TRIGGER FINGERS

Trigger fingers is a painful hand condition that causes the fingers or thumb to catch when bent. If there is solely any impact on the thumb, we refer to this as trigger thumb. Trigger fingers can happen on one or both hands.

Symptoms

• A painful snap sound when bending the thumb or affected fingers
• Morning finger stiffness
• A painful nodule at the stem of the fingers or thumb
• Pop or click when moving the fingers
• Caught, immobile fingers

The pain of trigger fingers intensifies in the morning and becomes worse over time. Additionally, bending the finger or thumb can cause excruciating discomfort. Additionally, gripping items can also be challenging, which is why finding the cause of the condition will help treat it.

Causes

Repetitive movements of the wrist, fingers and thumb contribute to trigger finger. Tendons that are strong tissue bands that attach muscle to bone become inflamed, and when this does happen, it becomes difficult to move the fingers and thumb.

A tendon in the hand that undergoes consistent strain starts to swell and becomes inflamed. A thick or scarred tendon affects its movement. By trying to straighten the finger, a tendon is being pulled. When this happens, a pop or click is to be expected.

Being 60 or over and diabetic or suffering from rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of trigger fingers. This is also a common hand condition affecting specialists in the field of music or industrial-related work.

Treatment

Conservative treatments for trigger fingers are splints, corticosteroid injections and physiotherapy. Percutaneous release happens inside the doctor’s rooms under anaesthetic. Dr Freed numbs the hand and inserts a fine needle through the palm, which he rotates together with the finger to relieve tension. This entire procedure is done through ultrasound guidance and reduces the risk of damage to surrounding nerves or tissue.

Alternatively, there is another procedure that Dr Freed performs in theatre. We call this surgical procedure trigger finger release or Tenolysis. Dr Freed makes a tiny incision at the root of the finger and exposes the tendon sheath. Recovery takes time while the affected fingers remain in a splint for six weeks to promote healing.