If you experience finger stiffness, tenderness, or clicking sounds, you might have a trigger finger. At Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center in Madison, Jackson, and Flowood, Mississippi, orthopedic hand surgeon and upper extremity specialist Nicholas Jew, MD, can diagnose and treat trigger fingers to restore your comfort and range of motion. Schedule an appointment by phone or book online today.
Trigger finger is a condition that occurs when your finger gets stuck in a bent position. If you try to straighten it, you might hear a popping or snapping sound. The condition occurs when inflammation narrows spaces near tendons in your finger.
If you experience trigger finger, you may notice the following symptoms:
These symptoms can occur in any finger or even your thumb, and it can affect more than one finger at once. Symptoms of trigger fingers range in severity from mild to severe and debilitating.
Trigger fingers happen when tendon sheaths get inflamed or irritated, causing scarring or nodules, which can interfere with your finger’s normal gliding motion.
Risk factors for developing a trigger finger include being a woman, carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and repetitive hand motions or gripping.
To diagnose a trigger finger and develop an effective treatment, Dr. Jew reviews your symptoms, discusses your medical history, and examines your finger. He asks you to close and open your hand to assess joint motion and looks for evidence of a lump, tenderness, or locking.
Depending on the severity of your trigger finger, Dr. Jew may recommend one of the following treatments:
To minimize symptoms associated with trigger fingers, rest your fingers. Avoid repetitive grasping whenever possible, use padded gloves, or wear a splint to protect your fingers during repetitive activities. You should complete finger stretching exercises as directed by Dr. Jew.
Taking anti-inflammatory medicines can help relieve discomfort associated with trigger fingers.
Steroid injections can reduce inflammation and help your finger tendon glide more efficiently. You might require more than one injection to achieve the best outcome.
Dr. Jew can numb your palm and insert a needle into tissues near affected tendons to break apart constriction impairing smooth motion. He might use ultrasound guidance to achieve optimal precision and accuracy.
During a minor surgical procedure, Dr. Jew numbs the treatment area and makes a small incision at the base of your finger to cut constricted parts of your tendon sheath.
Don’t live with the discomfort associated with trigger fingers when treatment at Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center can offer effective relief. Call the office for an appointment or book online today.
