Trigger Finger Treatment
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA
When we bend or straighten our fingers, we rely on essential tendons in our hands. Tendons are robust cords of tissue that connect bones to muscles, enabling us to bend or extend various body parts.
The tendons running along the palm to each finger are called flexor tendons. These allow us to bend our fingers and form a fist. Typically, as we bend and straighten our fingers, the flexor tendons glide smoothly through lubricated, tunnel-like guides known as tendon sheaths. However, extensive use of the hand can irritate and narrow the tendon sheath located in the palm near the base of the finger. When this happens, the tendon struggles to pass through the sheath and may even get caught when attempting to straighten the finger from a bent position.
Each time the finger catches, the tendon becomes more inflamed and irritated, leading to thickening, swelling, and the development of bumps on the tendon called nodules. These factors exacerbate the condition, known as “trigger finger” or “trigger thumb” when affecting the thumb.
Contents
Symptoms of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger often develops in the dominant hand and typically affects the thumb, index, or ring finger. The first symptom is usually a mild grating sensation in the palm near the base of the affected finger when attempting to extend or bend it. Additional symptoms may include:
- A catching sensation or clicking sound when extending the finger.
- Tenderness or pain when bending or extending the finger.
- A bump beneath the skin of the palm, indicating a nodule on the tendon.
- Difficulty extending the finger.
In chronic cases, finger stiffness is common. If left untreated, the finger may become permanently locked in a bent or trigger-pulling position.
Causes of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger can be caused or exacerbated by:
- Repeated forceful movements of the fingers or thumbs.
- Work that requires frequent, repetitive gripping actions.
- Gout.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Diabetes.
The condition generally develops in individuals aged 40 to 60, with women more likely to be affected than men.
Expert Treatment from Top Trigger Finger Doctors
If you need trigger finger treatment or suspect you may be experiencing early symptoms, you are in the right place. Our top doctors and surgeons at the Hand & Wrist Center Los Angeles are leaders in trigger finger treatment in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.
FAQ
What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger Finger (also known as stenosing tenosynovitis) is an extremely common condition that causes pain and clicking or “triggering” of the fingers. The tendons that flex the fingers run along the palm and enter the fingers through thick fibrous tunnels called “pulleys.” These pulleys help to guide the tendons to maximize mechanical efficiency and allow for smooth gliding. However, with frequent use or an injury, the tendon may become swollen and too large to smoothly pass through the pulley. The tendon now becomes stuck and can create a popping sensation when the finger is extended. The condition can snowball as the tendon becomes more inflamed and swollen every time it contacts the tight pulley.
What Causes Trigger Finger?
There is usually no clearly identifiable cause for trigger finger. It may be associated with other inflammatory conditions or exacerbated by injury
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Trigger Finger?
Usually, the first sign of trigger finger is some pain or discomfort in the palm or the base of the finger. There may also be a knot or nodule in the palm. As the condition progresses, patients will notice a catching or popping sensation when they open the finger. Sometimes the finger gets stuck down and the other hand must be used to force it open. In very severe cases, the finger can become stuck in flexion and cannot be straightened.
How is Trigger Finger Treated?
The first line therapy for trigger finger is usually injection of a steroid medication at the 1st pulley in the palm. This allows the inflamed tendon to return to normal size and glide smoothly through the pulley. Sometimes, multiple injections are needed to completely resolve the symptoms. In many patients, steroid injections can cure trigger finger, as chronic mechanical damage no longer occurs once the flexor tendon has returned to a normal size.
In severe cases or those that do not respond to steroid injections, surgery may be necessary. Surgery entails making a small incision in the palm just beneath the base of the finger. The A1 pulley (the first pulley) is cut along its length so that it is completely opened. If there is any inflammatory tissue, this may also be removed. The pulley is left open. There are generally no mechanical consequences to disrupting this pulley as there are many others in the finger to guide the tendon.
Recovery after trigger finger surgery is quite variable depending on the degree of swelling. Most patients can return to normal activity within 2 weeks once the incision heals. Some will be referred for Hand therapy to help restore mobility and strength after surgery.
The experienced surgeons at Hand Surgery Los Angeles have treated countless cases of trigger finger. They have the training and expertise to provide the optimal treatment and obtain the best outcome for you.