A trigger finger is when the finger ‘catches’ or ‘triggers’ when it is being bent or straightened, which can cause pain and stiffness or clicking in the affected finger. In this article, we discuss how Trigger Finger can be treated and what this involves.
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What is a Trigger Finger?
A trigger finger is when the finger ‘catches’ or ‘triggers’ when it is being bent or straightened, and it can affect one or more fingers and the thumbs. ‘Flexor tendons’ are a rope-like texture within our hands that bend our fingers and pass through narrow tunnels in the palm. When the tendons become thickened, they can catch in the tunnel.
Symptoms can include:
- Pain at the base of the affected finger/thumb when you move/press on it
- Stiffness/clicking when moving the affected finger/thumb
If you would like to speak to an Orthopaedics specialist about Trigger Finger, book a consultation.
About Trigger Finger Release surgery
Trigger Finger Release is a surgical procedure which should stop the symptoms of finger catching, and it will normally last about 30 minutes.
Firstly, local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area, and then the surgeon will make a cut at the bottom of the finger and cut the roof of the pulley sheath. The skin will then be sutured (stitched) back together and a bulky dressing applied over the area.
Following surgery, there may be some pain and scar formation.
Preparing for Trigger Finger Release surgery
In terms of lifestyle when preparing for a Carpal Tunnel Decompression, it is recommended to try to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly, to minimise complications. You should also avoid smoking, as this can delay healing and make complications more likely.
You should inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking, including blood thinners.
It is also advised to have a shower or bath on the morning of the day of the operation to ensure that the area is clean.
Complications of Trigger Finger Release surgery
Complications of this operation are rare, and the doctor will do everything that they can to minimise these. Some complications that can follow include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to equipment/medication
- Stiffness
- Wound breakdown
- Damage to small nerves – can lead to small areas of numbness
- Damage to an artery
- Recurrence of symptoms
- Complex regional pain syndrome leading to severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of hand
Recovering from Trigger Finger Release surgery
You will go home the same day that the surgery takes place, but if you have any concerns, please contact the surgery.
You should not drive, operate machinery or do any dangerous activities for at least 24 hours – so please ask someone to collect you from the practice.
You should also keep the wound dry for 4-5 days. If you work, your doctor will give you more information regarding your return to work, depending on what you do for a living.
If you require more information or wish to discuss the available options, please contact your doctor.
Alternatives to Trigger Finger Release surgery
If you don’t have Trigger Finger Release Surgery, you can continue to try other methods to help with your symptoms. Some patients can benefit from splinting of the fingers or steroid injections. However, steroid injections become less effective with each administration, meaning you will likely get to a point where other methods are no longer controlling your symptoms.
Simple painkillers and lifestyle modification can also relieve symptoms and avoid triggering of the finger.
You can rest the affected finger/s, avoid overexertion, and also try some gentle stretching exercises.
If you are considering treatment options for Trigger Finger, consult with one of our orthopaedics specialists to understand the options available to you.
