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Trigger Finger:
Trigger finger is a condition in which it is difficult to straighten a finger (or fingers) once bent. The medical term for trigger finger is stenosing tenosynovitis.
Causes of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger results from inflammation or swelling of the fibrous sheath that encloses the tendons. A tendon is a band of strong fibrous tissue that connects a muscle to a bone.
The straightening mechanism hesitates for a few moments before the tendon suddenly overcomes the resistance. The finger then straightens with a sudden jerk or triggering motion.
Symptoms of Trigger Finger
Symptoms include:
- A snapping sensation (triggering) in the affected finger or fingers
- Inability to extend the finger smoothly or at all (it may lock in place while bent)
- Tenderness to the touch over the tendon, usually at the base of the finger or palm
- Soreness in the affected finger or fingers
Diagnosis of Trigger Finger
Your health care provider will review your symptoms and examine you.
Treatment of Trigger Finger
Sometimes it is helped by ice and anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen. If this does not work, your health care provider may give you an injection of a local anesthetic to keep you from feeling pain in the area and a corticosteroid to reduce the inflammation of the tendon sheath. If necessary, surgery will be done to remove the part of the tendon sheath that is causing the tendon to get stuck.
Ways to take care of yourself
- It is important to follow your health care provider’s instructions.
- In addition, rest and limit the activity of the affected finger or fingers and of the hand and wrist.
Prevention of Trigger Finger
Since the cause of trigger finger is unknown, there is no reliable way to prevent this condition from developing.
Alliance Hand Therapy is currently providing care throughout Northern Virginia from our clinics located in Alexandria, Fairfax, Springfield and Woodbridge. Call Us at: 703-750-1204