Have you ever experienced a sensation of locking, or catching, when you are moving your finger? This may be a sign that you are experiencing trigger finger. This condition is also known as “stenosing tenosynovitis.” This is a common orthopedic condition that your doctor can treat quickly and efficiently when you are using an experienced orthopedic surgeon. The more you understand it now, the easier it can be for you to identify in the future.
Treating Trigger Finger
A hand condition can often hinder the quality of life. Once this is evident, it is time to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor to find the solution. Our team at South Shore Orthopedics is trained to handle and treat your instances of trigger finger. There is no reason to wait any longer to find relief!
Understanding Cause and Symptoms
Trigger finger is best understood with an understanding of the anatomy of the hand as well. Tendons are cords in the body that attach muscle to bone. Each of these is protected by a sheath. When said sheath becomes irritated or inflamed, trigger finger occurs. The tendon cannot glide through the sheath as it usually would.
It is often easy to identify trigger finger. Once you see the signs in your hand, your doctor can help make the final call on whether it is trigger finger. The symptoms typically present as the following:
- Stiffness in the fingers
- Popping or clicking sensation as the finger moves
- Tenderness in the palm near the affected finger
- Finger sticking in a bent position
Each of these can be an indication that something more is going on. Once you begin to notice the symptoms, it is a good time to contact a doctor to find a solution so that the pain does not develop further. A severe case could result in the finger being stuck in a bent position if left untreated.
Treatment
Before your doctor moves to surgery, the initial treatment is typically nonsurgical. This includes rest, splinting, exercises, medications, and steroid injections. Each of these can solve the problem in less severe cases before having to consider surgery. Your doctor can help you determine which of these is most useful for the specific pain you are experiencing. However, they are not always the solution that patients require.
The main source of surgical treatment for this condition is trigger finger release surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure that cuts the constricted portion of the tendon sheath to make the tunnel wider and flexible so that the tendon can easily pass through. It is a standard procedure that does not require much time or recovery for the patient.
Recovering After The Treatment
After surgery, you are usually advised to start trying to move the finger immediately. You may experience soreness and swelling, which can be decreased by elevating your hand above your heart. The incision can heal in a matter of weeks, but the stiffness and swelling can sometimes remain for 4 to 6 months post-surgery. If your pain persists, it may require an additional visit to a specialized hand doctor to continue your healing.
There is no reason to live your life with the pain of trigger finger! By trying out the different treatment methods that orthopedic surgeons have to offer, you can find relief in your life soon. Do you feel yourself experiencing some of the symptoms listed above? It may be time to consider seeing a specialist. South Shore Orthopedics is here to help you define the best treatment plan for your case. Check out our website or call us at (781) 337-5555 for more information.