Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a painful condition that causes the fingers or thumb to catch in a bent position. Tendon inflammation is often the source of the problem. The name arises from the snapping sound that occurs when the finger is straightened, like a trigger being pulled and released. In severe cases, the finger becomes locked in a bent position.

What causes trigger finger?
The exact cause is not certain, but may be related to highly repetitive or forceful use of the finger and thumb. Some medical conditions may result in trigger finger, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or gout. The condition can be aggravated by prolonged, strenuous grasping, such as with power tools.

What are the symptoms?
Your first symptom may be soreness at the base of the finger or thumb, where a thickening is sometimes found. Sufferers most often report a painful clicking or snapping when they try to flex or extend the finger. As the condition worsens, the finger can become locked in either a bent or straight position. Joint contraction or stiffening may also occur.

How is it diagnosed?
X-rays and lab tests cannot diagnose trigger finger. Rather, your physician will examine your hand and fingers to determine the condition.

How will my trigger finger be treated?
Your plastic surgeon will first tell you to stop or limit activities that aggravate the condition. Sometimes a splint is used to restrict joint movement. Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed. Your surgeon may also suggest activities to reduce swelling. If the condition does not respond to any of these treatments, surgery may be recommended.

What does surgery involve?
Trigger finger surgery is done on an outpatient basis. Normal use of the hand is usually resumed once comfort permits. Occasionally, hand therapy is required following surgery to regain better use of the hand. The Rehabilitation department at The Centre, P.C. is staffed by highly skilled, professionally trained therapists who offer a unique variety of treatment options to help patients return to their normal routines as quickly and comfortably as possible, including the Graston™ Technique.

For this type of surgery, The Centre, P.C. recommends the use of the VitaMedica Surgery Program, a comprehensive pre- and post-surgery nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing extensive surgical procedures.

Is the recovery long?
Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the condition as well as the type of treatment used.

Contact our cosmetic surgeons to schedule a consultation to discuss trigger finger. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest treatments for trigger finger and hand surgery to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514

Chesterton
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Toll Free: 800.909.2992
Phone: 219.395.9200
Fax: 219.926.3534