Trigger finger is a condition where the finger or thumb bends and momentarily becomes stuck, similar to triggering a rifle, before straightening out. The narrowing of the sheath surrounding the finger's tendon causes trigger finger. Healthy tendons slide in the surrounding sheath with ease; however, a tendon associated with trigger finger catches and pops before the finger can straightened. Trigger finger left untreated becomes increasingly irritated and inflamed, reports MayoClinic.com. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Prevention/Solution
According to MayoClinic.com, resting the finger for four to six weeks may be beneficial for mild trigger finger cases. Activities that include repetitive motions, gripping or handling vibrating objects should be eliminated as much as possible. A splint placing the affected finger in an upright position may also treat the condition. MayoClinic.com advises the splint to be worn for about six weeks, which allows the finger to rest in a neutral position. Finger massage may decrease pain but will not decrease inflammation associated with trigger finger.
Pain Considerations
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may give pain relief by reducing pain and inflammation of the affected tendon. The finger may be soaked daily in warm water for additional pain relief. Corticosteroids may be injected into or near the sheath for moderate to severe trigger finger cases. According to MedlinePlus, if two injections of the steroids do not relieve symptoms associated with trigger finger, surgery should be considered. Injections are most beneficial if administered soon after signs and symptoms begin. The injections most likely will not give relief if the condition has occurred over a lengthy period of time or is associated with diabetes mellitus.
Surgery
Surgery for trigger finger is rare; however, some patients do not respond to milder forms of treatment. An invasive procedure may be required to unlock the finger before permanent stiffness sets it. During outpatient surgery, a small needle or incision is placed into the tendon through the palm of the hand. The sheath of the tendon is cut. As the sheath heals it will be looser allowing the tendon to slide with ease. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a person will almost immediately be able to move his finger after surgery. Still, swelling and stiffness may take several months to completely disappear.
Warning
People who grasp items repetitively are at higher risk for developing trigger finger. Women are diagnosed more often than men with the condition. A variety of medical conditions may also be associated with the condition, including tuberculosis, amyloidosis and hypothyroidism, reports MayoClinic.com. Left untreated the finger may stay permanently bent or stiff.
Complications of Surgery
Though the surgery is minor, there is risk, as with any invasive procedure. After surgery, the finger may still not be able to fully extend due tightness of the sheath surrounding the tendon beyond the original area cut. Infection may occur. Patients should carefully monitor the incision site and finger for signs of infection, including swelling, redness, pain and inflammation.
