Trigger Finger Release Surgery: What You Need to Know
Do you have a finger that locks up or catches when you attempt to bend or straighten it? You may have trigger finger, a frequent and generally painful condition that brings trouble to the tendons of your hand. Also called stenosing tenosynovitis, it can create problems with everyday chores such as gripping, typing or holding a cup.
Diagnosis and treatment early on are important to avoid deterioration of symptoms. In this post we’ll discuss what trigger finger is, what causes it, and how to treat it, from do-it-yourself remedies that you can do at home to more advanced treatments you may need to consult a doctor for. If you’re finding it difficult to tackle your ongoing finger stiffness or pain, then find the solution that’s right for you at Chase Lodge Hospital.
What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger is caused by inflammation or irritation to the flexor tendon, the tendon responsible for bending your fingers, usually caused by repetitive motion. This inflammation can also make the tendon catch or lock, preventing easy movement.
Common Causes:
- Hand activity (e.g., typing, using tools, playing musical instruments)
- Sicknesses such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or gout
- Age and sex (more common in women and in those aged 40 to 60)
Symptoms to Watch for:
✔ Stiffness, esp. in the morning
✔ A clicking or popping feeling when the finger is manipulated
✔ Tenderness or bony prominence at the base of the finger involved
✔ Locking in a crooked position; might need to straighten with slight force
Symptoms may get worse over time and the condition may cause permanent stiffness if not treated.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Non-surgical treatments can help relieve mild to moderate cases:
a. Physiologic Rest and Activity Adjustments
- Avoid repetitive action over and over without the gripping or straining.
- If you have long periods of continued hand use at work, take frequent breaks.
b. Antiinflammatory Pharmacotherapy
- Over-the-counter oral NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen (Aleve) may be helpful in relieving pain and inflammation.
- Local creams like Cold-acting anti-inflammatory creams applied to the skin (e.g., Voltarol) can provide a targeted solution without stomach irritation.
c. Splinting
- A finger splint, which keeps the finger straight at night, can help minimise irritation.
- Aids in the prevention of locking and allows the tendon to heal.
d. Stretching Exercises
- Handling or finger exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist can increase flexibility.
- Example: Slowly flexing and extending the finger for 5-10 seconds at each position.
When to Consider These Options
✔ Early-stage symptoms
✔ Mild to moderate pain without severe locking
If symptoms are not resolved after 4–6 weeks, additional therapy might be required.
Advanced Medical Treatments
When conservative treatments fall short, medical interventions can be effective:
a. Steroid Injections
- A corticosteroid injection decreases inflammation and improves tendon glide.
- Effectiveness: Successful in about 70% of patients, with occasional need for a second treatment.
b. Needle Release Muscleysis
- A percutaneous needle release involves the insertion of a needle into the belly of the muscle.
- A procedure in which the tight tendon sheath is opened up using a needle.
- Local anaesthetic with no postoperative patients certifies recovery.
c. Surgical Trigger Finger Release
- Best for severe or frequent episodes.
- Operation: A small cut is made at the outer part of the base of the finger to divide the narrowed sheath.
- Recovery:
- You can have the stitches removed in 10 to 14 days.
- Most patients recover full movement after several weeks.
- Hand therapy might be prescribed for best results.
When Should You See a Specialist?
If you experience:
🔹 Pain or locking that doesn’t go away after home treatments
🔹 Trouble doing everyday things (such as buttoning clothes or holding things)
🔹 Locked in a bent position, as I can’t straighten with my finger straight.
It’s time to visit with someone who specialises in hands. The earlier the intervention can be made, the less likely it is that it will lead to long-term difficulties.
Conclusion
Trigger finger can be an annoyance, but with proper treatment, from splinting to surgery, you can be free of pain and have full mobility. The correct treatment depends on your symptoms and habits.
At Chase Lodge Hospital our experts can offer you a tailor-made treatment plan to assist with improving the function of your hand/s. Schedule a consultation to learn which treatment is right for you.
Don’t allow yourself to be held back by trigger finger again; get the expert opinion you’ve been waiting for and take the first step towards recovery!
