Trigger Finger Specialist

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger causes one or more of your fingers to get stuck in a bent position. The finger might straighten or bend with a snap, similar to pulling and releasing the trigger of a gun. The condition happens when the space in a sheath that surrounds a tendon in the affected finger becomes inflamed and narrows. Treatment can relieve your discomfort and restore proper finger function.

What are the symptoms of trigger finger?

Common symptoms of trigger finger include:

• Finger stiffness
• Finger numbness
• Finger pain
• Clicking or popping when you move your finger
• Locked or bent fingers
• Finger catching
• Finger tenderness
• Bump in your palm

Trigger finger can show up in any of your fingers or your thumb. It can affect more than one finger at a time. You might notice triggering in the affected finger when gripping objects, straightening your finger, or waking up in the morning.

What are the risk factors for trigger finger?

Anyone can develop trigger finger, but some things increase your chance of having it. Examples include:

• Past carpal tunnel surgery
• Being female
• Having diabetes
• Having rheumatoid arthritis 
• Repeated or prolonged gripping
• Repetitive hand use

At the first sign of a problem, see the Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist team for an evaluation.

How does my doctor diagnose trigger finger?

To find out if you have trigger finger and develop a treatment plan, Dr. Weinheimer reviews your symptoms and medical history. He then examines the affected fingers and hands, asking you to open and close your hand to assess its motion and look for signs of locking. Finally, he feels your palm to see if there’s a lump present.

What are common trigger finger treatments?

Depending on how severe your trigger finger is, Dr. Weinheimer will suggest one or more of the following treatments:

Home remedies

Home remedies that relieve trigger finger symptoms include resting the affected joint, avoiding repeated grasping, and wearing padded gloves while working with your hands. You might also use a splint if needed.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce the pain caused by trigger finger and improve your finger’s range of motion.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy stretches can improve the mobility of a trigger finger. Dr. Weinheimer shows you exercises to do at home to relieve your discomfort.

Injections

Steroid injections reduce inflammation, allowing the affected finger’s tendons to glide more freely.

Percutaneous release

Dr. Weinheimer can numb your palm and do an in-office trigger finger release. He inserts a tiny needle into the targeted tissues around the affected tendon, breaking them apart to smooth the tendon motions.

Surgery

Dr. Weinheimer makes a tiny incision near the base of the affected finger to cut a constricted part of the tendon sheath. This relieves trigger finger discomfort and other unpleasant symptoms.

Don’t live with trigger finger pain and a restricted range of motion when simple treatments can improve your quality of life. Call the Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.