Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a common disability in the finger, caused by the overuse of the fingers, which causes a friction between the adhesion and the tendon sheath, thereby hindering the movement of the tendon.

There are several symptoms of varying levels and this depends on the severity of the inflammation. Some of the symptoms include:

• Pain in the fingers
• Clicking or popping sensation when bending or straightening the finger
• Finger locked or stuck in a bent position; inability to move, bend or stretch the finger

• Phase 1: Inflammation of tendon, causing pain
• Phase 2: Clicking or popping sensation of the finger, although the finger can still be stretched
• Phase 3: Finger is locked or stuck in a bent position and must be manually brought back into a straight position using the opposite hand. Finger is locked in straight position and cannot be bent

• found in 2.6% of the general population
• found in middle-aged people
• more commonly found in women 2-6 times more than men
• the fingers which are commonly affected (in the order of incidence) are: thumb, ring finger, middle finger, little finger (pinky) and index finger

1. Non surgical treatment methods are often used to treat Trigger Finger.

Treatment includes

• Rest and observation. Patients who experience early symptoms of Trigger Finger should avoid heavy work such as gardening, sewing, or holding scissors
• Some oral medications can be taken to relieve inflammation
• Steroid injections may be given at specific areas of the tendon sheath to stop inflammation. This treatment is popularly given in the early stages and multiple injections may be required. This treatment is effective in cases where people have just developed early symptoms of Trigger Finger.
• A brace or splint may be used. Treatment takes about 3-9 weeks and is effective in patients who experience Trigger Finger in the morning when they wake up. This allows patients to sleep and rest better, but is not recommended for those who are suffering from multiple locked and stiff fingers.

2. Treatment by surgery.

If the condition does not improve or there is a recurrence of Trigger Finger, then surgery will solve the problem. The goal of the surgery is to cut the thickened tendon sheath.

Open Trigger Finger Release Surgery

An open surgery requires an incision, about 1-1.5cm, in the palm of the hand. A local anesthetic injection is given to numb the hand. During surgery, the surgeon will determine where to make a slit in the palm so that he can cut the tendon sheath to release the tendon. After the surgery, the patient can resume normal use of the hand. The wound will heal within 10-14 days, after which the stitches will be cut. The surgical scar may initially swell, and then gradually fade away.

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