When you try to straighten your finger, does it ever catch or lock in place before snapping back? Do you ever notice stiffness and soreness in any of your fingers, especially in the morning? These could be signs of trigger finger: a condition that causes the tendons in one of your fingers or thumb to become inflamed, limiting movement and causing discomfort or pain.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger often develops gradually and may worsen over time. Being aware of the early signs can help you know when to seek treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Finger Locking or Catching: Your finger may catch or lock in a bent position before suddenly straightening, sometimes with a popping or clicking sound.
- Finger Stiffness: Many people with trigger finger notice that their fingers feel stiff. You may have difficulty bending or straightening your finger, especially when you first wake up or after periods of inactivity.
- Pain at the Base of the Finger: You may feel soreness or tenderness where the finger meets the palm, which may worsen with movement.
- Swelling or Tenderness: The base of the affected finger may become swollen or tender to the touch.
- Worsening Symptoms Over Time: In mild cases, trigger finger may be just an occasional annoyance. But as the condition progresses, the affected finger may lock in a bent position and require help to straighten.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get treatment. Ignoring trigger finger can lead to worsening stiffness, complications, and even loss of function in the affected finger.
Exploring Treatment for Trigger Finger
Trigger finger treatments can help to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and restore normal finger movement. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, several treatment options are available:
- Rest: The first part of treatment is to give the affected finger a break. Avoiding heavy hand use can help reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to heal.
- Immobilization/Splinting: Wearing a splint to keep the affected finger straight can also help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Splints are often worn at night to keep the finger from bending or locking during sleep.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Steroid Injections: In some cases, cortisone injections may be recommended to relieve inflammation, swelling, and pain.
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in specific exercises can improve flexibility and strengthen the tendons and surrounding muscles. A physical therapist can guide you through techniques to reduce strain during daily activities.
- Surgery: If symptoms persist or worsen despite conservative treatments, a minor surgical procedure may be necessary. “Trigger finger release surgery” involves making a small incision in the tendon sheath to allow the tendon to move freely. The procedure is usually outpatient with a quick recovery time.
When to See a Doctor
If your symptoms aren’t improving with at-home treatment, or if your symptoms are severe and your finger is frequently locking, it’s time to consult an orthopedic hand specialist. Treating trigger finger early can prevent long-term stiffness and help you regain full, pain-free movement.
Think you might have trigger finger? Get evaluated right away. Reach out today to explore your treatment options with Dr. Nicholas Fort, our board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon. Call (305) 209-5522 or contact us online to book your appointment.