Trigger Finger

Hand and Microsurgery Associates

Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery located in Columbus, OH

A finger stuck in a bent position is a hallmark sign of trigger finger. At Hand and Microsurgery Associates in Columbus, Ohio, the board-certified hand surgeons understand how trigger finger can interfere with your quality of life. When conservative therapies aren’t enough to ease the pain and stiffness of trigger finger, the surgical team can perform an outpatient release surgery to improve flexibility in your finger. To find out if you’re a candidate for surgery to treat trigger finger, call Hand and Microsurgery Associates today.

Trigger Finger Q & A
What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger is a condition that makes it difficult for you to straighten your finger completely. This issue occurs when there’s inflammation in the tunnel that houses the flexor tendons. These tendons in your arm attach muscles to bone. The tunnel is known as the tendon sheath and alongside of it are pulleys that hold tendons close to the bones of your fingers.

When you move your finger, the tendon passes through the pulley systems, including the A1 pulley that’s at the base of your finger. When inflammation occurs in the A1 pulley, it can thicken and interfere with the movement of the flexor tendon when you try to bend your finger. You may also develop nodules on the surface of the tendon.

Tendon inflammation is typically the result of underlying medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis. You can also develop trigger finger because of repetitive or forceful movements you make with your hands and fingers.

While it can happen in any of your fingers, trigger finger most often affects the ring finger and the thumb (trigger thumb).

What are the symptoms of trigger finger?

In the initial stages of trigger finger, you may experience stiffness and pain in the affected finger. Over time, pain can worsen, and it becomes increasingly difficult to straighten your finger fully.

If you develop nodules on the tendon, you may feel a popping or clicking sensation as the growth moves through the tendon sheath. You can sometimes feel a tender spot around the nodule on the base on your finger.

As your condition progresses, your finger may lock in place and become stuck in a bent position.

Will I need surgery for trigger finger?

The initial treatment for trigger finger involves rest and medications to reduce inflammation and pain. You may also benefit from injections of steroids to improve finger mobility.

If conservative therapies aren’t enough to treat trigger finger or trigger thumb, the surgical team at Hand and Microsurgery Associates can determine if surgery is right for you.

Trigger finger surgery focuses on releasing the A1 pulley that interferes with tendon movements. This type of surgery is often available as an outpatient procedure and only requires small incisions and a local anesthesia.

If you’re limited by persistent trigger finger pain or a bent finger, schedule a consultation to discuss your options for surgery by calling Hand and Microsurgery Associates today.